Blank Florida Procedure Form

1. What is the purpose of the Florida Procedure Form 12.900(h)?

   This form, known as the Notice of Related Cases, is used to inform the court of any cases that may be related to your family law case. This is required under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d). Related cases can involve the same parties, children, or issues and may affect the court's ability to proceed with your case.

2. When should I use this form?

   You should use this form when you are filing a family law case and there are any related cases pending. This includes civil, criminal, guardianship, or domestic relations cases. If there are no related cases, you must still check the appropriate box on the form to indicate this.

3. How do I fill out the form?

   The form must be typed or printed clearly in black ink. You will need to provide information about the related cases, including case numbers, names of parties involved, and the type of proceedings. Ensure that you check all applicable boxes regarding the relationship of the cases.

4. What should I do after completing the form?

   After filling out the form, you must file it with the clerk of the circuit court along with your initial pleading. Additionally, a copy must be served on the presiding judges and all parties involved in the related cases. Keep a copy for your own records.

5. What if I need assistance filling out the form?

   If you require help from a nonlawyer, that person must provide you with a Disclosure from Nonlawyer. This disclosure must be given before they assist you. The nonlawyer must also include their name, address, and telephone number on the last page of the form.

6. What happens if I do not file this form?

   Failing to file this form could lead to complications in your family law case. The court may not be aware of other related cases that could impact jurisdiction or the outcome of your case. This could result in conflicting orders or delays in proceedings.

7. Where can I find more information about this form?

   For more details, you should refer to the “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” section at the beginning of the family law forms. Additionally, Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d) provides further guidance on this matter.

8. Is there a deadline for filing this form?

   Yes, the form must be filed with the court at the same time you submit your initial pleading in the family law case. It is crucial to adhere to this timeline to ensure that the court is informed of any related cases from the outset.

9. What types of cases are considered related?

   Related cases can include a variety of proceedings such as dissolution of marriage, paternity, custody disputes, adoption, child support, and juvenile dependency or delinquency cases. If any of these involve the same parties or issues, they are considered related.

Filling out the Florida Procedure form can be a straightforward process, but many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to complications. One frequent error is failing to identify all related cases. It is crucial to list every case that involves the same parties, children, or issues. Omitting even one case can affect the court's jurisdiction and may result in unnecessary delays.

Another mistake is not checking the appropriate boxes for the type of proceeding. Each case type, such as dissolution of marriage or child support, must be accurately marked. Neglecting to do this can create confusion and may lead to the court not addressing the relevant issues.

Many people also forget to provide complete information about each related case. This includes the case name, number, and the court where it is pending. Incomplete details can hinder the court's ability to review the cases properly, which may result in adverse outcomes.

Additionally, some individuals fail to serve copies of the form to the presiding judges and all parties involved in the related cases. This step is not optional; it is a requirement under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. Skipping this step can lead to complications in the legal process.

Another common oversight is not keeping a copy of the submitted form for personal records. Having a copy is essential for tracking the case's progress and for reference in future proceedings.

People often misunderstand the definition of a "related case." A case is considered related if it affects the court's jurisdiction or if orders in one case may conflict with those in another. Misinterpreting this can lead to incorrect filings.

Some individuals also neglect to seek assistance from a qualified nonlawyer when needed. If a nonlawyer helps with the form, they must provide a Disclosure from Nonlawyer. Failing to obtain this disclosure can result in issues later on.

Another mistake is not being clear in the statement regarding the relationship of the cases. This section should clearly outline how the cases are connected. Ambiguity can create confusion and may lead to delays in the legal process.

Lastly, individuals sometimes forget to sign and date the form. A missing signature can render the form invalid, causing unnecessary complications. Always double-check that all required fields are completed before submission.

When navigating family law cases in Florida, several forms and documents are commonly used alongside the Florida Procedure form. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose and helps ensure that all relevant information is presented to the court. Understanding these forms can facilitate a smoother legal process.

• Form 12.900(a) - Family Law Rules of Procedure: Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: This form is used to initiate a divorce proceeding in Florida. It outlines the basic information regarding the marriage, including the names of the parties, date of marriage, and grounds for divorce.
• Form 12.901(b) - Family Law Rules of Procedure: Petition for Paternity: This document is filed to establish paternity when the parents are not married. It helps determine legal rights and responsibilities regarding the child.
• Form 12.901(c) - Family Law Rules of Procedure: Petition for Child Support: This form is used to request child support from a non-custodial parent. It provides the necessary details about the child and the financial obligations of the parent.
• Form 12.902(e) - Family Law Rules of Procedure: Financial Affidavit: Required in many family law cases, this affidavit discloses the financial status of each party. It includes income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
• Form 12.903 - Family Law Rules of Procedure: Parenting Plan: This document outlines how parents will share responsibilities for their children after separation or divorce. It addresses custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and decision-making processes.
• Form 12.940 - Family Law Rules of Procedure: Motion for Temporary Relief: This motion requests immediate assistance from the court regarding issues like child support or custody while the case is pending. It is often used in urgent situations.
• Form 12.941 - Family Law Rules of Procedure: Notice of Hearing: This form is used to notify all parties involved about the date and time of a scheduled court hearing. Proper notice is essential for legal proceedings.
• Form 12.942 - Family Law Rules of Procedure: Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage: This is the final order issued by the court that officially ends the marriage. It includes details about the division of assets, debts, and any child custody arrangements.
• Form 12.943 - Family Law Rules of Procedure: Notice of Appeal: If a party wishes to appeal a court decision, this form must be filed. It provides the appellate court with the necessary information to process the appeal.
• Form 12.944 - Family Law Rules of Procedure: Request for Production of Documents: This form is used to request specific documents from the opposing party during the discovery phase of a family law case. It helps gather evidence relevant to the case.

Each of these forms plays a critical role in the family law process in Florida. By utilizing them correctly, individuals can navigate their legal matters more effectively and ensure that their rights and responsibilities are clearly defined and upheld.

The Florida Procedure form, specifically the Notice of Related Cases, shares similarities with several other legal documents. Each of these documents serves to inform the court about relevant information in family law matters. Below are five documents that are comparable to the Florida Procedure form:

• Notice of Appearance: This document is filed by an attorney to formally notify the court and other parties that they represent a client in a case. Like the Notice of Related Cases, it establishes a connection between the parties and the court, ensuring that all relevant parties are informed of ongoing proceedings.
• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: This is the initial document filed to initiate divorce proceedings. Similar to the Notice of Related Cases, it outlines the parties involved and the issues at stake, helping the court understand the context of the case right from the beginning.
• Motion for Temporary Relief: This document requests immediate court intervention on specific issues, such as custody or support, while the case is pending. It shares a similar purpose of informing the court about urgent matters that may affect the overall proceedings, akin to the notice of related cases.
• Notice of Hearing: This document informs all parties of a scheduled court hearing. Like the Notice of Related Cases, it ensures that all relevant parties are aware of important dates and can prepare accordingly, fostering transparency in the judicial process.
• Case Management Order: This order outlines the timeline and procedures for a case. It is similar to the Notice of Related Cases in that it provides the court with necessary information to manage multiple cases effectively, ensuring that all related matters are handled appropriately.

When filling out the Florida Procedure form, there are several important actions to take and avoid. Below is a list of ten recommendations to guide you through the process.

• Do read the instructions carefully before starting.
• Do ensure that the form is typed or printed in black ink.
• Do file the form with the clerk of the circuit court along with the initial pleading.
• Do serve a copy of the form to the presiding judges and all parties involved in the related cases.
• Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
• Don't leave any required fields blank; all sections must be filled out.
• Don't forget to check the appropriate boxes indicating the nature of the related cases.
• Don't submit the form without reviewing it for accuracy.
• Don't use any ink color other than black for filling out the form.
• Don't ignore the requirement for nonlawyers to provide a Disclosure from Nonlawyer if applicable.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that your submission is complete and compliant with the requirements set forth by Florida law.

• Misconception 1: The form is only necessary if there are multiple open cases.

This form must be filed even if there are no related cases. Courts may require it to ensure all pertinent information is available.

• Misconception 2: Only attorneys can file this form.

Nonlawyers can assist in filling out the form, but they must provide a disclosure and include their contact information on the form.

• Misconception 3: Related cases must be from the same court.

Related cases can originate from different courts, as long as they involve the same parties, children, or issues.

• Misconception 4: Filing this form guarantees that the cases will be consolidated.

Filing the form does not automatically mean the cases will be coordinated or consolidated. That decision is made by the court.

• Misconception 5: The form can be submitted at any time during the case.

The form must be filed with the initial pleading in the family law case to comply with court requirements.

• Misconception 6: This form is only for family law cases.

While primarily used in family law, it can relate to various case types, including civil, criminal, and guardianship cases.

• Misconception 7: There are no specific instructions for filling out the form.

Detailed instructions are provided, including how to serve copies and what information to include about related cases.

Filling out and using the Florida Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases, requires attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. Here are some key takeaways to consider:

• Purpose of the Form: This form serves to notify the court of any related cases that may impact the current family law case.
• Definition of Related Cases: A case is considered related if it involves the same parties, children, or issues and is pending at the time of filing.
• Filing Requirements: The form must be filed with the clerk of the circuit court alongside the initial pleading in the family law case.
• Service of the Form: After filing, a copy of the form must be served on the presiding judges and all parties involved in the related cases.
• Nonlawyer Assistance: If a nonlawyer assists in completing the form, they must provide a Disclosure from Nonlawyer and include their contact information on the form.
• Record Keeping: It is essential to keep a copy of the filed form for personal records and future reference.