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When navigating the complexities of family law in Florida, understanding the procedural requirements can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. One essential tool in this process is the Florida Procedure form, specifically Form 12.900(h), known as the Notice of Related Cases. This form plays a crucial role in ensuring that the court is aware of any other cases that may be linked to your family law matter. It is required to be filed when a petitioner initiates a family law case, particularly if there are existing cases that involve the same parties, children, or legal issues. The form serves to prevent conflicting orders from different cases and helps maintain the court's jurisdiction. Importantly, even if there are no related cases, some circuits may still require this notice to be filed. Completing the form accurately is vital, as it must be filed with the initial pleading and served on relevant parties and judges. Keeping a copy for your records is also recommended. For those who may need assistance, guidance is provided to ensure compliance with the rules, including the necessity of a nonlawyer disclosure if someone other than an attorney helps in completing the form. Understanding these aspects can empower individuals as they navigate their family law proceedings.
Documents used along the form
When navigating the complexities of family law in Florida, it's essential to understand not only the Florida Procedure form but also the various documents that often accompany it. These forms help streamline the legal process and ensure that all necessary information is presented to the court. Here’s a brief overview of some key documents that might be used alongside the Florida Procedure form.
- Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a): This form is utilized to initiate a family law case. It outlines the basic details of the case, including the names of the parties involved and the nature of the proceedings, such as divorce or custody matters.
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: This document formally requests the court to end a marriage. It details the grounds for dissolution and can include requests for child custody, support, and division of assets.
- Affidavit of Financial Disclosure: This form requires both parties to disclose their financial information, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Transparency in finances is crucial for fair resolutions regarding support and property division.
- Parenting Plan: This document outlines the agreed-upon arrangements for child custody and visitation. It includes schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and other important aspects of co-parenting.
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet: This form calculates the appropriate amount of child support based on the parents' incomes and the needs of the child. It helps ensure that financial support is fair and in the child's best interest.
- Notice of Hearing: This document informs all parties involved of the time and place of a court hearing. It ensures that everyone has the opportunity to attend and present their case.
- Final Judgment: After the court has made its decision, this document outlines the final orders regarding the case, including custody arrangements, support obligations, and property division. It serves as the official record of the court's ruling.
Understanding these documents and their purposes can significantly ease the process of navigating family law in Florida. Each form plays a critical role in ensuring that the court has all the necessary information to make informed decisions, ultimately serving the best interests of all parties involved, especially the children.
Similar forms
The Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases, shares similarities with the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Both documents are essential in family law cases, serving to inform the court about critical information related to the parties involved. The Notice of Related Cases focuses specifically on any other ongoing or previous cases that may impact the current proceedings. In contrast, the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage initiates the divorce process by formally requesting the court to dissolve the marriage. While one provides notice of related matters, the other sets the foundation for the legal action itself.
Another document that parallels the Notice of Related Cases is the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.901(b), Financial Affidavit. This form is crucial in family law cases, particularly those involving divorce or child support. Like the Notice of Related Cases, the Financial Affidavit must be filed with the court and served on the other party. It requires detailed financial information to ensure fair proceedings. Both forms aim to facilitate transparency in the court process, allowing judges to make informed decisions based on the parties' circumstances.
The Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902, Affidavit of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure, also bears similarities to the Notice of Related Cases. This affidavit is used to confirm that the parties have exchanged necessary documents and information. Both forms promote accountability and ensure that all relevant information is available to the court. They help maintain a fair legal process by ensuring that all parties are aware of related cases and have complied with disclosure requirements.
Lastly, the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.903, Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, is another related document. This form is used by the respondent to reply to the petition filed by the petitioner. While the Notice of Related Cases informs the court about other relevant cases, the Answer addresses the specific claims made in the dissolution petition. Both documents are essential for the court's understanding of the case and the parties involved, ensuring that all pertinent information is presented for consideration.
Obtain Answers on Florida Procedure
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What is the purpose of the Florida Procedure Form 12.900(h)?
This form serves to inform the court about any related cases that may impact the family law case you are filing. According to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d), you must file this notice if your case has any connections to other cases involving the same parties, children, or issues. This helps the court understand the broader context of your case and ensures that conflicting orders do not arise.
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When should I use this form?
You should use this form when you are filing a family law case and there are existing related cases. A case is considered related if it is pending at the time you file your family law case, if it affects the court's jurisdiction, or if orders in the related case may conflict with those in your new case. In some circuits, you may be required to file this form even if there are no related cases.
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How do I fill out the form?
The form should be typed or printed in black ink. Begin by providing your case information, including the names of the petitioner and respondent, and the case number. You will also need to indicate whether there are related cases and provide details about each case, including the type of proceeding and any relevant court orders. Make sure to check all applicable boxes regarding the relationship of the cases.
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What should I do after completing the form?
Once you have completed the form, you must file it with the clerk of the circuit court along with your initial pleading. Additionally, you need to serve a copy of the form to the presiding judges and all parties involved in the related cases. Remember to keep a copy for your own records. Ensure that you follow the service requirements outlined in Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.
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What if I need help filling out the form?
If you are not an attorney and require assistance from a nonlawyer, that person must provide you with a Disclosure from Nonlawyer before helping you. This disclosure outlines the nonlawyer's role and responsibilities. Additionally, the nonlawyer must include their name, address, and phone number on the last page of every form they assist you with.
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Where can I find more information about this process?
For more information, you should read the “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” section found at the beginning of the family law forms. This resource provides essential definitions and guidance. You can also refer to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d) for further details on related cases.
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What types of cases are considered related?
Related cases can include a variety of proceedings, such as dissolution of marriage, paternity, custody, adoption, child support, and more. Essentially, any case that involves the same parties, children, or issues can be classified as related. It is crucial to disclose all such cases to avoid potential conflicts in court orders.
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What happens if I do not file this form?
If you fail to file the Notice of Related Cases, the court may not have all the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding your case. This could lead to complications, including conflicting orders or jurisdictional issues. It is always best to be thorough and transparent about any related cases to ensure a smoother legal process.
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE
FORM 12.900(h), NOTICE OF RELATED CASES (11/13)
When should this form be used?
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d) requires the petitioner in a family law case to file with the court a notice of related cases, if any. Your circuit may also require this form to be filed even if there are no related cases. A case is considered related if
it involves the same parties, children, or issues and is pending when the family law case is filed; or
it affects the court’s jurisdiction to proceed- or
an order in the related case may conflict with an order on the same issues in the new case; or
an order in the new case may conflict with an order in the earlier case.
This form is used to provide the required notice to the court.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. It must be filed with the clerk of the circuit court with the initial pleading in the family law case.
What should I do next?
A copy of the form must be served on the presiding judges, either the chief judge or the family law administrative judge, and all parties in the related cases. You should also keep a copy for your records. Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.
Where can I look for more information?
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for
Special notes . . .
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 a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases (11/13)
Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms must also 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 Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases (11/13)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE |
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IN AND FOR |
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Case No.: |
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Division: |
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_____________________________, |
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Petitioner, |
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and |
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_____________________________, |
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Respondent. |
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NOTICE OF RELATED CASES
1.Petitioner submits this Notice of Related Cases as required by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d). A related case may be an open or closed civil, criminal, guardianship, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, juvenile dependency, or domestic relations case. ! case is “related” to this family law case if it involves any of the same parties, children, or issues and it is pending at the time the party files a family case- if it affects the court’s jurisdiction to proceed- if an order in the related case may conflict with an order on the same issues in the new case; or if an order in the new case may conflict with an order in the earlier litigation.
[check one only]
___ There are no related cases.
___ The following are the related cases (add additional pages if necessary):
Related Case No. 1
Case Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________
Petitioner ________________________________________________________________________
Respondent _______________________________________________________________________
Case No.: _________________________________ Division: ________________________________
Type of Proceeding: [check all that apply] |
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____ Dissolution of Marriage |
____ Paternity |
____ Custody |
____ Adoption |
____ Child Support |
____ Modification/Enforcement/Contempt Proceedings |
____ Juvenile Dependency |
____ Juvenile Delinquency |
____ Termination of Parental Rights |
____ Criminal |
____ Domestic/Sexual/Dating/Repeat |
____ Mental Health |
Violence or Stalking Injunctions |
____ Other {specify}___________________________ |
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases (11/13)
State where case was decided or is pending: ____ Florida ____ Other: {specify} _________________
Name of Court where case was decided or is pending (for example, Fifth Circuit Court, Marion County, Florida): __________________________________________________________________
Title of last Court Order/Judgment (if any): ______________________________________________
Date of Court Order/Judgment (if any): _________________________________________________
Relationship of cases check all that apply]:
____ pending case involves same parties, children, or issues;
____ may affect court’s jurisdiction-
____ order in related case may conflict with an order in this case;
____ order in this case may conflict with previous order in related case.
Statement as to the relationship of the cases: ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Related Case No. 2
Case Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________
Petitioner ________________________________________________________________________
Respondent _______________________________________________________________________
Case No.: _________________________________ Division: ________________________________
Type of Proceeding: [check all that apply] |
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____ Dissolution of Marriage |
____ Paternity |
____ Custody |
____ Adoption |
____ Child Support |
____ Modification/Enforcement/Contempt Proceedings |
____ Juvenile Dependency |
____ Juvenile Delinquency |
____ Termination of Parental Rights |
____ Criminal |
____ Domestic/Sexual/Dating/Repeat |
____ Mental Health |
Violence or Stalking Injunctions |
____Other {specify}__________________________ |
State where case was decided or is pending: ____ Florida ____ Other: {specify} _________________
Name of Court where case was decided or is pending (for example, Fifth Circuit Court, Marion County, Florida): __________________________________________________________________
Title of last Court Order/Judgment (if any): ______________________________________________
Date of Court Order/Judgment (if any): _________________________________________________
Relationship of cases check all that apply]:
____ pending case involves same parties, children, or issues;
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases (11/13)
____ may affect court’s jurisdiction-
____ order in related case may conflict with an order in this case;
____ order in this case may conflict with previous order in related case.
Statement as to the relationship of the cases: ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Related Case No. 3
Case Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________
Petitioner ________________________________________________________________________
Respondent _______________________________________________________________________
Case No.: _________________________________ Division: ________________________________
Type of Proceeding: [check all that apply] |
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____ Dissolution of Marriage |
____ Paternity |
____ Custody |
____ Adoption |
____ Child Support |
____ Modification/Enforcement/Contempt Proceedings |
____ Juvenile Dependency |
____ Juvenile Delinquency |
____ Termination of Parental Rights |
____ Criminal |
____ Domestic/Sexual/Dating/Repeat |
____ Mental Health |
Violence or Stalking Injunctions |
____Other {specify} __________________________ |
State where case was decided or is pending: ____ Florida ____ Other: {specify} _________________
Name of Court where case was decided or is pending (for example, Fifth Circuit Court, Marion County, Florida): __________________________________________________________________
Title of last Court Order/Judgment (if any): ______________________________________________
Date of Court Order/Judgment (if any): _________________________________________________
Relationship of cases check all that apply]:
____ pending case involves same parties, children, or issues;
____ may affect court’s jurisdiction-
____ order in related case may conflict with an order in this case;
____ order in this case may conflict with previous order in related case.
Statement as to the relationship of the cases: ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
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2.[check one only]
____ I do not request coordination of litigation in any of the cases listed above.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases (11/13)
____ I do request coordination of the following cases: _____________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3.[check all that apply]
____ Assignment to one judge
____ Coordination of existing cases
will conserve judicial resources and promote an efficient determination of these cases because:_______________________________________________________________________.
4.The Petitioner acknowledges a continuing duty to inform the court of any cases in this or any other state that could affect the current proceeding.
Dated: _________________ |
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Petitioner’s Signature |
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Printed Name: ______________________________ |
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Address: ________________________________ |
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City, State, Zip: ___________________________ |
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Telephone Number: _______________________ |
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Fax Number: ____________________________ |
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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I CERTIFY that I delivered a copy of this Notice of Related Cases to the _____________________ County
Sheriff’s Department or a certified process server for service on the Respondent, and [check all used]
( )
[check all that apply] ( ) judge assigned to new case, ( ) chief judge or family law administrative judge, ( ) {name}__________________________________ a party to the related case, ( ) {name}
____________________________, a party to the related case on {date} _________________________.
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Signature of Petitioner/Attorney for Petitioner Printed Name:________________________
Address:____________________________
City, State, Zip:________________________
Telephone Number:____________________
Fax Number:__________________________
Florida Bar Number:_____________________
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases (11/13)
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} __________, {telephone number} ___________________.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases (11/13)
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the Florida Procedure form, consider the following important points:
- Do type or print the form in black ink for clarity.
- Do ensure you serve a copy of the form to all presiding judges and parties involved in related cases.
- Do keep a copy of the completed form for your personal records.
- Do read the “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” before filling out the form.
- Do check all applicable boxes carefully to accurately describe related cases.
- Don't leave any required fields blank; incomplete forms may cause delays.
- Don't forget to follow the service rules outlined in Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.
- Don't use colored ink or handwriting that may be difficult to read.
- Don't submit the form without first reviewing it for accuracy.
- Don't rely solely on help from a nonlawyer without ensuring they provide the necessary disclosures.