The Florida Procedure form is a legal document used in family law cases to notify the court of any related cases that may affect the current proceedings. According to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d), it is essential for petitioners to file this notice to ensure the court is aware of any potential conflicts or jurisdictional issues. Completing this form accurately is important for the smooth progression of your case; you can begin by filling it out using the button below.
The Florida Procedure Form, specifically Form 12.900(h), serves a crucial role in family law cases by ensuring transparency and proper communication regarding related legal matters. When initiating a family law case, it is essential for the petitioner to disclose any related cases that may influence the court's jurisdiction or decisions. This form is required by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d) and must be filed with the initial pleading. A case is deemed related if it involves the same parties, children, or issues and is pending at the time of filing. Additionally, it addresses potential conflicts between orders in related cases, which could complicate the court’s ability to proceed effectively. Proper completion of this form involves providing detailed information about any related cases, including their nature, status, and how they might intersect with the new family law case. Once completed, the form must be served on all relevant parties, including presiding judges, ensuring that everyone involved is informed. Keeping a copy for personal records is also advisable. By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can navigate the complexities of family law with greater clarity and confidence.
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} ___________________.
Completing the Florida Procedure form requires careful attention to detail. After filling out the form, it must be filed with the clerk of the circuit court along with the initial pleading in the family law case. Additionally, copies must be served on the presiding judges and all parties involved in any related cases. Keeping a copy for personal records is advisable.
The Florida Procedure Form 12.900(h), known as the Notice of Related Cases, serves to inform the court about any related cases that might impact the current family law case. This is important because related cases can involve the same parties, children, or issues and may affect the court's ability to make decisions. By filing this form, you ensure that the court is aware of any potential conflicts that could arise from these related cases.
You should use this form when you are involved in a family law case in Florida and there are related cases. A case is considered related if:
Some circuits may require you to file this form even if there are no related cases.
This form must be completed and filed with the clerk of the circuit court alongside your initial pleading in the family law case. It’s essential to type or print the form in black ink for clarity. After filing, make sure to keep a copy for your records.
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 involved in the related cases. This service must be done according to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516, which outlines how legal documents should be served.
If you are not an attorney and require assistance with filling out this form, the person helping you must provide you with a Disclosure from Nonlawyer. Additionally, they must include their name, address, and phone number at the bottom of the last page of the form. This ensures transparency and compliance with Florida regulations.
For more information, you should read the “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” at the beginning of the family law forms. This resource will help you understand the legal terms used in the instructions. You can also refer to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d) for detailed information on related cases.
If you fail to file the Notice of Related Cases form, it could lead to complications in your family law case. The court may not be aware of other cases that could affect its decisions, which could result in conflicting orders or jurisdictional issues. It’s always best to be thorough and transparent by filing this form when required.
Filling out the Florida Procedure form can be a straightforward task, but there are common mistakes that individuals often make. One frequent error is failing to identify all related cases. It's essential to include any cases that involve the same parties, children, or issues. If these cases are pending when the family law case is filed, they must be listed. Omitting a related case can lead to complications in the legal process.
Another common mistake is neglecting to check the appropriate boxes regarding the type of proceeding. The form includes several options such as dissolution of marriage, paternity, and child support. Selecting all applicable types is crucial. If a person checks only one box when multiple apply, it may misrepresent the situation and affect the court's understanding of the case.
Some individuals also forget to provide a clear statement about the relationship of the cases. This section is vital for the court to understand how the cases are connected. A vague or incomplete statement can lead to confusion. It is important to be as specific as possible to ensure the court comprehends the circumstances surrounding the related cases.
In addition, many people overlook the requirement to serve copies of the form to the presiding judges and all parties involved in the related cases. Failing to do so can result in delays or even dismissal of the case. Proper service is a critical step that should not be neglected.
Another mistake is using ink that is not black or not typing the form. The instructions clearly state that the form should be typed or printed in black ink. Using a different color or handwriting may lead to difficulties in processing the form.
Additionally, individuals sometimes forget to keep a copy of the completed form for their records. It is essential to retain a copy for personal reference and to have documentation of what was submitted to the court. This can be helpful in future proceedings or if any questions arise.
Some people also fail to include the required information about the court where the related case was decided or is pending. This information is crucial for the court to track the related cases accurately. Missing this detail can create confusion and may hinder the progress of the case.
Lastly, individuals may neglect to include the nonlawyer's information at the bottom of the form if they received assistance. If a nonlawyer helps with the form, their name, address, and phone number must be included. Omitting this information can lead to complications, especially if there are questions about the assistance received.
In family law cases in Florida, several forms and documents often accompany the Florida Procedure form, specifically Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases. Each of these documents plays a vital role in ensuring that the legal process runs smoothly and that all parties are adequately informed. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents that you may encounter.
Each of these forms serves a specific purpose within the family law process, ensuring that all parties are informed and that the court has the necessary information to make fair decisions. Understanding these documents can greatly assist individuals navigating their family law cases in Florida.
The Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases, shares similarities with the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Both forms require the petitioner to provide essential information to the court regarding their case. The Notice of Related Cases specifically identifies other cases that may impact the current proceedings, while the Petition for Dissolution outlines the details of the marriage dissolution itself. Each form must be completed accurately and filed with the circuit court, ensuring that all relevant parties are informed of the ongoing legal matters.
Another document that parallels the Notice of Related Cases is the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.901(b), Petition for Child Support. This form also requires specific information about the parties involved, including their relationship to the child in question. Like the Notice of Related Cases, it aims to provide the court with necessary context to make informed decisions. Both forms emphasize the importance of clarity and thoroughness, as they directly impact the court's jurisdiction and the outcomes of family law cases.
The Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.901(d), Petition for Paternity, is another similar document. This form is used when establishing paternity for a child. Similar to the Notice of Related Cases, it requires information about the parties involved and any related cases. Both forms serve to inform the court about existing relationships and potential conflicts, ensuring that all relevant legal issues are considered in the proceedings.
Additionally, the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.901(e), Petition for Custody, shares common elements with the Notice of Related Cases. This form is used to request custody of a child and requires details about the parties and any existing legal matters. Both forms highlight the need for the court to understand the broader context of the cases, which may involve overlapping issues or parties. Clarity in both forms is crucial for the court's decision-making process.
Another related document is the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.901(f), Petition for Adoption. This form is utilized when someone seeks to adopt a child and requires comprehensive information about the petitioner and the child. Like the Notice of Related Cases, it is important for the court to be aware of any related cases that may affect the adoption process. Both forms underscore the need for transparency and thorough documentation to facilitate the court's understanding of complex family dynamics.
Finally, the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.901(g), Petition for Modification of Child Support, also aligns with the Notice of Related Cases. This form is used to request changes to existing child support arrangements. Similar to the Notice, it requires the petitioner to provide information about any related cases that may influence the modification. Both documents are essential for ensuring that the court has a complete picture of the legal landscape surrounding family law issues, allowing for informed rulings.
When filling out the Florida Procedure form, it's important to be mindful of certain dos and don'ts to ensure a smooth process. Here’s a helpful list to guide you:
Many people believe that the Notice of Related Cases form is only required when there are multiple family law cases. In reality, even if there are no related cases, your circuit may still require you to file this form. It’s essential to check local rules to ensure compliance.
Some individuals think they can file the form at their convenience. However, the form must be submitted with the initial pleading in the family law case. Timing is crucial, and submitting it late can lead to complications.
There is a common belief that only lawyers can assist in completing legal forms. While legal advice is beneficial, nonlawyers can help as long as they provide a Disclosure from Nonlawyer and include their contact information on the form.
Some may underestimate the importance of this form. Ignoring it can lead to issues with the court, including delays or potential conflicts in orders. It is a vital part of ensuring that the court is aware of any related cases that may impact your proceedings.
When dealing with the Florida Procedure form, specifically the Notice of Related Cases, it is important to understand several key aspects to ensure proper completion and usage. Here are the essential takeaways:
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