Homepage Blank Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) Form
Contents

When dealing with family law matters in Florida, understanding financial obligations is essential. The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form plays a crucial role in this context. This form is specifically designed for individuals who are navigating divorce or child support proceedings and need to disclose their financial information. It includes sections that require you to list income, expenses, assets, and debts, all aimed at providing the court with a clear picture of your financial situation. One important aspect of the form is that it is shorter and more straightforward than the full financial affidavit, making it accessible for those who may not have complex financial matters. Accurately completing this form is vital because incomplete or incorrect information can lead to complications in your case. Furthermore, submitting the Florida Financial Affidavit Short allows for a fair assessment of child support calculations and equitable distribution of assets during a divorce, ultimately aiding in the court’s decision-making process. By presenting a truthful and concise overview of your finances, you help ensure that all parties involved have a fair opportunity to address their needs and obligations.

Sample - Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) Form

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.902(b), FAMILY LAW FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT (SHORT FORM) (01/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when you are involved in a family law case which requires a financial affidavit and your individual gross income is UNDER $50,000 per year unless:

(1)You are filing a simplified dissolution of marriage under rule 12.105 and both parties have waived the filing of a financial affidavit;

(2)You have no minor children, no support issues, and have filed a written settlement agreement disposing of all financial issues; or

(3)The court lacks jurisdiction to determine any financial issues.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records.

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be served on the other party in your case within 45 days of being served with the petition, if it is not served on him or her with your initial papers. 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 Self-Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in bold underlinein these instructions are defined there. For further information, see Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285.

Special notes...

If you want to keep your address confidential because you are the victim of sexual battery, aggravated child abuse, aggravated stalking, harassment, aggravated battery, or domestic violence, do not enter the address, telephone, and fax information at the bottom of this form. Instead, file Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(h).

The affidavit must be completed using monthly income and expense amounts. If you are paid or your bills are due on a schedule which is not monthly, you must convert those amounts. Hints are provided below for making these conversions.

Instructions to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (01/15)

Hourly - If you are paid by the hour, you may convert your income to monthly as follows:

Hourly amount

x

Hours worked per week =

Weekly amount

Weekly amount

x

52 Weeks per year

=

Yearly amount

Yearly amount

÷

12 Months per year

=

Monthly Amount

Daily - If you are paid by the day, you may convert your income to monthly as follows:

Daily amount

x

Days worked per week

=

Weekly amount

Weekly amount

x

52 Weeks per year

=

Yearly amount

Yearly amount

÷

12 Months per year

=

Monthly Amount

Weekly - If you are paid by the week, you may convert your income to monthly as follows:

Weekly amount

x

52 Weeks per year

=

Yearly amount

Yearly amount

÷

12 Months per year

=

Monthly Amount

Bi-weekly - If you are paid every two weeks, you may convert your income to monthly as follows:

Bi-weekly amount

x

26

=

Yearly amount

Yearly amount

÷

12 Months per year

=

Monthly Amount

Semi-monthly - If you are paid twice per month, you may convert your income to monthly as follows:

Semi-monthly amount x

2

=

Monthly Amount

Expenses may be converted in the same manner.

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 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 to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (01/15)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE

 

 

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,

IN AND FOR

 

 

COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

 

 

Case No.: ______________________

 

 

 

 

Division: _______________________

 

,

 

 

 

Petitioner,

 

 

 

and

 

 

 

 

,

 

 

 

Respondent.

 

 

 

FAMILY LAW FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT (SHORT FORM)

(Under $50,000 Individual Gross Annual Income)

I, {full legal name}

 

 

 

 

, being sworn, certify that the following

information is true:

 

 

 

 

My Occupation:

 

 

 

Employed by: ___________________________

Business Address: ________________________________________________________________

Pay rate: $

 

( ) every week (

) every other week ( ) twice a month ( ) monthly

( ) other: ____________

 

 

 

___ Check here if unemployed and explain on a separate sheet your efforts to find employment.

SECTION I. PRESENT MONTHLY GROSS INCOME:

All amounts must be MONTHLY. See the instructions with this form to figure out money amounts for anything that is NOT paid monthly. Attach more paper, if needed. Items included under “other” should be listed separately with separate dollar amounts.

1.$______ Monthly gross salary or wages

2.______ Monthly bonuses, commissions, allowances, overtime, tips, and similar payments

3._______Monthly business income from sources such as self-employment, partnerships, close corporations, and/or independent contracts (gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary expenses required to produce income) (Attach sheet itemizing such income and expenses.)

4._______Monthly disability benefits/SSI

5._______Monthly Workers’ Compensation

6._______Monthly Unemployment Compensation

7._______Monthly pension, retirement, or annuity payments

8._______Monthly Social Security benefits

9.______ Monthly alimony actually received (Add 9a and 9b)

9a. From this case: $ _______

9b. From other case(s): _______

10._______ Monthly interest and dividends

11._______Monthly rental income (gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary expenses

Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (01/15)

required to produce income) (Attach sheet itemizing such income and expense items.)

12._______ Monthly income from royalties, trusts, or estates

13._______ Monthly reimbursed expenses and in-kind payments to the extent that they reduce personal living expenses

14._______ Monthly gains derived from dealing in property (not including nonrecurring gains)

15._______ Any other income of a recurring nature (list source) _________________________

16.__________________________________________________________________________

17.$ _______ TOTAL PRESENT MONTHLY GROSS INCOME (Add lines 1–16)

PRESENT MONTHLY DEDUCTIONS:

18.$______Monthly federal, state, and local income tax (corrected for filing status and allowable dependents and income tax liabilities)

a.Filing Status ____________

b.Number of dependents claimed _______

19._______ Monthly FICA or self-employment taxes

20._______ Monthly Medicare payments

21._______ Monthly mandatory union dues

22._______ Monthly mandatory retirement payments

23._______ Monthly health insurance payments (including dental insurance), excluding portion paid for any minor children of this relationship

24._______ Monthly court-ordered child support actually paid for children from another relationship

25._______Monthly court-ordered alimony actually paid (Add 25a and 25b)

25a. from this case: $ _______

25b. from other case(s):$ _______

26.$_______ TOTAL DEDUCTIONS ALLOWABLE UNDER SECTION 61.30, FLORIDA STATUTES (Add lines 18 through 25).

27.$_______ PRESENT NET MONTHLY INCOME (Subtract line 26 from line 17)

Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form)(01/15)

SECTION II. AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENSES

Proposed/Estimated Expenses. If this is a dissolution of marriage case and your expenses as listed below do not reflect what you actually pay currently, you should write “estimate” next to each amount that is estimated.

A. HOUSEHOLD:

 

Mortgage or rent

$ _______

Property taxes

$_______

Utilities

$_______

Telephone

$ _______

Food

$ _______

Meals outside home

$_______

Maintenance/Repairs

$ _______

Other: __________

$_______

B. AUTOMOBILE

 

Gasoline

$ _______

Repairs

$_______

Insurance

$_______

C.CHILD(REN)’S EXPENSES

Day care

$ _______

Lunch money

$_______

Clothing

$ _______

Grooming

$_______

Gifts for holidays

$ _______

Medical/Dental (uninsured)

$ _______

Other: ______________

$ _______

D.INSURANCE Medical/Dental (if not listed on

lines 23 or 45)

$ _______

Child(ren)’s medical/dental

$ _______

Life

$ _______

Other:

 

 

$ _______

E. OTHER EXPENSES NOT LISTED ABOVE

Clothing

$ _______

Medical/Dental (uninsured)

$_______

Grooming

$ _______

Entertainment

$_______

Gifts

$_______

Religious organizations

$_______

Miscellaneous

$_______

Other: ______________

$ _______

____________________

$_______

____________________

$_______

____________________

$_______

____________________

$_______

____________________

$_______

F. PAYMENTS TO CREDITORS

 

CREDITOR:

MONTHLY

 

PAYMENT

____________________

$_______

____________________

$_______

____________________

$_______

____________________

$_______

____________________

$_______

____________________

$_______

____________________

$_______

____________________

$_______

____________________

$_______

____________________

$_______

____________________

$_______

Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (01/15)

28. $_______ TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES (add ALL monthly amounts in A through F above)

SUMMARY

29.$_______ TOTAL PRESENT MONTHLY NET INCOME (from line 27 of SECTION I. INCOME)

30.$_______ TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES (from line 28 above)

31.$_______ SURPLUS (If line 29 is more than line 30, subtract line 30 from line 29. This is the amount of your surplus. Enter that amount here.)

32.($_______) (DEFICIT) (If line 30 is more than line 29, subtract line 29 from line 30. This is the amount of your deficit. Enter that amount here.)

SECTION III. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Use the nonmarital column only if this is a petition for dissolution of marriage and you believe an item is “nonmarital,” meaning it belongs to only one of you and should not be divided. You should indicate to whom you believe the item(s) or debt belongs. (Typically, you will only use this column if property/debt was owned/owed by one spouse before the marriage. See the “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms and section 61.075(1), Florida Statutes, for definitions of “marital” and “nonmarital” assets and liabilities.)

A. ASSETS:

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM(S). List a description of each separate item

Current

Nonmarital

owned by you (and/or your spouse, if this is a petition for dissolution

(check correct

of marriage). LIST ONLY LAST 4 DIGITS OF ACCOUNT NUMBERS. Check

Fair

column)

the line next to any asset(s) which you are requesting the judge

Market

 

 

award to you.

Value

 

 

 

husband

wife

 

 

 

 

Cash (on hand)

$

 

 

 

Cash (in banks or credit unions)

 

 

 

 

Stocks, Bonds, Notes

 

 

 

 

Real estate: (Home)

 

 

 

 

(Other)

 

 

 

 

Automobiles

 

 

 

 

Other personal property

 

 

 

 

Retirement plans (Profit Sharing, Pension, IRA, 401(k)s, etc.)

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

____Check here if additional pages are attached.

 

 

 

Total Assets (add next column)

$

 

 

Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (01/15)

B. LIABILITIES:

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM(S). List a description of each separate debt

Current

Nonmarital

(check correct

owed by you (and/or your spouse, if this is a petition for dissolution

Amount

column)

of marriage). LIST ONLY LAST 4 DIGITS OF ACCOUNT NUMBERS. Check

Owed

the line next to any debt(s) for which you believe you should be

 

 

 

responsible.

 

husband

wife

 

Mortgages on real estate: First mortgage on home

$

 

 

 

Second mortgage on home

 

 

 

 

Other mortgages

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auto loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charge/credit card accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

____Check here if additional pages are attached.

 

 

 

Total Debts (add next column)

$

 

 

C. CONTINGENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES:

INSTRUCTIONS: If you have any POSSIBLE assets (income potential, accrued vacation or sick leave, bonus, inheritance, etc.) or POSSIBLE liabilities (possible lawsuits, future unpaid taxes, contingent tax liabilities, debts assumed by another), you must list them here.

 

 

Contingent Assets

 

Possible

 

Nonmarital

 

 

 

 

 

(check correct

 

Check the line next to any contingent asset(s) which you are requesting the

 

Value

 

column)

 

 

 

 

judge award to you.

 

 

 

husband

wife

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Contingent Assets

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingent Liabilities

 

 

 

Nonmarital

 

 

 

 

Possible

 

(check correct

 

Check the line next to any contingent debt(s) for which you believe you

 

Amount

 

column)

 

should be responsible.

 

Owed

 

husband

wife

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Contingent Liabilities

$

 

 

 

Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (01/15)

SECTION IV. CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET

(Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, MUST be filed with the court at or prior to a hearing to establish or modify child support. This requirement cannot be waived by the parties.)

[Check one only]

____ A Child Support Guidelines Worksheet IS or WILL BE filed in this case. This case involves the

establishment or modification of child support.

____ A Child Support Guidelines Worksheet IS NOT being filed in this case. The establishment or

modification of child support is not an issue in this case.

I certify that a copy of this document was [check all used]: ( ) e-mailed ( ) mailed ( ) faxed

( ) hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} ________________________________.

Other party or his/her attorney:

Name: _____________________________

Address: ____________________________

City, State, Zip: _______________________

Fax Number: _________________________

E-mail Address(es): _____________________

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

Dated:

Signature of Party

Printed Name: ________________________________

Address: ___________________________________

City, State, Zip: ______________________________

Fax Number: ________________________________

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

 

 

 

 

 

Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (01/15)

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 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (01/15)

Form Information

Fact Name Description
Purpose The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is used to disclose financial information in divorce or child support cases.
Governing Law This form is governed by the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, specifically Rule 12.902(b).
Mandatory Use In many cases, parties involved in divorce and child support proceedings must complete this form.
Short Form Option The "Short" version is simpler and suitable for individuals with less complex financial situations.
Required Information Users must provide details about income, expenses, assets, and liabilities on the form.
Filing Process The completed affidavit must be filed with the court and served to the other party.
Form Update It's important to check for the latest version of the form to ensure compliance with current regulations.
Signature Requirement The form must be signed under penalty of perjury, affirming the accuracy of the information provided.
Confidentiality Financial affidavits may become part of public records, but certain information can be kept confidential.
Assistance Individuals often seek help from legal professionals to ensure the form is filled out correctly.

Detailed Guide for Filling Out Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b)

Preparing to fill out the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form can feel overwhelming, but following these steps will make the process manageable. Accurate completion of the form is crucial, as it provides vital financial information relevant to your case.

  1. Obtain the Form: Download the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) from a reliable source, such as the Florida State Courts website, or request a physical copy from the appropriate court.
  2. Read the Instructions: Before filling it out, carefully read any instructions provided with the form to ensure all information is captured correctly.
  3. Fill in Personal Information: Enter your full name, address, and contact details at the designated spots on the form.
  4. Provide Employment Details: State your current employer’s name, the type of work you do, and your monthly income. If unemployed, indicate this clearly.
  5. List Monthly Expenses: Detail your monthly expenses in the spaces provided. Include housing, utilities, food, transportation, and any other recurring costs.
  6. Disclose Assets: Provide a comprehensive list of all your assets, including bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, and other valuable personal property.
  7. Indicate Liabilities: Clearly state your debts, including credit cards, loans, and any other obligations, along with the amounts owed.
  8. Review the Completed Form: Before submitting, double-check all entries for accuracy and completeness. Make sure nothing has been overlooked or misreported.
  9. Sign and Date: Ensure to sign and date the bottom of the form, affirming that the information provided is truthful and accurate.
  10. Submit the Form: File the completed affidavit with the court in accordance with their submission guidelines. Keep copies for your records.

Completing the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) is a critical step in your legal proceedings. Ensuring its accuracy and timely submission is part of the process that can significantly influence outcomes.

Obtain Answers on Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b)

  1. What is the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form?

    The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) is a legal document used in the state of Florida, primarily in family law cases. It provides the court with a snapshot of an individual’s financial situation, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. This form is typically used in cases such as divorce, child support, or alimony.

  2. Who is required to complete this form?

    This form must be completed by individuals involved in family law proceedings where financial support or division of assets is at issue. Both parties in a divorce or child support case may be required to file this affidavit to ensure transparency concerning their financial situations.

  3. How is this form different from the long version of the financial affidavit?

    The Short 12.902(b) form is a condensed version of the longer financial affidavit. It is intended for use in less complex cases where a full disclosure of financial information may not be necessary. The short form covers essential financial details without overwhelming the parties with excessive information.

  4. What information is included in the form?

    The affidavit requires details about income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. This includes monthly wages, other sources of income, regular bills, debts, and property ownership. Completing this form accurately is crucial as it impacts the court's decisions regarding support and asset distribution.

  5. How should the form be submitted to the court?

    Once completed, the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form must be filed with the court as part of the family law case. It can typically be submitted in person at the courthouse, or some jurisdictions may allow electronic filings. Be sure to check specific local rules regarding submission methods.

  6. What happens if I fail to file this form?

    Failure to file the financial affidavit can lead to various consequences. The court may view this as a lack of transparency, which can negatively impact any claims for support or influence decisions regarding asset distribution. In some cases, sanctions or additional legal repercussions may apply.

  7. Can I amend the form if my financial situation changes?

    Yes, it is possible to amend the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form if there are significant changes in your financial circumstances. It is essential to keep the court informed of any changes, as this may affect ongoing support payments and other court orders. Ensure that any amendments are filed with the court in a timely manner.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form can be a complex task, and mistakes are not uncommon. One significant error occurs when individuals overlook providing complete and accurate information about their income. Whether it’s from a job, rental property, or investment, all income sources should be listed. Missing a source of income might lead to a misunderstanding of a person’s financial situation, which can have serious implications during divorce or custody proceedings.

Another frequent mistake is failing to report debts correctly. Many individuals might underestimate their liabilities or forget to include smaller debts. It is crucial to account for all debts, including credit cards and personal loans. Not fully disclosing these could skew the overall portrayal of one’s financial health, ultimately affecting decisions made by the court.

People often neglect the importance of verifying the accuracy of the figures they present. Simple arithmetic errors, such as incorrect totals or misplaced decimals, can create significant discrepancies. This can lead to questions about credibility and cause unnecessary delays in the legal process. A careful review of calculations before submission is essential to ensure all figures add up correctly.

Another common issue arises from the omission of necessary documentation. Along with the form itself, supporting documents like pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements may be required. Failing to include these documents may result in additional requests from the court, which can prolong the process. It's smart to check the list of required attachments and ensure everything is in order before submission.

Some individuals mistakenly believe that the financial affidavit is a one-time effort. In reality, situations can change quickly. If there are significant changes in income or expenses, it’s vital to update the affidavit accordingly. Courts appreciate transparency, and not providing updated information could lead to complications or penalties down the line.

Finally, many people do not seek help when filling out the form. Legal nuances or specific requirements might be challenging to navigate alone, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the legal system. Consulting with a legal professional can provide valuable insights and assistance, reducing the likelihood of errors and ensuring a smoother process throughout.

Documents used along the form

The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is essential for individuals undergoing divorce or other family law matters, as it outlines financial information related to income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Along with this form, several other documents may be required to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the financial situation. The following is a list of commonly used forms and documents that support or accompany this affidavit:

  • Notice of Social Security Number: This form verifies the party's Social Security number, which is necessary for identification purposes in legal matters.
  • Financial Affidavit Long Form 12.902(a): This more detailed version of the financial affidavit may be required when parties have complex financial situations or substantial assets.
  • Child Support Guidelines Worksheet: This worksheet helps calculate child support obligations, factoring in the income and expenses reported in the financial affidavit.
  • Parenting Plan: If children are involved, a parenting plan outlines the responsibilities and rights of each parent regarding custody and visitation, often requiring financial disclosure.
  • Income Verification Documents: These may include pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements, providing proof of the financial information reported in the affidavit.
  • Marital Settlement Agreement: This document details how marital assets and debts will be divided, which may depend on the financial disclosures made in the affidavit.
  • Affidavit of Due Diligence: This form is used if one party is unable to locate the other within required timelines, ensuring compliance with notification processes.

Having these documents readily available can streamline the process and facilitate a clearer and more equitable resolution. It is advisable to gather all necessary paperwork to support your position and ensure completeness in your financial disclosures.

Similar forms

The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form serves to provide a concise overview of an individual's financial situation, particularly in family law matters such as divorce or child support issues. Several other documents in Florida share similarities in format and purpose. Here is a list of six such documents:

  • Florida Financial Affidavit Long Form (12.902(a)): This document is more detailed than the short form, requiring additional financial disclosures. Both forms aim to present the financial status of the individual but do so with varying levels of detail.
  • Affidavit of Assets (form may vary by context): Similar to the financial affidavit, this document focuses specifically on the individual's assets. It requires similar information but might not include income or expenditure details.
  • Child Support Worksheet (Form 12.996): This worksheet combines financial information to determine child support obligations. Both documents necessitate a clear understanding of financial standings, although the worksheet is specifically tailored to child support calculations.
  • Marital Settlement Agreement (Form 12.902(e)): While this document outlines the terms of a divorce settlement, it often references financial details similar to those found in the financial affidavits, such as income and asset division.
  • Income Verification Form (specific to case types): This form collects information about the income of a party in context to various legal proceedings. Both forms ensure that the financial picture is accurately painted, aiding in equitable resolutions.
  • Budget Analysis Form: This form can be used in contexts like family law to help assess individual financial management. Like the financial affidavit, it offers insights into income and expenses, although focused on budgeting rather than legal obligations.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form, it's essential to approach the process methodically. Here are six important do's and don'ts to keep in mind.

  • Do provide accurate and complete information about your income and expenses.
  • Do include all sources of income, such as salary, rental income, and any side jobs.
  • Do ensure that all figures are current and reflect your financial situation as of the date you are filling out the form.
  • Do double-check your calculations for accuracy before submitting the form.
  • Don't omit any relevant financial information, even if it seems minor.
  • Don't rush through the form; taking your time can help prevent mistakes.

Being thorough and honest is key to completing the affidavit correctly. This document plays a significant role in legal proceedings, so accuracy and detail matter.

Misconceptions

Understanding the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form can be challenging. Below are five common misconceptions about this important document:

  • It only applies to divorce cases. While the form is commonly associated with divorce proceedings, it is also utilized in other family law matters that involve financial disclosures, such as child custody and support.
  • Filling it out is optional. Many people believe that completing the form is not required. However, if financial disclosure is mandated by the court, failing to submit this affidavit can result in legal consequences.
  • All financial information has to be detailed. Some think that the affidavit requires exhaustive details about every asset and expense. In reality, it only requires a summary of major financial information, making it a more manageable task.
  • The form is the same for everyone. Individuals may assume that the Florida Financial Affidavit Short is a one-size-fits-all document. In truth, there are variations depending on one’s financial situation, which is why it’s important to ensure that the correct version is used.
  • Once submitted, it cannot be changed. Some believe that the information provided is set in stone. However, if circumstances change or if mistakes are found, one can submit an amended affidavit to reflect the updated financial information.

Recognizing these misconceptions can help individuals navigate the complexities of financial disclosures during family law proceedings more effectively.

Key takeaways

When preparing the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form, consider these key takeaways to ensure accuracy and compliance:

  • Understand the Purpose: This affidavit is essential for disclosing your financial situation in family law cases, such as divorce or child support.
  • Gather Necessary Documents: Collect income statements, bank statements, and any relevant financial records to complete the form accurately.
  • Be Honest and Complete: Full disclosure is crucial. Inaccurate information can lead to legal issues or affect judgments made by the court.
  • Use Clear Language: Write straightforward explanations for your income, expenses, and assets. Clarity helps avoid misunderstandings.
  • Review Before Submission: Check for errors and ensure all sections are filled out completely. Omissions can delay proceedings.
  • Keep Copies: After submitting the form, retain copies for your personal records. This can be helpful for future reference.
  • Stay Updated: If your financial situation changes, be prepared to update the affidavit, as current information is vital for the court's considerations.

Understanding these points can streamline the process and help you navigate your case more effectively.