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The Motion Florida form serves as a crucial tool for individuals navigating the family law system within the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Tampa, Florida. Designed to facilitate requests for judicial action, this blank motion can be utilized during an ongoing lawsuit or after a final judgment has been entered. However, it is essential to ensure that no other more suitable court-approved forms apply before proceeding with this generic option. The form allows individuals to articulate their current legal issues and propose specific remedies, making it vital to clearly express the desired outcome. In addition, the completion process includes important steps such as notarization and service of the motion to the other party involved in the case. Proper service is critical, as filing a motion without notifying the other party can lead to complications. Furthermore, scheduling a hearing is an integral part of the process, requiring coordination with the other party to ensure fairness and adequate preparation time. By following the outlined instructions and understanding the implications of filing a motion versus a petition, individuals can effectively advocate for their legal needs while adhering to the procedural requirements set forth by the court.

Documents used along the form

When navigating family law matters in Florida, it's essential to be familiar with various forms and documents that accompany a Motion Florida form. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose and helps facilitate the legal process. Below is a list of commonly used forms that may be relevant in conjunction with the Motion Florida form.

  • Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement (Form 12.960) - This form is used to request the court to enforce a previous order or hold a party in contempt for failing to comply with a court order.
  • Emergency Verified Motion for Child Pick-Up Order (Form 12.941(d)) - This document allows a party to request immediate court intervention to retrieve a child when there is a concern for the child’s safety or well-being.
  • Motion for Temporary Injunction to Prevent the Removal of Child(ren) and Denial of Passport Services (Form 12.941(a)) - This motion seeks to prevent a parent from taking a child out of the jurisdiction or applying for a passport without consent.
  • Motion for Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem (Form 12.942(a)) - This form is used to request the appointment of a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of a child in legal proceedings.
  • Notice of Hearing (Form 12.923) - This document is necessary to inform all parties involved about the scheduled hearing date and time for the motion, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to prepare.
  • Certificate of Service - This form confirms that the motion has been served to the other party, detailing the method of service used, such as mail or hand delivery.
  • Petition for Modification - If there is a need to change an existing court order, this document initiates the process by formally requesting the modification.
  • Affidavit of Indigency - This form is used to request a waiver of court fees based on the financial status of the requesting party, allowing access to legal proceedings without the burden of costs.
  • Financial Affidavit - This document provides a detailed account of an individual’s financial situation, which may be required in cases involving child support or alimony.
  • Response to Motion - If a party wishes to contest the motion filed by another, this document outlines their objections and arguments against the requested relief.

Understanding these forms and their purposes is crucial for effectively navigating family law proceedings. Each document plays a significant role in ensuring that the legal process is conducted fairly and that all parties are adequately informed and represented. Familiarity with these forms can significantly enhance one’s ability to advocate for their rights and interests in court.

Similar forms

The Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement (Form 12.960) serves a specific purpose similar to the Motion Florida form. It is utilized when one party believes that another party has failed to comply with a court order. This motion requests the court to enforce the existing order, often involving issues like child support or visitation rights. Like the Motion Florida form, it requires clear articulation of the request and the grounds for it, ensuring that the court understands the specifics of the alleged non-compliance.

The Emergency Verified Motion for Child Pick-Up Order (Form 12.941(d)) is another document that aligns closely with the Motion Florida form. This motion is filed in urgent situations where a child may be at risk of being removed from their current location without consent. The urgency of the situation necessitates a swift response from the court, similar to how the Motion Florida form seeks timely judicial action. Both forms require a detailed explanation of the circumstances and the specific relief sought, emphasizing the need for clarity and thoroughness in communication with the court.

The Motion for Temporary Injunction to Prevent the Removal of Child(ren) and Denial of Passport Services (Form 12.941(a)) is also comparable to the Motion Florida form. This motion is designed to prevent a parent from taking a child out of the jurisdiction or applying for a passport without the other parent's consent. Both motions aim to protect the rights of parties involved in family law cases. They require a clear statement of the requested action and the reasoning behind it, ensuring that the court can make informed decisions based on the provided information.

The Motion for Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem (Form 12.942(a)) shares similarities with the Motion Florida form in that it seeks judicial intervention for the best interests of a child. This motion requests the court to appoint a guardian ad litem to represent a child's interests during legal proceedings. Both documents require a detailed explanation of the reasons for the request and the specific outcomes sought, highlighting the importance of the child's welfare in legal matters.

The Petition for Modification of Child Custody or Support is another document that bears resemblance to the Motion Florida form. While a petition initiates a request for a change in an existing court order, it shares the need for clarity and specificity in outlining the changes sought. Both forms require a detailed explanation of the circumstances prompting the request, and both seek to ensure that the court has all necessary information to make an informed decision.

The Motion for Rehearing is also similar in nature to the Motion Florida form. This document is filed when a party believes that the court has made an error in its ruling and seeks to have the decision reconsidered. Like the Motion Florida form, it requires the party to clearly state the reasons for the request and the specific relief sought. Both motions emphasize the importance of presenting a compelling argument to the court to achieve a favorable outcome.

Finally, the Motion to Compel Discovery can be compared to the Motion Florida form as both are tools for requesting court intervention during ongoing litigation. The Motion to Compel is used when one party believes the other is not complying with discovery requests. Both motions require a clear statement of the issue at hand and the specific remedy sought, ensuring that the court can address the concerns effectively and efficiently.

Obtain Answers on Motion Florida

  1. What is the Motion Florida form used for?

    The Motion Florida form is a blank motion that allows individuals to request judicial action in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Tampa, Florida. It can be used during an ongoing lawsuit or after a final judgment has been entered. This form is appropriate when no specific court-approved form is available for your situation.

  2. When should I use a motion instead of a petition?

    A motion is used to request a specific order during a pending lawsuit after a petition has already been filed. If you need to start a lawsuit or modify an existing court order, you should file a petition instead. Remember, a petition typically requires a filing fee, while a motion does not.

  3. How do I complete the Motion Florida form?

    To complete the form, clearly outline your current legal issue and the relief you are seeking in the numbered paragraphs provided. Be specific about what you want the court to order. After filling it out, you must sign the motion in front of a notary public, who will then notarize it.

  4. What is the process for serving the motion on the other party?

    You must provide a copy of your motion to the other party when you file it with the court. This can be done by mail, telefax, or hand delivery. After deciding on a method, fill out the “Certificate of Service” section to indicate how you served the other party.

  5. Where do I file my motion?

    You can file your motion in person at the Clerk of Court's office located at 800 East Twiggs Street, room 101, Tampa, Florida. If you prefer to file by mail, send your documents to the Clerk of the Court, P.O. Box 3450, Tampa, Florida 33601.

  6. What should I do after filing my motion?

    After filing your motion, you need to schedule a hearing with the judge or general master. Attempt to coordinate a suitable time with the other party. If you cannot reach an agreement, you may set the hearing at your discretion. Ensure you provide the other party with a copy of the motion at least five business days before the hearing date, unless they agree to an earlier date.

  7. What happens if I do not provide adequate notice to the other party?

    If you fail to provide the other party with at least five business days' notice before the hearing, your motion may be denied or struck by the court. It is crucial to adhere to this requirement to ensure your motion is considered.

  8. Can I consult a lawyer if I have questions about my motion?

    Yes, if you have any questions or concerns about your motion that you cannot resolve on your own, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a lawyer before proceeding. Legal guidance can help you navigate the process more effectively.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE COMPLETION OF A BLANK

FAMILY LAW MOTION

REMEMBER: If you have questions or concerns about your motion that you cannot resolve yourself, even after reading this instruction sheet, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a lawyer before taking any further action.

The blank motion that is attached to this instruction sheet may be used to make a request for judicial action in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Tampa, Florida, during the pendency of a lawsuit, or after the entry of a final judgment. This motion should only be used when you are certain that a more suitable form has not yet been approved by the Florida Supreme Court. The following court­approved form motion, when applicable, should be utilized instead of the blank motion (these approved forms can be found in the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure):

Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement ­ Form 12.960

Emergency Verified Motion for Child Pick­Up Order ­ Form 12.941(d)

Motion for Temporary Injunction to Prevent the Removal of Child(ren) and Denial of Passport Services. ­ Form 12.941(a)

Motion for Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem ­ Form 12.942(a)

Before using the blank motion, you need to determine whether you should file a petition or a motion. A petition is the pleading that begins a lawsuit, or reopens a closed lawsuit. You must use a petition to begin a lawsuit against someone, or to modify a previous court order. A motion is used to make a request for a specific order during the course of a pending lawsuit after a petition has already been filed, or to ask the court to enforce a previous court order or find someone in contempt of court. A petition typically requires a filing fee, while a motion does not.

If you decide to use the attached blank motion, you must set forth your current legal problem or concern, and your suggested remedy or solution, in the blank numbered paragraphs. The court generally cannot order something for your benefit, unless you specifically request what you want the court to order. Make sure to sign your motion in front of a notary public, who then must notarize your motion. (It is good practice to notarize every motion to avoid any future problems).

SERVICE OF MOTION ON THE OTHER PARTY:

(If your case involves more than just yourself and one other party, you must follow these rules for every party in your case).

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Except in very limited instances discussed below, you will need to simultaneously provide a copy of your motion to the other party when you file your motion with the court. Therefore, you need to either mail, telefax, or hand deliver a copy of the motion to the other party. Once you decide which method of service to use, you then must fill out the “Certificate of Service” section by indicating the method of service you plan to use to provide a copy of your motion to the other party.

In most cases, it is essential that you provide the other party with a copy of your motion. When a party files a motion with the court without notifying the other party about the motion, the motion is considered an ex parte motion. Your judge can only rule on an ex parte motion without a hearing when there is a well­founded reason to not have a hearing (for instance, when one party believes the other party will destroy or hide property if given notice of an impending court hearing).

FILING:

If you choose to file your motion in person, you may file it at the following location: 800 East Twiggs Street, room 101. If you choose to file by mail, you should send your documents to: Clerk of the Court, P.O. Box 3450, Tampa, Florida 33601. The phone number for the Clerk of Court is 276­8100 x 4358.

NOTICE OF HEARING:

When a party files a motion with the court, the party must also schedule that motion for a hearing on that motion with the judge or general master. After you obtain a hearing date, you must attempt to contact the other party for the purpose of mutually agreeing on the most convenient time for the hearing. If your attempts at coordinating a suitable time and date for the hearing are unsuccessful, or if the other party is uncooperative, you have satisfied your obligation, and you may schedule the hearing for the time and date you deem appropriate. However, unless your motion is an emergency motion, you must provide the other party with a copy of your motion at least five (5) business days before the date of the hearing, unless the other party agrees to an earlier hearing date. Failure to provide the other party at least five (5) business days to prepare may result in the court denying or striking your motion.

Once you obtain the time and date of your hearing, you must complete a “Notice of Hearing” form (12.923). After you complete the “Notice of Hearing,” you must file it with the court, and also serve a copy on the other party.

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, STATE OF FLORIDA

IN RE:

(1)

 

 

 

 

List the petitioner’s name in

 

 

the original case

 

 

____________________________________,

(3)

 

 

 

Petitioner,

Case No. _________

 

 

 

(4)

 

AND

(2)

 

Division ________

 

List the Respondent s Name

 

 

_____________________________________.

 

 

 

 

Respondent.

 

 

________________________________________/

 

 

 

 

(5) State what you want to file a motion for

 

MOTION TO/FOR:

 

 

 

 

(6) Your Name

 

 

COMES NOW,

, and moves that the court grant the

 

 

(7) State same as number (5)

relief sought herein in the Motion to/for

, and as

grounds therefore would show:

 

 

(8) On the lines below list exactly what you want to ask from the court

1.___________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

2.___________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

3.___________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

WHEREFORE, the undersigned prays that this court will grant the relief sought herein.

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I HEREBY C ERTIFY that a cop y of the fo regoing has been furnished by [ check one only] ( ) mail ( ) faxed and mailed ( )hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on

(9)Date you file your motion

{DATE} ________________________________

Other party or his/her attorney:

(10)List the name and address of the other party in your case Name:_________________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip

(11)Your signature in front of a notary

__________________________________________

Signature of party

__________________________________________

Address

__________________________________________

City, State, Zip

__________________________________________

Telephone

STATE OF FLORIDA

 

 

COUNTY OF

)

 

Sworn to (or affirmed) and subscribed befo re me on (dat e)

20____ by

(name)

.

 

____________________________________

NOTARY PUBLIC-STATE OF FLORIDA

____ Personally known

____ Produced Identification

Type of Identification ________________________________

2

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, STATE OF FLORIDA

IN RE:

 

____________________________________,

 

Petitioner,

Case No. _________

AND

Division _________

_____________________________________.

 

Respondent.

 

________________________________________/

 

MOTION TO/FOR:

COMES NOW, _______________________________, and moves that the court grant the

relief sought herein in the Motion to/for ________________________________, and as grounds

therefore would show:

1.___________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

2.___________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

3.___________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

WHEREFORE, the undersigned prays that this court will grant the relief sought herein.

1

I HEREBY CERTIFY that a copy of the foregoing has been furnished by [ check one only]

() mail ( ) faxed and mailed ( )hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on {DATE} ________________________________

Other party or his/her attorney:

Name:_________________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip__________________________________________________

__________________________________________

Signature of party

__________________________________________

Address

__________________________________________

City, State, Zip

__________________________________________

Telephone

STATE OF FLORIDA

COUNTY OF ______________________________)

Sworn to (or affirmed) and subscribed befo re me on (dat e)__ ____________ 20 ____ by

{NAME}________________________________________.

____________________________________

NOTARY PUBLIC-STATE OF FLORIDA

____ Personally known

____ Produced identification

Type of identification produced

__________________________________

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Dos and Don'ts

  • Do read the instructions carefully before filling out the Motion Florida form. Understanding the requirements is crucial.
  • Don't use the blank motion if a court-approved form is applicable. Always check for specific forms related to your case.
  • Do clearly state your legal problem and the remedy you are seeking in the numbered paragraphs. Be specific about what you want the court to order.
  • Don't forget to sign your motion in front of a notary public. Notarization is important to avoid future complications.
  • Do provide a copy of your motion to the other party simultaneously when you file it with the court. This is essential for proper service.
  • Don't file an ex parte motion unless there is a well-founded reason for not notifying the other party. This can limit your options.
  • Do schedule a hearing date after filing your motion and attempt to coordinate with the other party for a convenient time.
  • Don't forget to file a “Notice of Hearing” form and serve it to the other party at least five business days before the hearing, unless agreed otherwise.