The Florida Procedure Form is a crucial document used in family law cases to notify the court of any related cases. This form ensures that the court is aware of any existing legal matters that could impact the current proceedings, such as cases involving the same parties, children, or issues. If you need to fill out this form, click the button below to get started!
The Florida Procedure Form 12.900(h), known as the Notice of Related Cases, plays a crucial role in family law cases. It is essential for petitioners to understand when and how to use this form. According to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d), this notice must be filed with the court if there are any related cases, which could include civil, criminal, or domestic relations matters. A case is deemed related if it involves the same parties, children, or issues that are pending when the family law case is initiated. Additionally, the form helps prevent potential conflicts between orders from different cases that may affect the court's jurisdiction or lead to contradictory rulings. Proper completion and filing of this form is mandatory, and it should be submitted alongside the initial pleading in the family law case. After filing, a copy must be served to the presiding judges and all parties involved in the related cases. Keeping a copy for personal records is also recommended. For those seeking further guidance, the form includes references to additional resources and instructions, ensuring that both legal professionals and self-represented litigants can navigate the process effectively.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE
FORM 12.900(h), NOTICE OF RELATED CASES (11/13)
When should this form be used?
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d) requires the petitioner in a family law case to file with the court a notice of related cases, if any. Your circuit may also require this form to be filed even if there are no related cases. A case is considered related if
it involves the same parties, children, or issues and is pending when the family law case is filed; or
it affects the court’s jurisdiction to proceed- or
an order in the related case may conflict with an order on the same issues in the new case; or
an order in the new case may conflict with an order in the earlier case.
This form is used to provide the required notice to the court.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. It must be filed with the clerk of the circuit court with the initial pleading in the family law case.
What should I do next?
A copy of the form must be served on the presiding judges, either the chief judge or the family law administrative judge, and all parties in the related cases. You should also keep a copy for your records. 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 underline” in these instructions are defined there. For further information, see Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d).
Special notes . . .
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
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases (11/13)
Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms must also 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.
NOTICE OF RELATED CASES
1.Petitioner submits this Notice of Related Cases as required by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d). A related case may be an open or closed civil, criminal, guardianship, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, juvenile dependency, or domestic relations case. ! case is “related” to this family law case if it involves any of the same parties, children, or issues and it is pending at the time the party files a family case- if it affects the court’s jurisdiction to proceed- if an order in the related case may conflict with an order on the same issues in the new case; or if an order in the new case may conflict with an order in the earlier litigation.
[check one only]
___ There are no related cases.
___ The following are the related cases (add additional pages if necessary):
Related Case No. 1
Case Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________
Petitioner ________________________________________________________________________
Respondent _______________________________________________________________________
Case No.: _________________________________ Division: ________________________________
Type of Proceeding: [check all that apply]
____ Dissolution of Marriage
____ Paternity
____ Custody
____ Adoption
____ Child Support
____ Modification/Enforcement/Contempt Proceedings
____ Juvenile Dependency
____ Juvenile Delinquency
____ Termination of Parental Rights
____ Criminal
____ Domestic/Sexual/Dating/Repeat
____ Mental Health
Violence or Stalking Injunctions
____ Other {specify}___________________________
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases (11/13)
State where case was decided or is pending: ____ Florida ____ Other: {specify} _________________
Name of Court where case was decided or is pending (for example, Fifth Circuit Court, Marion County, Florida): __________________________________________________________________
Title of last Court Order/Judgment (if any): ______________________________________________
Date of Court Order/Judgment (if any): _________________________________________________
Relationship of cases check all that apply]:
____ pending case involves same parties, children, or issues;
____ may affect court’s jurisdiction-
____ order in related case may conflict with an order in this case;
____ order in this case may conflict with previous order in related case.
Statement as to the relationship of the cases: ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Related Case No. 2
____Other {specify}__________________________
Related Case No. 3
____Other {specify} __________________________
2.[check one only]
____ I do not request coordination of litigation in any of the cases listed above.
____ I do request coordination of the following cases: _____________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3.[check all that apply]
____ Assignment to one judge
____ Coordination of existing cases
will conserve judicial resources and promote an efficient determination of these cases because:_______________________________________________________________________.
4.The Petitioner acknowledges a continuing duty to inform the court of any cases in this or any other state that could affect the current proceeding.
Dated: _________________
________________________________________
Petitioner’s Signature
Printed Name: ______________________________
Address: ________________________________
City, State, Zip: ___________________________
Telephone Number: _______________________
Fax Number: ____________________________
E-mail Address(es):________________________
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I CERTIFY that I delivered a copy of this Notice of Related Cases to the _____________________ County
Sheriff’s Department or a certified process server for service on the Respondent, and [check all used]
( ) e-mailed ( ) mailed ( ) hand delivered, a copy to {name}________________________, who is the
[check all that apply] ( ) judge assigned to new case, ( ) chief judge or family law administrative judge, ( ) {name}__________________________________ a party to the related case, ( ) {name}
____________________________, a party to the related case on {date} _________________________.
____________________________________
Signature of Petitioner/Attorney for Petitioner Printed Name:________________________
Address:____________________________
City, State, Zip:________________________
Telephone Number:____________________
Fax Number:__________________________
E-mail Address(es):______________________
Florida Bar Number:_____________________
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} ___________________.
Filling out the Florida Procedure form is an essential step in notifying the court about any related cases in family law matters. This ensures that the court is aware of any existing cases that may impact the current proceedings. Follow these steps carefully to complete the form accurately.
Once the form is filled out and submitted, ensure to serve a copy on the presiding judges and all parties involved in the related cases. Keeping a copy for your own records is also advisable.
The Florida Procedure Form 12.900(h), also known as the Notice of Related Cases, serves a critical function in family law cases. It is designed to inform the court about any related cases that may involve the same parties, children, or issues. According to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d), if there are related cases pending at the time a family law case is filed, the petitioner must file this notice. This helps the court to avoid conflicting orders and ensures that all relevant matters are considered together.
This form should be filed with the initial pleading in a family law case. You must submit it to the clerk of the circuit court. If your circuit requires it, you may need to file this form even if there are no related cases. A case is considered related if:
Once you have filed the Notice of Related Cases, it is essential to serve a copy of the form to all relevant parties. This includes the presiding judges—either the chief judge or the family law administrative judge—and all parties involved in the related cases. The service must comply with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. Additionally, you should keep a copy of the form for your own records to ensure you have documentation of your compliance with the filing requirements.
For more detailed information, it is advisable to read the "General Information for Self-Represented Litigants" that accompanies these forms. This resource provides definitions and further guidance on the terms used in the instructions. Additionally, you can refer to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d) for comprehensive details regarding the requirements for filing the Notice of Related Cases.
Neglecting to Identify Related Cases: Failing to list all related cases can lead to complications in court. It is crucial to include every case that involves the same parties, children, or issues.
Incorrectly Filling Out Case Information: Providing inaccurate details about the related cases, such as case numbers or names, can cause confusion. Double-check all entries for accuracy.
Not Following Formatting Guidelines: The form must be typed or printed in black ink. Using different colors or handwriting can result in the form being rejected.
Omitting Required Signatures: Forgetting to sign the form or having an incomplete signature can invalidate the submission. Ensure all necessary signatures are included before filing.
Failing to Serve Copies: It is essential to serve copies of the form to the presiding judges and all parties involved in the related cases. Neglecting this step can lead to procedural issues.
Ignoring Jurisdictional Issues: Not addressing how the related cases may affect the court's jurisdiction can result in complications. Be clear about any potential jurisdictional conflicts.
Not Keeping a Personal Copy: Failing to keep a copy of the submitted form for personal records can lead to difficulties later. Always retain a copy for your own documentation.
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 and helps ensure that all necessary information is presented to the court. Below is a brief overview of six commonly used forms that may be relevant in family law cases.
Understanding these forms and their functions is vital for anyone involved in family law proceedings. Properly completing and filing these documents can significantly impact the outcome of a case, ensuring that all parties' rights and responsibilities are addressed fairly.
The Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), commonly known as the Notice of Related Cases, shares similarities with the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Both documents are essential in family law proceedings and require careful attention to detail. The Petition for Dissolution initiates the divorce process, while the Notice of Related Cases informs the court of any existing cases that may impact the current proceedings. This ensures that the judge is aware of all relevant matters, helping to avoid conflicting orders and ensuring a smoother legal process.
Another document that aligns closely with the Notice of Related Cases is the Motion for Temporary Relief. This motion is often filed during family law cases to request immediate assistance from the court regarding issues like child support or custody arrangements. Similar to the Notice of Related Cases, this motion requires disclosure of any related legal matters that could influence the court's decision. Both documents aim to provide the court with a comprehensive understanding of the situation, allowing for informed rulings.
The Affidavit of Compliance also bears resemblance to the Notice of Related Cases. This affidavit is typically used to confirm that a party has complied with previous court orders. Like the Notice, it emphasizes the importance of transparency in legal proceedings. By disclosing related cases, the Affidavit of Compliance helps ensure that all parties are aware of any ongoing legal obligations that may affect the current case.
Similarly, the Financial Affidavit plays a crucial role in family law cases. This document provides a detailed account of an individual's financial situation, which is often critical in divorce proceedings. The Financial Affidavit requires the disclosure of all income, expenses, and assets, much like the Notice of Related Cases requires the disclosure of any related legal matters. Both documents aim to give the court a complete picture, ensuring fair and just outcomes.
The Parenting Plan is another document that shares a connection with the Notice of Related Cases. This plan outlines how parents will share responsibilities for their children after a separation or divorce. When filing a Parenting Plan, it is vital to disclose any related cases that could affect the arrangement. This ensures that the court considers all relevant factors, ultimately promoting the best interests of the child.
The Certificate of Service is also similar in its function to the Notice of Related Cases. This document confirms that all parties involved have received the necessary paperwork. Just as the Notice requires service to relevant parties, the Certificate of Service ensures that everyone is informed of the ongoing proceedings. This promotes transparency and helps maintain the integrity of the legal process.
The Notice of Hearing is yet another document that parallels the Notice of Related Cases. This notice informs all parties of upcoming court dates and proceedings. Like the Notice of Related Cases, it emphasizes the importance of keeping all involved parties informed. This ensures that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the legal process, which is essential for fair outcomes.
Lastly, the Response to Petition is a document that holds similarities to the Notice of Related Cases. When a party responds to a petition, they must address any related cases that could impact their response. This ensures that the court is aware of all relevant legal matters, just as the Notice of Related Cases does. Both documents serve to clarify the situation for the court, promoting informed decision-making.
When filling out the Florida Procedure form, there are important guidelines to follow. Here is a list of things you should and shouldn't do:
Understanding the Florida Procedure form can be challenging, especially with the various rules and requirements involved. Here are ten common misconceptions that people often have about the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases.
Being aware of these misconceptions can help ensure that you properly navigate the requirements of the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure and avoid potential pitfalls in your family law case.
Filling out the Florida Procedure form is an essential step in family law cases. Here are key takeaways to keep in mind: