The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is a legal document used to disclose financial information in family law cases, such as divorce or child support. This form simplifies the process by requiring essential details about income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. To ensure compliance and accuracy, it's important to fill out the form correctly; click the button below to get started.
When navigating the complexities of family law in Florida, understanding the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is essential for individuals involved in divorce or child support cases. This form plays a crucial role in providing a snapshot of a person’s financial situation, which courts rely on to make informed decisions regarding alimony, child support, and equitable distribution of assets. The affidavit requires individuals to disclose their income, expenses, assets, and liabilities, ensuring transparency in financial matters. By accurately completing this form, parties can effectively communicate their financial needs and obligations to the court. Additionally, the Florida Financial Affidavit Short is designed to streamline the process, making it easier for those who may not have extensive financial documentation to present their case clearly. Understanding how to fill out this form correctly can significantly impact the outcome of legal proceedings, making it a vital step for anyone involved in family law issues.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE
FORM 12.902(b)
FAMILY LAW FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT (SHORT FORM)
(10/21)
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. You should file this document 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 filed with the court and served on the other party or his or her attorney 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. The copy you are serving to the other party must be either mailed, e-mailed, or hand-delivered to the opposing party or his or her attorney on the same day indicated on the certificate of service. If it is mailed, it must be postmarked on the date indicated in the certificate of service. Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-FILING
The Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or other pleadings or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file your pleadings or other documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file. The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-SERVICE ELECTION
After the initial service of process of the petition or supplemental petition by the Sheriff or certified process server, the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration now require that all documents required or permitted to be served on the other party must be served by electronic mail (e- mail) except in certain circumstances. You must strictly comply with the format requirements set forth in the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration. If you elect to participate in
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (10/21)
electronic service, which means serving or receiving pleadings by electronic mail (e-mail), or through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, you must review Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516. You may find this rule at www.flcourts.org through the link to the Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration provided under either Family Law Forms: Getting Started, or Rules of Court in the A-Z Topical Index.
SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS MAY SERVE DOCUMENTS BY E-MAIL; HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DO SO. If a self-represented litigant elects to serve and receive documents by email, the procedures must always be followed once the initial election is made.
To serve and receive documents by e-mail, you must designate your e-mail addresses by using the Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915, and you must provide your e-mail address on each form on which your signature appears. Please CAREFULLY read the rules and instructions for: Certificate of Service (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.914; Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915; and Florida Rule of General Practice and 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 underline” in 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 have been found by a judge to be 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.
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
52 Weeks per year
=
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
Days worked per week
Weekly - If you are paid by the week, you may convert your income to monthly as follows:
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
26
Semi-monthly - If you are paid twice per month, you may convert your income to monthly as follows:
Semi-monthly amount x
2
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.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR
COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.:
,
Division:
Petitioner,
and
Respondent.
(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): $ _______
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (10/21)
10._______ Monthly interest and dividends
11._______ Monthly rental income (gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary expenses 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)
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:
E. OTHER EXPENSES NOT LISTED ABOVE
Mortgage or rent
$
_
Clothing
Property taxes
Medical/Dental (uninsured)
Utilities
Grooming
Telephone
Entertainment
Food
Gifts
Meals outside home
Religious organizations
Maintenance/Repairs
Miscellaneous
Other: __________
Other: ______________
____________________
B. AUTOMOBILE
Gasoline
Repairs
Insurance
C. CHILD(REN)’S EXPENSES
F. PAYMENTS TO CREDITORS
Day care
Lunch money
CREDITOR:
MONTHLY
PAYMENT
Gifts for holidays
$ _
D. INSURANCE
Medical/Dental (if not listed on
lines 23 or 45)
Child(ren)’s medical/dental
Life
Other:
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 owned by you (and/or your spouse, if this is a petition for dissolution of marriage). LIST ONLY LAST 4 DIGITS OF ACCOUNT NUMBERS. Check the line next to any asset(s) which you are requesting the judge award to you.
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
Nonmarital
Current (check correct column) Fair
Market
Value Petitioner Respondent $
____Check here if additional pages are attached.
Total Assets (add next column)
B. LIABILITIES:
DESCRIPTION OF ITEM(S). List a description of each separate debt owed by you (and/or your spouse, if this is a petition for dissolution of marriage). LIST ONLY LAST 4 DIGITS OF ACCOUNT NUMBERS. Check the line next to any debt(s) for which you believe you should be responsible.
Mortgages on real estate: First mortgage on home
Second mortgage on home
Other mortgages
Auto loans
Charge/credit card accounts
Other
Total Debts (add next column)
Current (check correct column) Amount
Owed
Petitioner Respondent
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
Check the line next to any contingent asset(s) which you are requesting the judge award to you.
Total Contingent Assets
Contingent Liabilities
Check the line next to any contingent debt(s) for which you believe you should be responsible.
Possible (check correct column)
Value
Amount
Owed Petitioner Respondent $
Total Contingent Liabilities
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:
Telephone Number:
Fax Number:
E-mail Address(es):
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read this document and the facts stated in it are true.
Dated:
Signature of Party
Printed Name:
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} ____, {zip code} ______, {telephone number}
.
Filling out the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is an important step in certain legal processes, such as divorce or child support cases. This form helps provide a clear picture of your financial situation. After completing the form, you will need to submit it to the appropriate court, where it will be reviewed as part of your case.
The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is a legal document used in family law cases, particularly during divorce or child support proceedings. It provides a snapshot of an individual's financial situation. This form is crucial for determining financial obligations and entitlements, such as alimony or child support. It includes information about income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
Typically, this form must be completed by individuals involved in family law cases in Florida. This includes:
In some instances, both parties may need to submit their financial affidavits to ensure a fair assessment of financial circumstances.
Completing the form involves several steps:
It's important to be honest and thorough, as inaccuracies can lead to legal issues down the line.
Once you submit the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form to the court, it becomes part of the official case record. The court will review the information provided to make informed decisions regarding financial matters in your case. This may include determining child support amounts or alimony. In some cases, the other party may also review your affidavit, so be prepared to discuss your financial situation during hearings or negotiations.
Yes, you can make changes to the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form after submission. If your financial situation changes significantly, or if you realize you made an error, it is advisable to update the affidavit. You may need to file an amended form with the court and provide a copy to the other party involved in the case. Keeping your financial information current is essential for ensuring fair proceedings.
Inaccurate Income Reporting: Individuals often underestimate or overestimate their income. It is essential to report all sources of income accurately, including wages, bonuses, and any side jobs.
Omitting Assets: Some people fail to disclose all assets. This includes bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, and investments. Every asset must be listed to provide a complete financial picture.
Ignoring Debts: Neglecting to include all liabilities can lead to an incomplete financial affidavit. List all debts, such as loans, credit card balances, and mortgages, to ensure transparency.
Incorrect Expense Estimates: Individuals may inaccurately estimate monthly expenses. It is important to provide realistic figures based on actual spending habits, as this affects the overall financial assessment.
Failing to Update Information: People often submit outdated information. Financial situations can change rapidly, so it is vital to ensure that the affidavit reflects current financial status.
Not Signing the Affidavit: Some individuals forget to sign the form. A signature is necessary for the affidavit to be valid, so double-checking for this step is crucial.
Neglecting to Provide Supporting Documents: It is common to overlook the inclusion of necessary documentation. Supporting documents, such as pay stubs or bank statements, may be required to verify the information provided in the affidavit.
The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is an essential document used in family law cases, particularly for determining financial obligations during divorce or child support proceedings. It provides a snapshot of an individual's financial situation. Alongside this form, several other documents are often required to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the financial circumstances. Here are some of those key documents:
Each of these documents plays a crucial role in family law cases, providing necessary information to facilitate fair outcomes. Together, they create a clearer picture of financial responsibilities and rights, allowing for informed decisions during legal proceedings.
The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is similar to the Florida Financial Affidavit Long 12.902(a) form. Both documents serve the purpose of providing a comprehensive overview of an individual's financial situation. However, the Long form includes more detailed sections, allowing for a thorough breakdown of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. This can be particularly useful in complex cases where a more nuanced understanding of financial circumstances is required.
Another document that bears resemblance to the Florida Financial Affidavit Short is the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (Form 12.902(e)). This worksheet is used to calculate child support obligations based on the financial information of both parents. Like the Financial Affidavit, it requires disclosure of income and expenses, but it focuses specifically on determining support payments rather than providing a full financial picture.
The Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) is also similar in that it often incorporates financial disclosures. While the MSA outlines the terms of a divorce settlement, it typically includes a summary of each party's financial situation. The information from the Financial Affidavit Short can be instrumental in crafting a fair and equitable settlement agreement.
The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is another document that shares similarities with the Florida Financial Affidavit Short. This form is used in immigration cases to demonstrate that a sponsor has sufficient financial resources to support an immigrant. Both forms require a detailed account of income and financial obligations, ensuring that the individual's financial status is clearly presented.
Additionally, the Financial Disclosure Statement is comparable to the Florida Financial Affidavit Short. This document is often used in bankruptcy cases, where individuals must disclose their financial situation. Both forms aim to provide a snapshot of an individual’s financial health, though the context and specific requirements may differ based on the legal situation.
The Statement of Net Worth is another document that resembles the Florida Financial Affidavit Short. It is often used in divorce proceedings to summarize an individual's assets and liabilities. Like the Financial Affidavit, it provides a clear picture of financial standing, but it may not delve into the same level of detail regarding income and expenses.
The Income and Expense Declaration (Form FL-150) used in California family law cases is also similar. This form requires individuals to list their income and expenses, much like the Florida Financial Affidavit Short. Both documents are essential for determining financial obligations in family law matters, though they are tailored to the specific legal requirements of their respective states.
In some instances, the Affidavit of Financial Information may be used in various legal proceedings, including family law and civil cases. This document, like the Florida Financial Affidavit Short, requires a detailed account of an individual’s financial situation. Both forms aim to provide transparency and assist the court in making informed decisions based on financial data.
Lastly, the Financial Affidavit for Child Support (Form 12.902(d)) is another document that aligns with the Florida Financial Affidavit Short. This form is specifically designed for child support cases and requires similar financial disclosures. Both forms help establish financial obligations, ensuring that the needs of children are adequately addressed in legal proceedings.
When completing the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below are important do's and don'ts to consider.
Following these guidelines will help ensure that your financial affidavit is processed smoothly and accurately.
The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is often misunderstood. Below are some common misconceptions about this form, along with clarifications.
Filling out the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is an important step in various legal proceedings, particularly in family law cases. Here are ten key takeaways to keep in mind: