Fill in a Valid Florida Procedure Form

When filling out and using the Florida Procedure form, here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Use the form when necessary: This form is required to notify the court of any related cases in family law matters, which can include cases involving the same parties, children, or issues.
• File correctly: Ensure the form is filed with the clerk of the circuit court alongside your initial pleading. It should be typed or printed clearly in black ink.
• Serve copies: After filing, you must serve a copy of the form to the presiding judges and all parties involved in the related cases. Keep a copy for your own records.
• Understand related cases: A case is considered related if it affects the court's jurisdiction or if there could be conflicting orders between the cases. Be thorough in identifying any related cases.
• Get help if needed: If a nonlawyer assists you in completing the form, they must provide you with a disclosure and include their contact information at the end of the form.

1. Neglecting to Include All Related Cases: One common mistake is failing to list all related cases. If there are multiple cases involving the same parties or issues, it is essential to include each one. Omitting a related case could lead to complications or conflicts in court.

2. Incorrectly Identifying the Type of Proceeding: When filling out the form, individuals may mistakenly check the wrong type of proceeding. It is crucial to accurately select all applicable categories, as this information helps the court understand the context of the cases.

3. Providing Incomplete Information: Incomplete entries, such as missing case numbers or names of parties, can hinder the processing of the form. Ensure that all required fields are filled out completely and correctly to avoid delays.

4. Failing to Serve Copies Properly: After submitting the form, individuals must serve copies to the presiding judges and all parties involved. Not adhering to the service requirements can result in procedural issues and may affect the outcome of the case.

5. Not Keeping a Copy for Personal Records: Many people forget to retain a copy of the filed form for their own records. Keeping a personal copy is vital for reference and can assist in future proceedings or communications with the court.

Misconceptions about the Florida Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases, can lead to confusion for those navigating family law matters. Below is a list of common misconceptions and clarifications for each.

• This form is only for open cases. The form can be used for both open and closed cases, including civil, criminal, and domestic relations cases.
• Only attorneys need to file this form. Any petitioner in a family law case, whether represented by an attorney or not, is required to file this form if there are related cases.
• Related cases must be in the same jurisdiction. Related cases can exist across different jurisdictions, as long as they involve the same parties, children, or issues.
• This form is optional. Filing this form is mandatory under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d) when there are related cases.
• It is sufficient to mention related cases verbally. The form must be filed with the court and served to all relevant parties; verbal notice is not adequate.
• The form can be completed in any color ink. The instructions specify that the form should be typed or printed in black ink only.
• Only the chief judge needs to be notified. A copy of the form must be served on all presiding judges and all parties involved in the related cases.
• Nonlawyers can assist without restrictions. Nonlawyers must provide a Disclosure from Nonlawyer and include their contact information on every form they assist with.
• Once filed, no further action is needed. Petitioner must keep a copy for their records and ensure proper service is completed as per the rules.

The Florida Procedure form, specifically Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases, shares similarities with several other legal documents used in family law and civil proceedings. Each of these documents serves to inform the court about relevant cases or issues that may impact the current proceedings. Below is a list of six documents that exhibit similar characteristics:

• Notice of Intent to File for Dissolution of Marriage: This document notifies the court and the other party of the intention to begin divorce proceedings. Like the Notice of Related Cases, it aims to ensure that all parties are aware of pending actions that may affect the case.
• Petition for Temporary Relief: This form requests immediate assistance from the court regarding issues such as child custody or support during the divorce process. It shares a purpose with the Notice of Related Cases in that both documents inform the court about urgent matters that require attention.
• Affidavit of Compliance: This document certifies that a party has complied with court orders, particularly in family law cases. Similar to the Notice of Related Cases, it is essential for maintaining transparency and ensuring that all relevant information is presented to the court.
• Case Information Sheet: This form provides the court with key details about the case, including the parties involved and the nature of the proceedings. Like the Notice of Related Cases, it helps the court track related matters that may influence the outcome of the case.
• Motion for Continuance: This document requests a delay in court proceedings for various reasons. It is similar to the Notice of Related Cases in that both documents address procedural aspects that could affect the timeline and management of the case.
• Response to Petition: This form allows a respondent to formally reply to the petition filed against them. It parallels the Notice of Related Cases by ensuring that all parties are informed of each other's positions and any related issues that may arise during the proceedings.

How to Fill Out Florida Procedure

Filling out the Florida Procedure form is an important step in notifying the court about any related cases that may impact your family law case. Once you have completed the form, it will need to be filed with the clerk of the circuit court along with your initial pleading. Additionally, a copy must be served to the presiding judges and all parties involved in the related cases. Keeping a copy for your records is also essential.

1. Obtain the Florida Procedure form 12.900(h) from the appropriate source.
2. Type or print the form clearly in black ink.
3. Fill in the case number and division at the top of the form.
4. Identify the petitioner and respondent by entering their names in the designated fields.
5. Indicate whether there are any related cases by checking the appropriate box.
6. If there are related cases, list them under “Related Case No. 1.” Fill in the case name, petitioner, respondent, case number, division, and type of proceeding. Check all applicable types of proceedings.
7. Specify the state where the related case was decided or is pending.
8. Provide the name of the court where the related case was decided or is pending.
9. Enter the title and date of the last court order or judgment, if applicable.
10. Check all applicable relationships between the cases.
11. Write a statement explaining the relationship of the cases.
12. Repeat steps 6-11 for any additional related cases (up to three total).
13. Indicate whether you request coordination of litigation by checking the appropriate box.
14. Sign and date the form at the bottom.

After completing the form, ensure it is filed with the clerk of the circuit court and served to all relevant parties. Make sure to retain a copy for your records. Following these steps carefully will help ensure that the court is properly informed about any related cases.

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

   The Florida Procedure form 12.900(h), also known as the Notice of Related Cases, is designed to inform the court about any related cases that may affect the current family law case. This is important because related cases can involve the same parties, children, or issues, and their outcomes may conflict with one another. By filing this notice, you help the court understand the broader context of your case.

2. When should I use this form?

   You should use this form when you are involved in a family law case and there are other cases that are related. According to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d), it is required to file this notice if there are any pending cases involving the same parties or issues. Even if there are no related cases, your circuit may still require you to submit this form.

3. What qualifies as a related case?

   A case is considered related if:

   • It involves the same parties, children, or issues and is pending when the family law case is filed.
   • It affects the court’s jurisdiction to proceed.
   • An order in the related case may conflict with an order on the same issues in the new case.
   • An order in the new case may conflict with an order in the earlier case.

4. How do I complete the form?

   The form must be filled out clearly, using either typed text or printed black ink. You will need to provide details about the related cases, including case numbers, names of the parties involved, and the type of proceedings. Be sure to check all applicable boxes and provide any necessary explanations.

5. What should I do after completing the form?

   Once you have completed the form, it must be filed with the clerk of the circuit court along with your initial pleading in the family law case. Additionally, you are required to serve a copy of the form on the presiding judges and all parties involved in the related cases. Keeping a copy for your own records is also advisable.

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

   If you require help completing the form and a nonlawyer assists you, they must provide you with a Disclosure from Nonlawyer. This ensures transparency in the assistance you receive. The nonlawyer must also include their contact information at the bottom of the last page of the form.

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

   For additional information, you can refer to the “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” section at the beginning of the form packet. It is also helpful to review Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d) for a deeper understanding of your obligations regarding related cases.

8. Are there any special notes I should be aware of?

   Yes, it is important to remember that a person who is not an attorney is referred to as a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer assists you, they must comply with specific regulations, including providing the required disclosures and their contact information. This helps maintain the integrity of the legal process.

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

   Failing to file the Notice of Related Cases could lead to complications in your family law case. The court may not be aware of other cases that could impact your situation, which could result in conflicting orders or jurisdictional issues. It is always best to provide complete and accurate information to avoid potential legal challenges.

10. Is there a deadline for filing this form?

    The form should be filed with the court at the same time as your initial pleading in the family law case. This ensures that the court has all relevant information from the outset. It is crucial to adhere to this timeline to facilitate a smooth legal process.

When navigating the complexities of family law in Florida, several forms and documents often accompany the Florida Procedure form. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose in the legal process, ensuring that all parties are informed and that the court has the necessary information to make decisions. Here’s a brief overview of some of the commonly used forms alongside the Notice of Related Cases.

• Form 12.900(a) - Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: This form initiates the divorce process. It outlines the petitioner’s requests regarding marital assets, child custody, and support obligations.
• Form 12.901(b) - Family Law Financial Affidavit: This document provides a detailed account of an individual's financial situation. It is essential for determining alimony, child support, and asset division.
• Form 12.902(e) - Parenting Plan: A parenting plan is required in cases involving minor children. It outlines the responsibilities of each parent regarding custody, visitation, and decision-making.
• Form 12.901(d) - Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: This form is used by the respondent to formally reply to the petition. It allows the respondent to agree or disagree with the claims made by the petitioner.
• Form 12.940(a) - Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence: This form seeks immediate protection for individuals facing domestic violence. It requests the court to issue an injunction to prevent further harm.
• Form 12.920 - Notice of Hearing: This document is used to notify all parties involved of upcoming court hearings. It ensures that everyone has the opportunity to attend and present their case.

Understanding these forms can significantly impact the outcome of a family law case. Each document plays a crucial role in providing clarity and structure to the legal proceedings. Properly completing and filing these forms helps ensure that the court can make informed decisions that reflect the best interests of all parties involved.