Birth Certificate FAQs
Child/Spousal (Alimony) Support FAQs
I cannot pay my child support payments, because the payments are too high/I am disabled/I'm out of work/the child is deceased/the child is living with me. What can I do?
A supplemental petition must be filed and served upon the opposing party before mediation can take place. If parties cannot come to an agreement, or the other party does not attend mediation, then you may obtain a hearing date. The packet to modify child support can be found online or can be purchased at the Court Business Center/Copy Center at Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse.”Family Law Packet List
My Ex is not paying the court-ordered support. May I speak with the judge to explain the situation?
A party seeking to have a Judicial court order for child support (NOT an Administrative order) enforced can file an appropriate motion. Once filed, the parties will be referred to mediation. If the parties are unable to come to an agreement at Mediation, then the motion will be heard before the General Magistrate. The Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement Packet can be found online or at the Court Business Center/Copy Center at Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse. If you have an Administrative Support order, contact the Department of Revenue (https://floridarevenue.com/childsupport/contact/Pages/default.aspx) or visit the Legal Information Center. Family Law Packet List
I want to get child support for my child. The father of my child won't give me any money. What can I do?
A party seeking child support for their minor child may contract with the Department of Revenue (DOR) Child Support Enforcement Office. The Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement Office can be reached at the below links. If a party does not contract with DOR, then they may file an appropriate petition to have the court establish paternity and order child support. Family Law Packet List
DOR Child Support Enforcement Office
DOR Online Portal
I just got a letter saying that I am delinquent on my child support and they are going to enter a judgment against me and/or suspend my license. What can I do?
A party who is delinquent in child support payments may pay the delinquent amount or file an appropriate motion. The packets can be found online or at the Court Business Center/Copy Center at Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse.” Family Law Packet List
I want to increase the amount of child support I am getting from my Ex. My child support order was done a long time ago. How do I do that?
A party seeking to modify a Judicial court order for child support (NOT an Administrative order) must file supplemental petition and it must be served upon the opposing party before mediation can take place. If parties cannot come to an agreement, or the other party does not attend mediation, then you may obtain a hearing date. The Family Law packets can be found online or can be purchased at the Court Business Center/Copy Center at Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse. If you are seeking to modify an Administrative Support Order, contact the Department of Revenue (https://floridarevenue.com/childsupport/contact/Pages/default.aspx) or visit the Legal Information Center. Family Law Packet List
I want to set a court date to get my support raised because I know my spouse will not attempt mediation. Can I just set a court date?
Mediation is a required step in all post judgment cases not involving the Department of Revenue. The parties must attempt to come to an agreement before a hearing can be set with the General Magistrate. In cases regarding issues of child support the parties are responsible for contacting the hearing officers. https://www.fljud13.org/Portals/0/AO/DOCS/S-2021-048.pdf?ver=2021-07-16-150823-570
General Magistrate Referral Assignment Table
I would like to petition the court for spousal support/alimony, how do I do that?
If you are filing for a Dissolution of Marriage, you can request that the Court order Spousal Support/Alimony in your petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Family Law Packet List
These forms are confusing. I don't understand some of the words. Can someone help me fill them out?
I do not know how to obtain the forms and I don’t understand the legal process. Is there a free legal service that can assist me? If you do not understand the court rules and procedures or do not have the available resources to represent yourself then you can contact the Legal Information Center. For free help with filling out court-approved family law forms contact the Family Forms Clinic. For free legal advice and/or representation, for qualified applicants, contact Bay Area Legal Services.
How do I know which General Magistrate or Hearing Officer my case is assigned to?
CLICK HERE to view the GM/Hearing Officer Division Assignment Table.
My spouse and I just got divorced. We agreed that there would not be any child support, so why did the judge order it?
Child support is designed to benefit the minor child(ren) and the court must adhere to the Florida statutes when determining if child support is necessary in a case.
I don't care for the way my daughter is taking care of her child. I want custody. She and her spouse got divorced in Hillsborough County. How can I get custody?
If either parent is not in agreement to giving you custody, it is strongly recommended that you seek the advice of an attorney to find out what your legal rights are before proceeding. If there is abuse, abandonment, or neglect involving the child, the Department of Children & Families should be contacted. https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/
Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) FAQs
How do I get a divorce (Dissolution of Marriage)?
There are different Dissolution of Marriage packets available online or at the Court Business Center/Copy Center, Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse. It is strongly recommended that you review the requirements for each to find the packet best suited for your situation. Family Law Packet List
My spouse and I are filing for divorce. We don't have any children or property. Why do we have to do Financial Affidavits?
Financial Affidavits are a required form in all Dissolution of Marriage cases, except for Simplified Dissolution cases. For further information, please see Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Rule 12.285. https://www-media.floridabar.org/uploads/2022/04/Family-Law-Rules-of-Procedure-4-1-2022.pdf
Florida Courts Family Law Forms
I cannot find my spouse to be served with the petition for Dissolution of Marriage. What can I do?
Constructive Service is available when parties are unable to locate their spouse to effectuate Personal Service. Constructive Service is a very technical area of the law. As such, it is strongly recommended that parties seek legal advice if they wish to proceed with their case using Constructive Service. If you do not understand the court rules and procedures or do not have the available resources to represent yourself then you can contact the Legal Information Center. For free help with filling out court-approved family law forms contact the Family Forms Clinic. For free legal advice and/or representation, for qualified applicants, contact Bay Area Legal Services
I filed a petition for divorce and there was no answer. What do I do now so that I can get a hearing? Someone told me something about a Default Motion and a Nonmilitary Affidavit. What are those forms?
If the Respondent was served with the Petition, and has not filed an Answer within 20 days of service, then a Motion for Default and Default, can be filed with the Clerk of Court. Additionally, an Affidavit of Military Service must be filed if the Respondent has not filed an Answer and is not in the military. The case may proceed if a Default has been entered by the Clerk of court.
The Clerk requires that I file a Nonmilitary Affidavit before they will enter a Default in my case. My problem is, my spouse is in the military, so I can't truthfully file one. Does this mean that I can't get a Default?
The Clerk of Courts is unable to enter a Default on my case. Are there other options? A party can file a motion requesting that the judge enter a Default on the case. The Court must comply with the Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) before entering a judicial default. It is strongly recommended that parties read the instructions on all Family Law Supreme Court Forms and, if necessary, seek legal advice.
My spouse and I just got divorced. We agreed that there would not be any child support, so why did the judge order it?
Child support is designed to benefit the minor child(ren) and the court must adhere to the Florida statutes when determining if child support is necessary in a case.
What is a Final Judgment?
A Final Judgment is an order signed by the judge finalizing the divorce. The Final Judgment should reflect the court’s decision about what has been requested in the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage such as division of assets, liabilities, child support, alimony, and timesharing.
These forms are confusing. I don't understand some of the words. Can someone help me fill them out?
I do not know how to obtain the forms and I don’t understand the legal process. Is there a free legal service that can assist me? If you do not understand the court rules and procedures or do not have the available resources to represent yourself then you can contact the Legal Information Center. For free help with filling out court-approved family law forms contact the Family Forms Clinic. For free legal advice and/or representation, for qualified applicants, contact Bay Area Legal Services.
What is the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course?
Pursuant to Section 61.21, Florida Statutes, each party who is the natural or legal parent of any minor child whose parental responsibility and/or timesharing is directly affected by the action must attend and successfully complete an approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course.
The last time I was in court, the judge said that if my ex does not comply with the order, I should let him know. How may I schedule an appointment to talk to the judge?
If either party does not comply with an Order by the Court, you may file an appropriate motion with the clerk of court (Hyperlink to packets) in your case. You must provide a copy of your motion to the opposing party. You may contact the Case management unit (when both parties are pro se) to schedule a hearing. The motion paperwork can be found online or at the Court Business Center/Copy Center at Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse.” A hyperlink to the Family Law Packets can be included.
How do I know which General Magistrate or Hearing Officer my case is assigned to?
CLICK HERE to view the GM/Hearing Officer Division Assignment Table.
Name Change FAQs
I want to change my child's name. Do I need the father/mother's permission?
The Non-Petitioning Parent must be notified with the Petition for Minor Name Change. Once notified, the Non-Petitioning Parent must file an Answer, or Consent to the Minor Name Change. The necessary forms can be found online, or at the Court Business Center/Copy Center, Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse. Family Law Packets
Why do I need to get the father's permission to change my child's name? He has never been a part of the child's life. I don't even know where he is.
Why do I need to get the other parent’s permission to change our child’s name? A parent has a legal right to be informed of any changes that may affect their children. The parent must be served with the Petition for Minor Name Change via Personal Service, or via Constructive Service if their whereabouts are unknown. It is strongly recommended that parties seek legal advice for further explanation regarding a parents rights. BALS LIC
These forms are confusing. I don't understand some of the words. Can someone help me fill them out?
I do not know how to obtain the forms and I don’t understand the legal process. Is there a free legal service that can assist me? If you do not understand the court rules and procedures or do not have the available resources to represent yourself then you can contact the Legal Information Center. For free help with filling out court-approved family law forms contact the Family Forms Clinic. For free legal advice and/or representation, for qualified applicants, contact Bay Area Legal Services.
How do I know which General Magistrate or Hearing Officer my case is assigned to?
CLICK HERE to view the GM/Hearing Officer Division Assignment Table.
Paternity FAQs
My significant other won't let me visit with my child. I'm willing to pay child support and I want to see my child. What can I do?
Parties seeking to establish paternity and create a timesharing schedule may file an appropriate petition. The paternity packets may be found online or at the Court Business Center/Copy Center,6th Floor, Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse. It is strongly recommended that the parties read the requirements for each of the packets to determine which applies to their case. Parties may also request assistance from the Department of Revenue to establish paternity and child support payments, but not timesharing. Family Law Packets
I just got served with paternity papers. What do I need to do?
The Respondent in a case must file an Answer within 20 days of service of the Petition. The packet for the answer paperwork can be found online or at the Center/Copy Center,6th Floor, Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse. If you do not understand, or are confused, about any of the papers that you have been served with it is strongly recommended that you seek legal advice. Family Law Packet List
Florida Courts Family Law Forms
My girlfriend is pregnant and she said she is leaving the State. What can I do?
It is strongly recommended that parents who are unsure about their rights to their future children should seek legal counsel. For free legal advice and/or representation, for qualified applicants, contact Bay Area Legal Services.
What is the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course?
Pursuant to Section 61.21, Florida Statutes, each party who is the natural or legal parent of any minor child whose parental responsibility and/or timesharing is directly affected by the action must attend and successfully complete an approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course.
These forms are confusing. I don't understand some of the words. Can someone help me fill them out?
I do not know how to obtain the forms and I don’t understand the legal process. Is there a free legal service that can assist me? If you do not understand the court rules and procedures or do not have the available resources to represent yourself then you can contact the Legal Information Center. For free help with filling out court-approved family law forms contact the Family Forms Clinic. For free legal advice and/or representation, for qualified applicants, contact Bay Area Legal Services.
How do I know which General Magistrate or Hearing Officer my case is assigned to?
CLICK HERE to view the GM/Hearing Officer Division Assignment Table.
Stepparent Adoption FAQs
Case Management does not review adoption cases and can only provide minimal updates on the case status. Adoptions are a complex matter; therefore, parties may benefit from seeking legal advice.
My spouse wants to adopt my child. How do we do that?
An appropriate petition must be filed and is available online or at the Court Business Center/Copy Center, 6th Floor, Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse. It is strongly recommended that parties read the packets thoroughly and seek legal counsel if needed. Family Law Packet List
These forms are confusing. I don't understand some of the words. Can someone help me fill them out?
I do not know how to obtain the forms and I don’t understand the legal process. Is there a free legal service that can assist me? If you do not understand the court rules and procedures or do not have the available resources to represent yourself then you can contact the Legal Information Center. For free help with filling out court-approved family law forms contact the Family Forms Clinic. For free legal advice and/or representation, for qualified applicants, contact Bay Area Legal Services
How do I know which General Magistrate or Hearing Officer my case is assigned to?
CLICK HERE to view the GM/Hearing Officer Division Assignment Table.
Time-Sharing FAQs
My significant other won't let me visit with my child. I'm willing to pay child support, but I want to be able to see my child. What can I do?
Parties seeking to establish paternity and create a timesharing schedule may file a Petition to Establish Paternity and for Related Relief. The paternity packets may be found online or at the Court Business Center/Copy Center,6th Floor, Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse. It is strongly recommended that the parties read the requirements for each of the packets to determine which applies to their case. Parties may also request assistance from the Department of Revenue to establish paternity and child support payments, but not timesharing. Family Law Packets.
The Hearing Officer ordered me to pay child support, yet I do not have visitation rights with my child. What can I do?
A Hearing Officer only has the authority to address child support issues. Parties seeking to establish a parental responsibility, a parenting plan, or a timesharing schedule may file a Petition to Establish Parental Responsibility and a Parenting Plan/Time Sharing Schedule. The packet may be found online or at the Court Business Center/Copy Center,6th Floor, Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse. It is strongly recommended that the parties read the requirements for the packet and seek legal advice if needed. Family Law Packet 32.
My grandchild's parents will not let me see him/her. What can I do? Don't grandparents have any rights?
Grandparents seeking visitation rights should seek legal advice regarding their rights. For free legal advice and/or representation, for qualified applicants, contact Bay Area Legal Services.
I don't care for the way my daughter is taking care of her child and I want to take custody. She and her spouse were divorced in Hillsborough County. How can I get custody?
If either parent is not in agreement to giving you custody it is strongly recommended that you seek the advice of an attorney to find out what your legal rights are before proceeding. If there is abuse, abandonment and/or neglect involving the child please contact the Department of Children & Families.
My Ex has legal custody of my child but the child is living with me. I want to get custody. How do I accomplish that?
An appropriate petition must be filed and served upon the opposing party before mediation can take place. If parties cannot come to an agreement, or the other party does not attend mediation, then you may obtain a hearing date. The packet to modify child support can be found online or can be purchased at the Court Business Center/Copy Center 6th Floor, Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse. Family Law Packet List.
I want to set a court date to get custody of my child because I know my spouse will not attempt mediation. Why can’t I just set a court date?
Mediation is a required step in all post judgment cases not involving the Department of Revenue. The parties must attempt to come to an agreement before a hearing can be set with the General Magistrate. General Magistrate Referral Assignment Table
My child's father keeps threatening to take my baby away. I want permanent custody. What do I need to do?
Parties seeking permanent custody, and who are not married to the opposing party, should file an appropriate petition. The paternity and parenting packets may be found online or at the Court Business Center/Copy Center,6th Floor, Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse. Parties are encouraged to read the requirements for each of the packets to determine which applies to their case. It is strongly recommended that parties seek legal advice for further explanation of their parental rights and possible remedies. For free legal advice and/or representation, for qualified applicants, contact Bay Area Legal Services. Family Law Packet List.
My boyfriend took my child and will not give him/her back to me. I called the Sheriff, but they said there is nothing they can do because I don't have a custody order. What can I do?
Parties wishing to establish custody over a minor child, or children, can file an appropriate petition. The paternity and packets may be found online or at the Court Business Center/Copy Center,6th Floor, Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse. Parties are encouraged to read the requirements for each of the packets to determine which applies to their case. It is strongly recommended that parties seek legal advice for further explanation of their parental rights and possible remedies. For free legal advice and/or representation, for qualified applicants, contact Bay Area Legal Services. Family Law Packet List.
I tried to pick my child up from visiting his/her grandparents and they won't give him/her back. What can I do?
It is strongly advised that you seek legal assistance or legal counsel. For free legal advice and/or representation, for qualified applicants, contact Bay Area Legal Services.
My spouse just picked my children up for visitation and left the state without my permission. He kidnapped them! The police won't help me and I can't afford an attorney. What can I do?
The Father/Mother of my children just picked them up for visitation and left the state without my permission. What can I do? Parties should contact the Office of the State Attorney, or local police, if the Father/Mother of their children left the state without your permission. It is strongly recommended that you seek legal advice, or counsel, to discuss your rights and possible courses of action.
I'm under 18, and I got my girlfriend pregnant. Now I've found out that her mother is planning to take my baby out of the state after it is born and put it up for adoption. I disagree with her decision, I want my child. What can I do to stop her?
Minors must have a parent or guardian file lawsuits on their behalf. It is strongly recommended that you and/or your parent/guardian seek the advice of an attorney before filing a lawsuit. If you do not understand the court rules and procedures or do not have the available resources to represent yourself then you can contact the Legal Information Center. For free help with filling out court-approved family law forms contact the Family Forms Clinic. For free legal advice and/or representation, for qualified applicants, contact Bay Area Legal Services.
I have a custody order from another state. My spouse took our child to Florida without my permission. How can I get my out-of-state order enforced?
You will need to file an appropriate petition. The petition, along with the other required forms, are available online or at the Court Business Center/Copy Center, Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse. You will also need to file a certified copy of your out-of-state order with the Petition. Family Law Packet List
These forms are confusing. I don't understand some of the words. Can someone help me fill them out?
I do not know how to obtain the forms and I don’t understand the legal process. Is there a free legal service that can assist me? If you do not understand the court rules and procedures or do not have the available resources to represent yourself then you can contact the Legal Information Center. For free help with filling out court-approved family law forms contact the Family Forms Clinic. For free legal advice and/or representation, for qualified applicants, contact Bay Area Legal Services.
How do I know which General Magistrate or Hearing Officer my case is assigned to?
CLICK HERE to view the GM/Hearing Officer Division Assignment Table.
What is the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course?
Pursuant to Section 61.21, Florida Statutes, each party who is the natural or legal parent of any minor child whose parental responsibility and/or timesharing is directly affected by the action must attend and successfully complete an approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course.
Additional FAQs
What is a Final Judgment?
A Final Judgment is an order signed by the judge finalizing the case. The Final Judgment should reflect the court’s decision about what has been requested in the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage such as division of assets, liabilities, child support, alimony, and timesharing.
What is a petition?
A Petition is a pleading, filed with the court, requesting that the judge make certain findings of law. Petitions are required to begin any new family law case.
What should my motion say?
A Motion should reflect what you are requesting the court to do and why the court should do it. Motions should be supported with evidence and applicable law. It is strongly recommended that you seek legal advice, or legal counsel, before filing your motion.
What is a General Magistrate and what do they do?
The General Magistrate acts in the capacity of the judge. The General Magistrate may hear post judgement cases, or Department of Revenue cases, and makes recommendations to the judge on how a case should proceed.
My spouse has been physically abusive toward me and I am afraid. What can I do?
Contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 276-8100 ext. 4356, or go to Room 101 of the Edgecomb Courthouse and request assistance in filing a Domestic Violence complaint. For more information from the Clerk's website, click here.
I want to dismiss the Domestic Violence Injunction against my spouse because he/she has promised never to do it again.
To Dismiss the Domestic Violence Injunction you must file an appropriate motion. The motion will be reviewed by the Judge and a decision made. Your personal appearance is required at the return hearing. If you and/or the respondent do not appear, the Temporary Injunction may be continued in force, extended, or dismissed, and/or additional orders may be granted. Forms are available to download online.” This reflects what is written in the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts DV FAQs.
Domestic Violence Forms
I just got served with this Injunction that says I have to be at a hearing this Thursday. I can't take time off of work. What will happen if I don't go? Should I file a written response?
If you have been served with an injunction for protection, you should attend the court hearing and bring any witnesses and evidence regarding your case.” This is the same as what the Clerk of Court has on the DV FAQs
I know my spouse will not attempt mediation, so there is no sense in trying. I just want to set a court date to get custody of my child. What do I need to do?
Mediation is a required step in all post judgment cases not involving the Department of Revenue. The parties must attempt to come to an agreement before a hearing can be set with the General Magistrate. S-2021-048 - General Magistrate Referral Assignment Table
What is mediation?
Mediation is an opportunity for the parties to reach an agreement before going to trial. A mediator, a neutral third party, meets with the parties and assists them in reaching an agreement on the issues. Mediation is not a hearing.
The last time I was in court, the judge said that if my ex does not comply with the order, I should let him know. I would like to make an appointment to talk to the judge.
An appropriate motion should be filed if a party is not complying with a judge’s order. Once the motion is filed, the case will be referred to Mediation to allow the parties to come to an agreement on their own. If Mediation is not successful, then a hearing will be set on the case. The Family Law packets can be found online or at the Court Business Center/Copy Center at Room 630 of the Edgecomb Courthouse. Family Law Packet List.
How do I schedule a court hearing?
For post judgment issues or for pre-judgment cases where one party is represented by an attorney: check the Judicial Directory for the judges preferred method of contact. Hearing dates must be coordinated with the other party, or the other party’s attorney, and the Judges Assistant (https://www.fljud13.org/CourtPrograms/DomesticRelationsCaseManagementUnit/AffiliatedDivisions.aspx)
For pre-judgment cases where both parties are self-represented (no attorneys): contact your case manager to request a court hearing. (https://www.fljud13.org/CourtPrograms/DomesticRelationsCaseManagementUnit/ContactUs.aspx)
I cannot find my spouse to be served with the petition for Dissolution of Marriage. What can I do?
Constructive Service is available when parties are unable to locate their spouse to effectuate Personal Service. Constructive Service is a very technical area of the law. As such, it is strongly recommended that parties seek legal advice if they wish to proceed with their case using Constructive Service. If you do not understand the court rules and procedures or do not have the available resources to represent yourself then you can contact the Legal Information Center. For free help with filling out court-approved family law forms contact the Family Forms Clinic. For free legal advice and/or representation, for qualified applicants, contact Bay Area Legal Services.