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The Florida Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement, officially known as Form 12.960, serves a critical function in family law proceedings. It is designed for individuals seeking to compel compliance with a prior court order or final judgment. If a party has failed to adhere to such an order, this form allows the aggrieved party to formally request the court’s intervention. The process begins with the completion of the motion, which must detail the specific order in question and the ways in which the other party has failed to comply. Once the form is filled out, it requires notarization before being filed with the circuit court clerk in the appropriate county. Notably, the form can be submitted electronically, following specific guidelines set forth by the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. Additionally, it’s important to serve the motion to the other party, which can be done through various methods, including personal service or electronic means. After filing, the court will schedule a hearing where the moving party must demonstrate the other party's noncompliance. If the court finds in favor of the moving party, it may impose sanctions to ensure compliance, which could include fines or even incarceration in severe cases. Understanding the nuances of this form is essential for anyone navigating the complexities of family law in Florida.

Documents used along the form

When navigating family law matters in Florida, several forms and documents may accompany the Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement. Understanding these documents can help streamline the process and ensure compliance with court requirements. Here’s a brief overview of some commonly used forms.

  • Notice of Hearing on Motion for Contempt/Enforcement (Form 12.961): This document informs the involved parties about the time and place of the hearing regarding the motion for contempt or enforcement.
  • Notice of Hearing (Child Support Enforcement Hearing Officer) (Form 12.921): Used specifically for hearings related to child support enforcement, this notice outlines the details of the hearing.
  • Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate (Form 12.920(c)): This form is utilized when a hearing is scheduled before a general magistrate, detailing the specifics of the upcoming hearing.
  • Certificate of Service (Form 12.914): This document certifies that the motion and any related documents have been properly served to the other party, confirming that they have received notice.
  • Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address (Form 12.915): This form allows parties to designate their current mailing and email addresses for future correspondence, ensuring effective communication.
  • Affidavit of Indigency (Form 12.902(b)): If a party cannot afford court fees, this affidavit requests a waiver based on financial hardship, allowing access to the court system without the burden of costs.
  • Financial Affidavit (Form 12.902(b) or (c)): This document outlines a party's financial situation, including income, expenses, and assets, which may be crucial in determining support obligations.
  • Motion for Temporary Relief (Form 12.947): This motion seeks immediate court orders for temporary support or other issues while the case is pending, addressing urgent needs before the final resolution.
  • Response to Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement: This is a written reply from the responding party, addressing the claims made in the motion and providing their side of the story.
  • Order of Civil Contempt: If the court finds that a party has not complied with a previous order, this document outlines the court's decision and any sanctions or remedies imposed.

Familiarity with these forms can enhance your understanding of the legal process and help ensure that all necessary steps are taken. Always consider consulting with a legal professional if you have questions or need guidance on your specific situation.

Similar forms

The Florida Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement is similar to the Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.961, Notice of Hearing on Motion for Contempt/Enforcement. This document is used to inform the other party about the hearing date and time related to the motion for contempt. It serves as a crucial step in the process, ensuring that all parties are aware of when they need to appear in court. Just like the motion, the notice must be properly served to the other party, which can be done through personal service or electronic means. Accurate and timely notification is essential for the court to proceed with the hearing.

Another related document is the Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.921, Notice of Hearing (Child Support Enforcement Hearing Officer). This form is specifically used in cases involving child support enforcement. Similar to the contempt motion, it notifies the involved parties about a scheduled hearing. The key difference lies in its focus on child support issues rather than general contempt. Both forms require careful attention to detail and adherence to service requirements to ensure the hearing can take place without delays.

The Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a), Summons: Personal Service on an Individual, also shares similarities with the Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement. This summons is used to formally notify a party that a legal action has been initiated against them. Like the motion, it must be served to the other party, and it establishes the court's jurisdiction over the individual. Both documents emphasize the importance of proper service to ensure that the other party is fully aware of the legal proceedings.

Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.914, Certificate of Service (General), is another document that complements the motion. This form certifies that the motion and any related documents have been properly served to the other party. It provides proof to the court that the required notifications have been made. Just as with the motion, adherence to the service requirements is crucial to avoid complications in the legal process.

The Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915, is also relevant. This form allows parties to designate their current mailing and email addresses for service of documents. It is essential for ensuring that all communications regarding the motion for contempt are directed to the correct addresses. Like the motion, this form helps facilitate effective communication between the parties and the court.

Lastly, the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(c), Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate, is similar in function. This form is used when a hearing is scheduled before a general magistrate rather than a judge. It serves the same purpose of notifying the parties about the hearing details. Both forms require careful completion and proper service to ensure all parties are informed and can adequately prepare for the hearing.

Obtain Answers on Florida Motion

  1. What is the purpose of the Florida Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement form?

    This form is used to ask the court to enforce a previous court order or final judgment. If a party is not complying with a court order, this motion allows you to initiate a civil contempt proceeding against that party.

  2. How do I file the Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement?

    To file this motion, you must complete the form by typing or printing in black ink. After filling it out, sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. Then, file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case was initiated. Remember to keep a copy for your records.

  3. What are the requirements for e-filing and e-service?

    All petitions and documents must generally be filed electronically unless specified otherwise. Self-represented litigants can choose to file electronically but are not required to do so. If you opt for electronic filing, follow Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525 and the local procedures of your circuit. For e-service, after the initial service of process, all documents must typically be served via email, adhering to the format requirements in Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

  4. What happens after I file the motion?

    Once your motion is filed, the court will schedule a hearing. You should check with the clerk of court or family law intake staff for details on scheduling. At the hearing, you must prove that the other party has not complied with the court order. If you succeed, the judge may impose sanctions, which can include fines or even incarceration, to compel compliance.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW

FORM 12.960,

MOTION FOR CIVIL CONTEMPT/ENFORCEMENT (11/15)

When should this form be used?

You may use this form to ask the court to enforce a prior court order or final judgment.

What should I do next?

To initiate a civil contempt/enforcement proceeding against a party who is not complying with a prior court order, you must file a motion with the court explaining what the party has failed to do. This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign it before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should then file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case was filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-FILING

The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or other pleadings or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file your pleadings or other documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file.

The rules and procedures should be carefully read andfollowed.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-SERVICE ELECTION

After the initial service of process of the petition or supplemental petition by the Sheriff or certified process server, the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all documents required or permitted to be served on the other party must be served by electronic mail (e-mail) except in certain circumstances. You must strictly comply with the format requirements set forth in the Rules of Judicial Administration. If you elect to participate in electronic service, which means serving or receiving pleadings by electronic mail (e-mail), or through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, you must review Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. You may find this rule at www.flcourts.org through the link to the Rules of Judicial Administration provided under either Family Law Forms: Getting Started, or Rules of Court in the A-Z Topical Index.

SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS MAY SERVE DOCUMENTS BY E-MAIL; HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DO SO. If a self-represented litigant elects to serve and receive documents by e-mail, the procedures must always be followed once the initial election is made.

To serve and receive documents by e-mail, you must designate your e-mail addresses by using the Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915, and you must provide your e-mail address on each form on which your signature appears. Please CAREFULLY read the rules and instructions for: Certificate of Service (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.914; Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915; and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.960, Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement (11/15)

A copy of this form must be personally served by a sheriff or private process server or mailed,* e- mailed*, or hand delivered to any other party(ies) in your case. *Please note that if notice is mailed or e-mailed, the court in certain circumstances may not consider mailing or e-mailing, to be adequate notice. If you want to be sure, you should have the motion personally served. This is a technical area of the law; if you have any questions about it, you should consult a lawyer. For more information on personal service, see the instructions for Summons: Personal Service on an Individual, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a).

The court will then set a hearing. You should check with the clerk of court, judicial assistant, or family law intake staff for information on the local procedure for scheduling a hearing. Once you know the time and date of the hearing, you will need to complete Notice of Hearing on Motion for Contempt/Enforcement, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.961, or, if applicable, Notice of Hearing (Child Support Enforcement Hearing Officer), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.921, or [Notice of Hearing Before] General Magistrate, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920[(c)], which will specify a time and place for a hearing on the issue. A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party. Again, if notice is mailed, the court in certain circumstances may not consider mailing or e-mailing to be adequate notice. If you want to be sure, you should have the notice personally served. This is a technical area of the law; if you have any questions about it, you should consult a lawyer. For more information on personal service, see the instructions for Summons: Personal Service on an Individual, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a).

At the hearing, as in any other civil proceeding, you, as the moving party, will have the burden of proving the other party has not obeyed a prior court order. Once noncompliance is established, the other party will have an opportunity to show an inability to comply with the prior court order. If he or she is unable

to do so, the judge may find the other party to be in contempt. If so, the judge may order appropriate sanctions to compel compliance by the other party, including jail, payment of attorneys’ fees, suit

money, or costs, and coercive or compensatory fines, and may order any other relief permitted by law.

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self-Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. See also section 61.14, Florida Statutes and rule 12.615, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.

Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.960, Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement (11/15)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _____________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,

IN AND FOR __________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA

Case No: _________________________

Division: _________________________

____________________________________,

Petitioner, and

____________________________________,

Respondent.

MOTION FOR CIVIL CONTEMPT/ENFORCEMENT

_____ Petitioner _____ Respondent requests that the Court enter an order of civil

contempt/enforcement against _____ Petitioner _____ Respondent in this case because:

1.A final judgment or order {title of final judgment or order} _______________________

in this case was entered on {date} _______________, by {court, city, and state} ______________

______________________________________________________________________________

_____ Please indicate here if the judgment or order is not from this Court and attach a copy.

2.This order of the Court required the other party in this case to do or not do thefollowing: {Explain what the other party was ordered to do or not do.} ______________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

_____ Please indicate here if additional pages are attached.

3.The other party in this case has willfully failed to comply with this order of the Court: {Explain what the other party has or has not done.} ___________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

_____ Please indicate here if additional pages are attached.

4.I respectfully request that the Court issue an order holding the above-named person in civil contempt, if appropriate, and/or providing the following relief:

a. _____ enforcing or compelling compliance with the prior order or judgment;

Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.960, Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement (11/15)

b._____ awarding a monetary judgment;

c._____ if a monetary judgment was included in the prior order, issuing a writ of execution or garnishment or other appropriate process;

d._____ awarding prejudgment interest;

e._____ requiring the other party to pay costs and fees in connection with this motion;

f._____ if the other party is found to be in civil contempt, ordering a compensatory fine;

g._____ if the other party is found to be in civil contempt, ordering a coercive fine;

h._____ if the other party is found to be in civil contempt, ordering incarceration of the other party with a purge;

i._____ issuing a writ of possession for real property, writ for possession of personal property, or other appropriate writ;

j._____ issuing a writ of bodily attachment if the other party fails to appear at the hearing set on this motion;

k._____ requiring the other party to make payments through the central governmental depository;

l._____ requiring the support payments to be automatically deducted from the other party’s income or funds;

m._____ requiring the other party to seek employment;

n._____ awarding make-up time-sharing with minor child(ren) as follows {explain}: _________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________; and

o._____ awarding other relief {explain}: _____________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.960, Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement (11/15)

I certify that a copy of this document was ( ) mailed ( ) faxed and mailed ( ) e-mailed ( ) hand- delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} _______________.

Other party or his/her attorney:

Printed Name: _________________________________

Address: ______________________________________

City, State, Zip: _________________________________

Telephone Number: _____________________________

Fax Number: ___________________________________

Designated E-mail Address(es): ____________________

_____________________________________________

I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the claims made in this motion and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or imprisonment.

Dated: ______________________

____________________________________________

 

Signature of Party or his/her attorney

 

Printed Name: _________________________________

 

Address: ______________________________________

 

City, State, Zip: _________________________________

 

Telephone Number: _____________________________

 

Fax Number: ___________________________________

 

Designated E-mail Address(es): ____________________

 

_____________________________________________

STATE OF FLORIDA

 

COUNTY OF ____________________

 

Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on ____________ by _______________________________.

_____________________________________________

NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK

 

_____________________________________________

 

[Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of notary or

 

deputy clerk.]

____

Personally known

____

Produced identification

 

Type of identification produced ________________________________

IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW: [fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {choose only one} ( ) Petitioner ( ) Respondent This form was completed with the assistance of:

{name of individual} ____________________________________________________________________,

{name of business} _____________________________________________________________________,

{address} _____________________________________________________________________________,

{city} _________________,{state} _____, {zip code} _________ {telephone number} _________________.

Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.960, Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement (11/15)

Dos and Don'ts

Things to Do When Filling Out the Florida Motion Form:

  • Type or print the form in black ink to ensure clarity.
  • Sign the form in front of a notary public or deputy clerk.
  • File the original form with the clerk of the circuit court in the appropriate county.
  • Keep a copy of the completed form for your personal records.
  • Review the local procedures for scheduling a hearing with the court clerk or family law intake staff.

Things Not to Do When Filling Out the Florida Motion Form:

  • Do not forget to serve the motion personally or through a sheriff or private process server.
  • Avoid using any ink color other than black for filling out the form.
  • Do not assume that mailing or e-mailing the notice will be considered adequate notice by the court.
  • Do not leave any sections of the form blank; provide all required information.
  • Do not neglect to comply with the electronic filing and service requirements if you choose to use them.