SECOND CORRECTED OPINION

PER CURIAM.

This matter is before the Court for consideration of proposed amendments to the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration and conforming amendments to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Florida Probate Rules, the Florida Rules of Traffic Court, the Florida Small Claims Rules, the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure, the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure, and the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure and Forms. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.

The chair of The Florida Bar Rules of Judicial Administration Committee (the RJA Committee), together with the committee chairs for each body of court rules identified above, filed an out-of-cycle report proposing new Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516 (Service of Pleadings and Documents), which would implement mandatory e-mail service for all cases in Florida. The committees also propose amendments to conform existing court rules to new rule 2.516. We adopt the amendments as proposed.

BACKGROUND

In June 2009, each of The Florida Bar's rules committees was asked to designate one of its members to serve on the Joint E-mail Service Committee (the Joint Committee), tasked to explore the possibility of a comprehensive proposal to implement e-mail service in Florida. In preparing its proposals, the Joint Committee determined that a single rule addressing e-mail service should be placed in the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. Accordingly, the RJA Committee developed new Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516 (Service of Pleadings and Papers). All of the rules committees have endorsed and approved this rule in concept.1 The rules committees also have proposed various amendments to conform the other bodies of court rules to rule 2.516. The Florida Bar Board of Governors approved the entire package of proposals by a vote of 36 to 3.

After the joint report was submitted to the Court, the proposals were published for comment. The Court received several comments from members of the Bar, as well as from the Florida Public Defender Association, the Judicial Technology Committee of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, the Family Law Rules Committee, and the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar. The RJA Committee, on behalf of all the rules committees, filed a response to these comments.

While this case was pending before the Court, the rules committees filed a joint out-of-cycle report proposing various rule amendments to implement mandatory electronic filing procedures in Florida courts. See In re Amends. to Fla. Rules of Civ. Pro., Fla. Rules of Jud. Admin., Fla. Rules of Crim. Pro., Fla. Probate Rules, Fla. Small Claims Rules, Fla. Rules of Juv. Pro., Fla. Rules of App. Pro., & Fla. Family Law Rules of Pro.—Electronic Filing, No. SC11-399 (Fla. Petition filed Feb. 28, 2011) (In re Electronic Filing). After the oral arguments in this case and in In re Electronic Filing, we determined that certain aspects of these cases warranted further examination. Accordingly, we directed the RJA Committee and the Florida Courts Technology Commission (FCTC) to convene a workgroup2 and submit a supplemental report addressing several specific areas of concern. See In re Electronic Filing, No. SC11-399 (Fla. order entered Dec. 6, 2011). As is relevant here, we directed the workgroup to address how the implementation plan (for the new electronic filing procedures) proposed in In re Electronic Filing would impact the electronic service requirements proposed here. The RJA Committee and the FCTC filed a supplemental report addressing this concern. There were no comments on the supplemental report.

After considering the original joint report, the comments filed, the issues discussed at oral argument, and the information provided in the supplemental report, we adopt new Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516 as well as the conforming amendments to the rules of procedure, as set forth below.

AMENDMENTS

The central rule adopted in this case is new Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516 (Service of Pleadings and Papers). This rule was modeled after current Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.080 (Service of Pleadings and Papers) and includes many of the same provisions and requirements for service. However, new rule 2.516 provides that all documents required or permitted to be served on another party must be served by e-mail. Under subdivision (b)(1) (Service by Electronic Mail ("e-mail")), upon appearing in a proceeding a lawyer must designate a primary e-mail address, and may designate up to two secondary e-mail addresses, for receiving service. Thereafter, service on the lawyer must be made by e-mail. The rule does permit several limited exceptions to this requirement. A lawyer may file a motion to be excused from e-mail service, demonstrating that he or she has no e-mail account and lacks access to the Internet at the lawyer's office.3 Similarly, individuals who are not represented by an attorney may designate an e-mail address for service if they wish; however, pro se litigants are not required to use e-mail service. Additionally, applications for witness subpoenas and documents served by formal notice or required to be served in the manner provided for service of formal notice are not required to comply with rule 2.516.

Subdivision (b)(1) also includes provisions addressing the time and format for e-mail service. Service by e-mail is deemed complete when the e-mail is sent.4 Additionally, e-mail service is made by attaching a copy of the document to be served in PDF format to an e-mail. The e-mail must contain the subject line "SERVICE OF COURT DOCUMENT" in all capital letters, followed by the case number of the relevant proceeding. The body of the e-mail must identify the court in which the proceeding is pending, the case number, the name of the initial party on each side, the title of each document served with that e-mail, and the sender's name and telephone number. The e-mail and attachments together may not exceed 5 megabytes in size; e-mails that exceed the size requirement must be divided into separate e-mails (no one of which may exceed 5 megabytes) and labeled sequentially in the subject line.

As noted, the other subdivisions in rule 2.516 closely track the language in rule 1.080, modified to reflect the move to e-mail service. Subdivision (c) (Service; Numerous Defendants) describes procedures for service when the parties are "unusually numerous"; subdivision (d) (Filing) requires that all original documents must be filed with the court either before service on the opposing party or immediately thereafter; and subdivision (e) (Filing Defined) states that documents are deemed "filed" when they are filed with the clerk of court. Subdivisions (g) (Service by Clerk) and (h) (Service of Orders) address service of notices or other such documents by the clerk, and service of orders or judgments entered by the court, respectively. These subdivisions authorize, but do not require, the clerks and the courts to utilize e-mail service if they are equipped to do so.

In addition to new rule 2.516, we also amend the rules of procedure to delete existing provisions in the rules describing service, and add new language referencing rule 2.516.

IMPLEMENTATION

As originally proposed in the joint report, rule 2.516 was intended to be both mandatory and uniform, such that e-mail service would be mandatory in all types of cases in Florida. The rules committees also urged the Court to make e-mail service mandatory as soon as practicable.

The Criminal Procedure Rules Committee (CPR Committee) and the Florida Public Defender Association (FPDA) have raised concerns about the move to mandatory e-mail service in criminal cases. The CPR Committee and the FPDA asserted that, until the Court adopts an electronic filing rule, lawyers in the offices of the state attorneys, public defenders, and regional counsel will be required to serve paper documents to the court and electronic copies of the same documents on opposing counsel. The commenters also maintained that the public defenders, state attorneys, and regional counsel have limited budgets which may not be able to support the costs required to immediately upgrade technology and train personnel in order to meet the new requirements.

In the supplemental report submitted to the Court, the workgroup (which included representatives from the both the CPR Committee and FPDA) further clarified this concern. The workgroup recommended that attorneys who practice in the criminal, traffic, and juvenile court systems should be permitted, but not required, to follow e-mail service procedures. It suggested that mandatory e-mail service for practitioners in the criminal, traffic, and juvenile divisions should be delayed until electronic filing is mandatory for this group. See Joint Supplemental Report at 15 (Mar. 6, 2012) (on file with the Court in Case Nos. SC10-2101 and SC11-399).

We accept the workgroup's recommendation to delay mandatory e-mail service in the criminal, traffic, and juvenile divisions of the trial court until electronic filing is also mandatory in these divisions. Accordingly, the rule amendments that we adopt in this case will become effective September 1, 2012, at 12:01 a.m.; however, they will be implemented as set forth in this opinion.

First, e-mail service will be mandatory for attorneys practicing in the civil, probate, small claims, and family law divisions of the trial courts, as well as in all appellate cases, when the rule amendments take effect on September 1, 2012.

Second, when the rules take effect on September 1, attorneys practicing in the criminal, traffic, and juvenile divisions5 of the trial court may voluntarily choose to serve documents by e-mail under the new procedures, or they may continue to operate under the existing rules. E-mail service will be mandatory for attorneys practicing in these divisions on October 1, 2013, at 12:01 a.m. (the date on which electronic filing will be mandatory in these divisions). See In re Electronic Filing, No. SC11-399, slip op. at 22 (Fla. June 21, 2012).

Finally, we note that, pursuant to rule 2.516(b)(1), self-represented parties involved in any type of case in any Florida court, may, but are not required to, serve documents by e-mail. Attorneys excused from e-mail service are also not obligated to comply with the new e-mail service requirements.

CONCLUSION

Accordingly, we adopt new Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516, and amend the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Florida Probate Rules, the Florida Rules of Traffic Court, the Florida Small Claims Rules, the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure, the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure, and the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure as set forth in the appendix to this opinion. New language is indicated by underscoring; deletions are indicated by struck-through type. The committee notes are offered for explanation only and are not adopted as an official part of the rules.

We also amend the Family Law Forms as set forth in the appendix to this opinion, fully engrossed and ready for use on the effective date of the amendments. The forms can be accessed and downloaded from this Court's website at www.flcourts.org/gen_public/family/forms_rules/index.shtml. By adopting the amended forms, we express no opinion as to their correctness or applicability. As set forth above, the amendments to the rules and forms shall become effective September 1, 2012, at 12:01 a.m.

It is so ordered.

CANADY, C.J, and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, POLSTON, LABARGA, and PERRY, JJ., concur.

THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS.

APPENDIX

RULE 1.080. SERVICE OF PLEADINGS, AND PAPERS ORDERS, AND DOCUMENTS

(a) Service; When Required.Unless the court otherwise orders, every pleading subsequent to the initial pleading and every other paper filed in the action, except applications for witness subpoena, shall be served on each party. No service need be made on parties against whom a default has been entered, except that pleadings asserting new or additional claims against them shall be served in the manner provided for service of summons.

(b) Service; How Made. When service is required or permitted to be made upon a party represented by an attorney, service shall be made upon the attorney unless service upon the party is ordered by the court. Service on the attorney or party shall be made by delivering a copy or mailing it to the attorney or the party at the last known address or, if no address is Renown, by leaving it with the clerk of the court. Service by mail shall be complete upon mailing. Delivery of a copy within this rule shall be complete upon: (1) handing it to the attorney or to the party, (2) leaving it at the attorney's or party's office with a clerk or other person in charge thereof, (3) if there is no one in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous place therein, (4) if the office is closed or the person to be served has no office, leaving it at the person's usual place of abode with some person of his or her family above 15 years of age and informing such person of the contents, or (5) transmitting it by facsimile to the attorney's or party's office with a cover sheet containing the sender's name, firm, address, telephone number, and facsimile number, and the number of pages transmitted. When service is made by facsimile, a copy shall also be served by any other method permitted by this rule. Facsimile service occurs when transmission is complete. Service by delivery shall be deemed complete on the date of the deliver.

(c) Service; Numerous Defendants.In actions when the parties are unusually numerous, the court may regulate the service contemplated by these rules on motion or on its initiative in such manner as may be found to be just and reasonable.

(d) Filing.All original papers shall be filed with the court either before service or immediately thereafter, unless otherwise provided for by general law or other rules. If the original of any bond or other paper is not placed in the court file, a certified copy shall be so placed by the clerk.

(e) Filing Defined.The filing of papers with the court as required by these rules shall be made by filing them with the clerk, except that the judge may permit papers to be filed with the judge, in which event the judge shall note the filing date before him or her on the papers and transmit them to the clerk. The date of filing is that shown on the face of the paper by the judge's notation or the clerk's time stamp, whichever is earlier.

(f) Certificate of Service.hen any attorney shall certify in substance:

"I certify that a copy hereof has been furnished to (here insert name or names) by (delivery) (mail) (fax) on.....(date)......

the certificate shall be taken as prima facie proof of such service in compliance with these rules.

(g) Service by Clerk.If a party who is not represented by an attorney files a paper that does not show service of a copy on other parties, the clerk shall sere a copy of it on other parties as provided in subdivision (b).

(h) Service of Orders.

(1) A copy of all orders or judgments shall be transmitted by the court or under its direction to all parties at the time of entry of the order or judgment. No service need be made on parties against whom a default has been entered except orders setting an action for trial as prescribed in rule 1.110(c) and final judgments that shall be prepared and served as provided in subdivision (h)(2). The court may require that orders or judgments be prepared by a party, may require the party to furnish the court with stamped, addressed envelopes for service of the order or judgment, and may require that proposed orders and judgments be furnished to all parties before entry by the court of the order or judgment.

(2) When a final judgment is entered against a party in default, the court shall mail a conformed copy of it to the party. The party in whose favor the judgment is entered shall furnish the court with a copy of the judgment, unless it is prepared by the court, and the address of the party to be served. If the address is unknown, the copy need not be furnished.

(3) This subdivision is directory and a failure to comply with it does not affect the order or judgment or its finality or any proceedings arising in the action.

Committee Notes

1971 Amendment.Subdivision (g) is added to cover the situation when a party responds by a letter to the clerk and the letter may constitute the party's answer. The clerk is then required to furnish copies to parties who have appeared in the action and who are not shown to have received copies. It is not intended to apply to those litigious persons appearing in proper person who are familiar with the requirements of the rules. Subdivision (h) is added and the first part regulates the service of copies of orders. When a party is charged with preparation of an order, it requires service of the proposed form on other parties and delivery of sufficient copies to the court to be conformed and furnished to all parties after entry The second part is intended to notify defendant whose address is known of the determination of the action by the court. Failure to comply with either part of subdivision (h) does not affect the order or judgment in any manner.

1972 Amendment.Subdivision (h) is amended because confusion has resulted in its application. Use of the term "party" has been misconstrued. It must be read in conjunction with subdivision (b) of the rule. When service can be made on an attorney, it should be made on the attorney. The term "party" is used throughout the rules because subdivision (b) makes the necessary substitution of the party's attorney throughout the rules. No certificate of service is required. The notation with the names of the persons served with a proposed form is not to be signed. The committee intended for the court to know who had been served only. Otherwise, the committee would have used the form of certificate of service in subdivision (f). Submission of copies and mailing of them by the court has proved cumbersome in practice and so it is deleted. The purpose of the rule was to ensure that all parties had an opportunity to see the proposed form before entry by the court.

1976 Amendment.The amendment made to this rule on July 26, 1972, was intended according to the committee notes "[t]o assure that all parties had an opportunity to see the proposed form before entry by the Court." This change followed on the heels of the 1971 amendment, which the committee felt had been confusing. Two changes have been made to subdivision (h)(1), which have resulted in a wholesale redrafting of the rule. First, the provision requiring the submission of proposed orders to all counsel prior to entry by the court has been deleted, any inaccuracies in an order submitted to the court being remediable either by the court's own vigilance or later application by an interested party. Secondly, the rule now requires that conformed copies of any order entered by the court must be mailed to all parties of record in all instances (and to defaulted parties in 2 specified instances), for purposes of advising them of the date of the court's action as well as the substance of such action. Nothing in this new rule is meant to limit the power of the court to delegate the ministerial function of preparing orders.

1992 Amendment.Subdivisions (b) and (f) are amended to allow service pursuant to this rule to be made by facsimile. "Facsimile" or "fax" is a copy of a paper transmitted by electronic means to a printer receiving the transmission at a designated telephone number. When service is made by facsimile or fax, a second copy must be served by any other method permitted by this rule to ensure that a legible copy is received.

Court Commentary

1984 Amendment.The committee is recommending an amendment to rule 1.530(b) to cure the confusion created by Casto v. Casta, 404 So.2d 1016 (Fla. 4th DCA 1980). That recommendation requires an amendment to rule 1.080(e) specifying that the date of filing is that shown on the face of the paper.

Every pleading subsequent to the initial pleading and every other document filed in the action must be served in conformity with the requirements of Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

RULE 1.170. COUNTERCLAIMS AND CROSSCLAIMS

(a)-(f) [No Change]

(g) Crossclaim against Co-Party. A pleading may state as a crossclaim any claim by one party against a co-party arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of either the original action or a counterclaim therein, or relating to any property that is the subject matter of the original action. The crossclaim may include a claim that the party against whom it is asserted is or may be liable to the crossclaimant for all or part of a claim asserted in the action against the crossclaimant. Service of a crossclaim on a party who has appeared in the action shall be made pursuant to rule 1.080(b). Service of a crossclaim against a party who has not appeared in the action shall be made in the manner provided for service of summons.

(h)-(j) [No Change]

Committee Notes

1972-1988 Amendments. [No Change]

2012 Amendment. Subdivision (g) is amended to reflect the relocation of the service rule from rule 1.080 to Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516.

RULE 1.351. PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS AND THINGS WITHOUT DEPOSITION

(a) [No Change]

(b) Procedure. A party desiring production under this rule shall serve notice as provided in rule 1.080 on every other party of the intent to serve a subpoena under this rule at least 10 days before the subpoena is issued if service is by delivery and 15 days before the subpoena is issued if the service is by mail or e-mail. The proposed subpoena shall be attached to the notice and shall state the time, place, and method for production of the documents or things, and the name and address of the person who is to produce the documents or things, if known, and if not known, a general description sufficient to identify the person or the particular class or group to which the person belongs; shall include a designation of the items to be produced; and shall state that the person who will be asked to produce the documents or things has the right to object to the production under this rule and that the person will not be required to surrender the documents or things. A copy of the notice and proposed subpoena shall not be furnished to the person upon whom the subpoena is to be served. If any party serves an objection to production under this rule within 10 days of service of the notice, the documents or things shall not be produced pending resolution of the objection in accordance with subdivision (d).

(c)-(f) [No Change]

Committee Notes

1980 Adoption. [No Change]

1996-2010 Amendments. [No Change]

2012 Amendment. Subdivision (b) is amended to include e-mail service as provided in Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516.

RULE 1.410. SUBPOENA

(a)-(b) [No Change]

(c) For Production of Documentary Evidence. A subpoena may also command the person to whom it is directed to produce the books, papers, documents, or tangible things designated therein, but the court, upon motion made promptly and in any event at or before the time specified in the subpoena for compliance therewith, may (1) quash or modify the subpoena if it is unreasonable and oppressive, or (2) condition denial of the motion upon the advancement by the person in whose behalf the subpoena is issued of the reasonable cost of producing the books, papers, documents, or tangible things. A party seeking production of evidence at trial which would be subject to a subpoena may compel such production by serving a notice to produce such evidence on an adverse party as provided in rule 1.080(b). Such notice shall have the same effect and be subject to the same limitations as a subpoena served on the party.

(d)-(h) [No Change]

Committee Notes

1972-1996 Amendments. [No Change]

2012 Amendment. Subdivision (c) is amended to reflect the relocation of the service rule from rule 1.080 to Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516.

RULE 1.440. SETTING ACTION FOR TRIAL

(a)-(b) [No Change]

(c) Setting for Trial. If the court finds the action ready to be set for trial, it shall enter an order fixing a date for trial. Trial shall be set not less than 30 days from the service of the notice for trial. By giving the same notice the court may set an action for trial. In actions in which the damages are not liquidated, the order setting an action for trial shall be served on parties who are in default in accordance with rule 1.080(a).

(d) [No Change]

Committee Notes

1972-1988 Amendments. [No Change]

2012 Amendment. Subdivision (c) is amended to reflect the relocation of the service rule from rule 1.080 to Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516.

Court Commentary

[No Change]

RULE 1.442. PROPOSALS FOR SETTLEMENT

(a)-(b) [No Change]

(c) Form and Content of Proposal for Settlement.

(1) [No Change]

(2) A proposal shall:

(A)-(F) [No Change]

(G) include a certificate of service in the form required by rule 1.080(f).

(3)-(1) [No Change]

(d)-(j) [No Change]

Committee Notes

1996-2000 Amendments. [No Change]

2012 Amendment. Subdivision (c)(2)(G) is amended to reflect the relocation of the service rule from rule 1.080 to Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516.

RULE 1.510. SUMMARY JUDGMENT

(a)-(b) [No Change]

(c) Motion and Proceedings Thereon. The motion shall state with particularity the grounds upon which it is based and the substantial matters of law to be argued and shall specifically identify any affidavits, answers to interrogatories, admissions, depositions, and other materials as would be admissible in evidence ("summary judgment evidence") on which the movant relies. The movant shall serve the motion at least 20 days before the time fixed for the hearing, and shall also serve at that time a copy of any summary judgment evidence on which the movant relies that has not already been filed with the court. The adverse party shall identify, by notice mailed to the movant's attorney served pursuant to rule 1.080 at least 5 days prior to the day of the hearing, or delivered no later than 5:00 p.m. 2 business days prior to the day of the hearing, any summary judgment evidence on which the adverse party relies. To the extent that summary judgment evidence has not already been filed with the court, the adverse party shall serve a copy on the movant by mail at least 5 days prior to the day of the hearing, or by delivery to the movant's attorney no later than 5:00 p.m. 2 business days prior to the day of hearing. The judgment sought shall be rendered forthwith if the pleadings and summary judgment evidence on file show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. A summary judgment, interlocutory in character, may be rendered on the issue of liability alone although there is a genuine issue as to the amount of damages.

(d)-(g) [No Change]

Committee Notes

1976-2005 Amendments. [No Change]

2012 Amendment. Subdivision (c) is amended to reflect the relocation of the service rule from rule 1.080 to Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516.

RULE 1.630. EXTRAORDINARY REMEDIES

(a)-(c) [No Change]

(d) Process. If the complaint shows a prima facie case for relief, the court shall issue:

(1) a summons in certiorari;

(2) an order nisi in prohibition;

(3) an alternative writ in mandamus that may incorporate the complaint by reference only;

(4) a writ of quo warranto; or

(5) a writ of habeas corpus.

The writ shall be served in the manner prescribed by law, except the summons in certiorari shall be served as provided in rule 1.080(b).

(e) [No Change]

Committee Note

2012 Amendment. Subdivision (d)(5) is amended to reflect the relocation of the service rule from rule 1.080 to Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516.

Court Commentary

[No Change]

RULE 2.515. SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEYS AND PARTIES

(a) Attorney Signature. Every pleading and other paper of a party represented by an attorney shall be signed by at least 1 attorney of record in that attorney's individual name whose current record Florida Bar address, telephone number, including area code, primary e-mail address and secondary e-mail addresses, if any, and Florida Bar number shall be stated, and who shall be duly licensed to practice law in Florida or who shall have received permission to appear in the particular case as provided in rule 2.510. The attorney may be required by the court to give the address of, and to vouch for the attorney's authority to represent, the party. Except when otherwise specifically provided by an applicable rule or statute, pleadings need not be verified or accompanied by affidavit. The signature of an attorney shall constitute a certificate by the attorney that the attorney has read the pleading or other paper; that to the best of the attorney's knowledge, information, and belief there is good ground to support it; and that it is not interposed for delay. If a pleading is not signed or is signed with intent to defeat the purpose of this rule, it may be stricken and the action may proceed as though the pleading or other paper had not been served.

(b)-(c) [No Change]

RULE 2.516 SERVICE OF PLEADINGS AND DOCUMENTS

(a) Service; When Required. Unless the court otherwise orders, or a statute or supreme court administrative order specifies a different means of service, every pleading subsequent to the initial pleading and every other document filed in any court proceeding, except applications for witness subpoenas and documents served by formal notice or required to be served in the manner provided for service of formal notice, must be served in accordance with this rule on each party. No service need be made on parties against whom a default has been entered, except that pleadings asserting new or additional claims against them must be served in the manner provided for service of summons.

(b) Service; How Made. When service is required or permitted to be made upon a party represented by an attorney, service must be made upon the attorney unless service upon the party is ordered by the court.

(1) Service by Electronic Mail (—e-mail"). All documents required or permitted to be served on another party must be served by e-mail, unless this rule otherwise provides. When, in addition to service by e-mail, the sender also utilizes another means of service provided for in subdivision (b)(2), any differing time limits and other provisions applicable to that other means of service control.

(A) Service on Attorneys. Upon appearing in a proceeding, an attorney must serve a designation of a primary e-mail address and may designate no more than two secondary e-mail addresses. Thereafter, service must be directed to all designated e-mail addresses in that proceeding. Every document filed by an attorney thereafter must include the primary e-mail address of that attorney and any secondary e-mail addresses. If an attorney does not designate any e-mail address for service, documents may be served on that attorney at the e-mail address on record with The Florida Bar.

(B) Exception to E-mail Service on Attorneys. Service by an attorney on another attorney must be made by e-mail unless excused by the court. Upon motion by an attorney demonstrating that the attorney has no e-mail account and lacks access to the Internet at the attorney's office, the court may excuse the attorney from the requirements of e-mail service. Service on and by an attorney excused by the court from e-mail service must be by the means provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this rule.

(C) Service on and by Parties Not Represented by an Attorney. Any party not represented by an attorney may serve a designation of a primary e-mail address and also may designate no more than two secondary e-mail addresses to which service must be directed in that proceeding by the means provided in subdivision (b)(1) of this rule. If a party not represented by an attorney does not designate an e-mail address for service in a proceeding, service on and by that party must be by the means provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this rule.

(D) Time of Service. Service by e-mail is complete when it is sent.

(i) An e-mail is deemed served on the date it is sent.

(ii) If the sender learns that the e-mail did not reach the address of the person to be served, the sender must immediately send another copy by e-mail, or by a means authorized by subdivision (b)(2) of this rule.

(iii) E-mail service is treated as service by mail for the computation of time.

(E) Format of E-mail for Service. Service of a document by e-mail is made by attaching a copy of the document in PDF format to an e-mail sent to all addresses designated by the attorney or party.

(i) All documents served by e-mail must be attached to an e-mail message containing a subject line beginning with the words "SERVICE OF COURT DOCUMENT" in all capital letters, followed by the case number of the proceeding in which the documents are being served.

(ii) The body of the e-mail must identify the court in which the proceeding is pending, the case number, the name of the initial party on each side, the title of each document served with that e-mail, and the sender's name and telephone number.

(iii) Any document served by e-mail may be signed by the "/s/" format, as long as the filed original is signed in accordance with the applicable rule of procedure.

(iv) Any e-mail which, together with its attached documents, exceeds five megabytes (5MB) in size, must be divided and sent as separate e-mails, no one of which may exceed 5MB in size and each of which must be sequentially numbered in the subject line.

(2) Service by Other Means. In addition to, and not in lieu of, service by e-mail, service may also be made upon attorneys by any of the means specified in this subdivision (b)(2). Service on and by all parties who are not represented by an attorney and who do not designate an e-mail address, and on and by all attorneys excused from e-mail service, must be made by delivering a copy of the document or by mailing it to the party or attorney at their last known address or, if no address is known, by leaving it with the clerk of the court. Service by mail is complete upon mailing. Delivery of a copy within this rule is complete upon:

(A) handing it to the attorney or to the party,

(B) leaving it at the attorney's or party's office with a clerk or other person in charge thereof,

(C) if there is no one in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous place therein,

(D) if the office is closed or the person to be served has no office, leaving it at the person's usual place of abode with some person of his or her family above 15 years of age and informing such person of the contents, or

(E) transmitting it by facsimile to the attorney's or party's office with a cover sheet containing the sender's name, firm, address, telephone number, and facsimile number, and the number of pages transmitted. When service is made by facsimile, a copy must also be served by any other method permitted by this rule. Facsimile service occurs when transmission is complete.

(F) Service by delivery after 5:00 p.m. must be deemed to have been made by mailing on the date of delivery.

(c) Service; Numerous Defendants. In actions when the parties are unusually numerous, the court may regulate the service contemplated by these rules on motion or on its own initiative in such manner as may be found to be just and reasonable.

(d) Filing. All original documents must be filed with the court either before service or immediately thereafter, unless otherwise provided for by general law or other rules. If the original of any bond or other document is not placed in the court file, a certified copy must be so placed by the clerk.

(e) Filing Defined. The filing of documents with the court as required by these rules must be made by filing them with the clerk, except that the judge may permit documents to be filed with the judge, in which event the judge must note the filing date before him or her on the documents and transmit them to the clerk.

The date of filing is that shown on the face of the document by the judge's notation or the clerk's time stamp, whichever is earlier.

(f) Certificate of Service. When any attorney certifies in substance:

"I certify that a copy hereof has been furnished to (here insert name or names and addresses used for service) by (e-mail) (delivery) (mail) (fax) on..... (date).....

the certificate is taken as prima facie proof of such service in compliance with this rule.

(g) Service by Clerk. Service of notices and other documents required to be made by the clerk must also be done as provided in subdivision (b).

(h) Service of Orders.

(1) A copy of all orders or judgments must be transmitted by the court or under its direction to all parties at the time of entry of the order or judgment. No service need be made on parties against whom a default has been entered except orders setting an action for trial and final judgments that must be prepared and served as provided in subdivision (h)(2). The court may require that orders or judgments be prepared by a party, may require the party to furnish the court with stamped, addressed envelopes for service of the order or judgment, and may require that proposed orders and judgments be furnished to all parties before entry by the court of the order or judgment. The court may serve any order or judgment by e-mail to all attorneys who have not been excused from e-mail service and to all parties not represented by an attorney who have designated an e-mail address for service.

(2) When a final judgment is entered against a party in default, the court must mail a conformed copy of it to the party. The party in whose favor the judgment is entered must furnish the court with a copy of the judgment, unless it is prepared by the court, with the address of the party to be served. If the address is unknown, the copy need not be furnished.

(3) This subdivision is directory and a failure to comply with it does not affect the order or judgment, its finality, or any proceedings arising in the action.

RULE 3.030. SERVICE OF PLEADINGS AND PAPERS

(a) Service; When Required. Every pleading subsequent to the initial indictment or information on which a defendant is to be tried unless the court otherwise orders, and every order not entered in open court, every written motion unless it is one about which a hearing ex parte is authorized, and every written notice, demand, and similar paper shall be served on each party in conformity with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516; however, nothing herein shall be construed to require that a plea of not guilty shall be in writing.

(b) Same; How Made. When service is required or permitted to be made on a party represented by an attorney, the service shall be made on the attorney unless service on the party is ordered by the court. Service on the attorney or on a party shall be made by delivering a copy to the party or by mailing it to the party's last known address, or, if no address is known, by leaving it with the clerk of the court who shall place it in the court file. Delivery of a copy within this rule shall mean:

(1) handing it to the attorney or to the party; or

(2) leaving it at the attorney's office with the secretary or other person in charge; or

(3) if there is no one in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous place therein; or

(4) if the office is closed or the person to be served has no office, leaving it at the person's usual place of abode with a family member above 15 years of age and informing that person of the contents. Service by mail shall be considered complete upon mailing; or

(5) transmitting it electronically to each party with a cover sheet indicating the sender's name, bar number, firm, address, telephone number, facsimile or modem number, and the number of pages transmitted. Electronic service occurs when transmission of the last page is complete. Service by delivery or electronic transmission after 5:00 p.m. shall be deemed to have been made on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

(c) Filing. All original papers, copies of which are required to be served on parties, must be filed with the court either before service or immediately thereafter.

(d) Filing with the Court Defined. The filing of pleadings and other papers with the court as required by these rules shall be made by filing them with the clerk of the court, except that the judge may permit the papers to be filed with him or her, in which event the judge shall note thereon the filing date and transmit them to the office of the clerk. Unless any rule expressly provides to the contrary, filing of pleadings and other papers with the court may be made by electronic transmission provided for and in accordance with the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration.

(e) Certificate of Service. When any attorney shall in substance certify:

I do certify that a copy (copies) hereof (has) (have) been furnished to (here insert name or names) by (delivery) (mail) on.....(date)......

the certificate shall be taken as prima facie proof of service in compliance with all rules of court and law.

Committee Notes

[No Change]

RULE 3.070. ADDITIONAL TIME AFTER SERVICE BY MAIL OR ELECTRONIC MAIL

Whenever a party has the right or is required to do some act or take some proceedings within a prescribed period after the service of a notice or other paper on the party and the notice or paper is served on the party by mail or electronic mail, 3 days shall be added to the prescribed period.

Committee Notes

[No Change]

RULE 3.852. CAPITAL POSTCONVICTION PUBLIC RECORDS PRODUCTION

(a)-(b) [No Change]

(c) Filing and Service.

(d)-(m) [No Change]

RULE 5.030. ATTORNEYS

(a)-(c) [No Change]

Committee Notes

[No Change]

Rule History

RULE 5.040. NOTICE

(a) [No Change]

(b) Informal Notice. When informal notice of a petition or other proceeding is required or permitted, it shall be served as provided in rule 5.041(b).

(c)-(d) [No Change]

Committee Notes

[No Change]

Rule History

Statutory References

Rule References

Fla. Prob. R. 5.025 Adversary proceedings.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.030 Attorneys.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papers documents.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.042 Time.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.060 Request for notices and copies of pleadings.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.180 Waiver and consent.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.560 Petition for appointment of guardian of an incapacitated person.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.649 Guardian advocate.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.681 Restoration of rights of person with developmental disability.

Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.505 Attorneys.

Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents.

Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.070 Process.

Fla. R. Civ. P. Form 1.902 Summons.

RULE 5.041. SERVICE OF PLEADINGS AND PAPERS DOCUMENTS

(a) Service; When Required. Unless the court orders otherwise, every petition or motion for an order determining rights of an interested person, and every other pleading or paper document filed in the particular proceeding which is the subject matter of such petition or motion, except applications for witness subpoenas, shall be served on interested persons as set forth in Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516 unless these rules, the Florida Probate Code, or the Florida Guardianship Law provides otherwise. No service need be made on interested persons against whom a default has been entered, or against whom the matter may otherwise proceed ex parte, unless a new or additional right or demand is asserted. For purposes of this rule an interested person shall be deemed a party under rule 2.516.

(b) Service; How Made. When service is required or permitted to be made on an interested person represented by an attorney, service shall be made on the attorney unless service on the interested person is ordered by the court. Except when serving formal notice, or when serving a motion, pleading, or other paper in the manner provided for service of formal notice, service shall be made by delivering or mailing a copy of the motion, pleading, or other paper to the attorney or interested person at the last known address or, if no address is known, leaving it with the clerk of the court. If the interested person is a minor whose disabilities of nonage are not removed, and who is not represented by an attorney, then service shall be on the persons designated to accept service of process on a minor under chapter 18, Florida Statutes. Service by mail shall be complete upon mailing except when serving formal notice or when making service in the manner of formal notice. Delivery of a copy within this rule shall be complete upon

(1) handing it to the attorney or to the interested person; or

(2) leaving it at the attorney's or interested person's office with a clerk or other person in charge thereof; or

(3) if there is no one in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous place therein; or

(4) if the office is closed or the person to be served has no office, leaving it at the person's usual place of abode with some person of his or her family above 15 years of age and informing that person of the contents; or

(5) transmitting it by facsimile to the attorney's or interested person's office with a cover sheet containing the sender's name, firm, address, telephone number, facsimile number, and the number of pages transmitted. When delivery is made by facsimile, a copy shall also be served by any other method permitted by this rule. Facsimile delivery occurs when transmission is complete.

Service by delivery after 1:00 p.m. shall be deemed to have been made on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

(c) Service; Numerous Interested Persons. In proceedings when the interested persons are unusually numerous, the court may regulate the service contemplated by these rules on motion or on its initiative in a manner as may be found to be just and reasonable.

(d) Filing. All original papers shall be filed either before service or immediately thereafter. If the original of any bond or other paper is not placed in the court file, a certified copy shall be so placed by the clerk.

(e) Filing With Court Defined. The filing of papers with the court as required by these rules shall be made by filing them with the clerk, except that the judge may permit the papers to be filed with the judge in which event the judge shall note the filing date and transmit the papers to the clerk. The date of filing is that shown on the face of each paper by the judge's notation or the clerk's time stamp, whichever is earlier.

(f) Certificate of Service. When any attorney shall certify in substance:

"I certify that a copy hereof has been served on (here insert name or names) by (delivery) (mail) (fax) on (date).

the certificate shall be taken as prima facie proof of service in compliance with these rules except in case of formal notice or service in the manner of formal notice. A person not represented by an attorney shall certify in the same manner, but the certificate must be verified.

(g) Service of Orders.

(1) A copy of all orders or judgments determining rights of an interested person shall be transmitted by the court or under its direction at the time of entry of the order or judgment to all interested persons in the particular proceeding.

(2) This subdivision (g) is directory, and a failure to comply with it does not affect the order or judgment or its finality.

Committee Notes

[No Change]

Rule History

1981-2010 Revisions: [No Change]

2012 Revision: Portions of subdivision (b) and all of subdivisions (d), (e), (f), and (g) deleted in response to creation of Rule 2.516 of the Rules of Judicial Administration. Committee notes revised.

Statutory References

[No Change]

Rule References

Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.025 Adversary proceedings.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.030 Attorneys.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.042 Time.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.150(c) Order requiring accounting.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.180 Waiver and consent.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.240(a) Notice of administration.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.340(d) Inventory.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.550 Petition to determine incapacity.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.560 Petition for appointment of guardian of an incapacitated person.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.649 Guardian advocate.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.681 Restoration of rights of person with developmental disability.

Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.080 Service of pleadings and papers.

Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.505 Attorneys.

Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents.

RULE 5.060. REQUEST FOR NOTICES AND COPIES OF PLEADINGS

(a)-(b) [No Change]

Committee Notes

Rule History

1975-2010 Revisions: [No Change]

2012 Revision: Committee notes revised.

Statutory References

[No Change]

Rule References

Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papers documents.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.340 Inventory.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.341 Estate information.

Fla. R. Rid. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents.

RULE 5.120. ADMINISTRATOR AD LITEM AND GUARDIAN AD LITEM

(a) — (b) [No Change]

(c) Notice. Within 10 days after appointment, the petitioner shall deliver or mailserve conformed copies of the petition for appointment of a guardian ad litem and order to any guardian, or if there is no guardian, to the living natural guardians or the living natural guardian having legal custody of the minor, person with a developmental disability, or incapacitated person.

(d) Report. The guardian ad litem shall deliver or mailserve conformed copies of any written report or finding of the guardian ad litem's investigation and answer filed in the proceedings, petition for compensation and discharge, and the notice of hearing on the petition to any guardian, or in the event that there is no guardian, to the living natural guardians or the living natural guardian having legal custody of the minor, person with a developmental disability, or incapacitated person.

(e) Service of Petition and Order. Within 10 days after appointment, the petitioner for an administrator ad litem shall deliver or mail serve conformed copies of the petition for appointment and order to the attorney of record of each beneficiary and to each known beneficiary not represented by an attorney of record.

(f)-(g) [No Change]

Committee Notes

Rule History

1977-2008 Revisions: [No Change]

2012 Revision: The phrase —deliver or mail" in subdivisions (c), (d), and (e) has been replaced with the word —serve" to comply with other rules relating to service of pleadings and documents. Committee notes revised.

Statutory References

[No Change]

Rule References

Fla. Prob. R. 5.011 Service of pleadings and documents.

Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents.

RULE 5.200. PETITION FOR ADMINISTRATION

The petition for administration shall be verified by the petitioner and shall contain:

(a)-(j) [No Change]

Committee Notes

Rule History

1977-2011 Revisions: [No Change]

2012 Revision: Committee notes revised.

Statutory References

[No Change]

Rule References

RULE 5.340. INVENTORY

(a)-(c) [No Change]

(d) Service. The personal representative shall serve a copy of the inventory and all supplemental and amended inventories on the surviving spouse, each heir at law in an intestate estate, each residuary beneficiary in a testate estate, and any other interested person who may request it in writing. The personal representative shall file proof of such service.

(e)-(h) [No Change]

Committee Notes

[No Change]

Rule History

1980-2010 Revisions: [No Change]

2012 Revision: The last sentence of subdivision (d) is deleted to remove duplicative requirement of filing a proof of service for a document which includes a certificate of service as provided in Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516. If service of the inventory is by service in the manner provided for service of formal notice, then proof of service should be filed as provided in rule 5.040(a)(5). Committee notes revised.

Constitutional Reference

[No Change]

Statutory References

[No Change]

Rule References

Fla. Prob. R. 5.011 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.060 Request for notices and copies of pleadings.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.330 Execution by personal representative.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.360 Elective share.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.105 Proceedings to determine homestead real property.

Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents.

RULE 5.342. INVENTORY OF SAFE-DEPOSIT BOX

(a)-(b) [No Change]

(c) Service. The personal representative shall serve a copy of the inventory on the surviving spouse, each heir at law in an intestate estate, each residuary beneficiary in a testate estate, and any other interested person who may request it in writing. The personal representative shall file proof of such service.

Committee Notes

[No Change]

Rule History

2003 Revision: [No Change]

2012 Revision: The last sentence of subdivision (c) is deleted to remove duplicative requirement of filing a proof of service for a document which includes a certificate of service as provided in Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516. If service of the inventory is by service in the manner provided for service of formal notice, then proof of service should be filed as provided in rule 5.040(a)(5). Committee notes revised.

Statutory References

[No Change]

Rule References@

Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papers documents.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.340 Inventory.

Fla. R. Rid. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents.

RULE 5.350. CONTINUANCE OF UNINCORPORATED BUSINESS OR VENTURE

(a)-(d) [No Change]

Rule History

1975-1992 Revisions: [No Change]

RULE 5.355. PROCEEDINGS FOR REVIEW OF EMPLOYMENT OF AGENTS AND COMPENSATION OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES AND ESTATE EMPLOYEES

[No Change]

Committee Notes

[No Change]

RULE 5.360. ELECTIVE SHARE

(a)-(e) [No Change]

RULE 5.370. SALES OF REAL PROPERTY WHERE NO POWER CONFERRED

(a)-(b) [No Change]

RULE 5.380. COMPULSORY PAYMENT OF DEVISES OR DISTRIBUTIVE INTERESTS

RULE 5.385. DETERMINATION OF BENEFICIARIES AND SHARES

RULE 5.386. ESCHEAT

RULE 5.400. DISTRIBUTION AND DISCHARGE

RULE 5.403. PROCEEDINGS TO DETERMINE AMOUNT OF LIEN ON PROTECTED HOMESTEAD

RULE 5.407. PROCEEDINGS TO DETERMINE FAMILY ALLOWANCE

RULE 5.430. RESIGNATION OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

RULE 5.440. PROCEEDINGS FOR REMOVAL OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

RULE 5.470. ANCILLARY ADMINISTRATION

RULE 5.475. ANCILLARY ADMINISTRATION, SHORT FORM

RULE 5.496. FORM AND MANNER OF OBJECTING TO CLAIM

RULE 5.498. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE'S PROOF OF CLAIM

RULE 5.510. ESTABLISHMENT AND PROBATE OF LOST OR DESTROYED WILL

RULE 5.530. SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION

RULE 5.620. INVENTORY

RULE 5.630. PETITION FOR APPROVAL OF ACTS

RULE 5.650. RESIGNATION OR DISQUALIFICATION OF GUARDIAN; APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR

RULE 5.660. PROCEEDINGS FOR REMOVAL OF GUARDIAN

RULE 5.670. TERMINATION OF GUARDIANSHIP ON CHANGE OF DOMICILE OF RESIDENT WARD

RULE 5.680. TERMINATION OF GUARDIANSHIP

RULE 5.690. INITIAL GUARDIANSHIP REPORT

RULE 5.695. ANNUAL GUARDIANSHIP REPORTS

RULE 5.696. ANNUAL ACCOUNTING

RULE 5.700. OBJECTION TO GUARDIANSHIP REPORTS

RULE 6.370. ADDITIONAL TIME AFTER SERVICE BY MAILOTHER THAN BY HAND DELIVERY

Whenever a defendant has a right or is required to do some act or take some proceedings within a prescribed period after service of a notice or other paperdocument and the notice or paperdocument is served by maila method other than hand delivery, 5 days shall be added to the prescribed period.

RULE 7.050. COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION; STATEMENT OF CLAIM

Court Commentary

[No Change]

RULE 7.080. SERVICE OF PLEADINGS AND PAPERS OTHER THAN STATEMENT OF CLAIM

(1) When any party or attorney in substance certifies:

"I certify that a copy hereof has been furnished to (here insert name or names and address or addresses) by (delivery) (mail) (e-mail if an attorney) on..... (date)......

the certificate is prima facie proof of such service in compliance with all rules of court and law.

RULE 8.085. PREHEARING MOTIONS AND SERVICE

(1) [No Change]

(2) How Made. When service is required or permitted to be made upon a party represented by an attorney, service shall be made upon the attorney unless service upon the party is ordered by the court. Unless excused by the court, Sservice upon the attorney or party shall be made by electronic mail (e-mail) consistent with the requirements of Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. Service on and by all parties who are not represented by an attorney and who do not designate an e-mail address, and on and by all attorneys excused from e-mail service, must be made by delivering a copy or by mailing it to the attorney or party's last known address or, if no address is known, by leaving it with the clerk of the court. Service by mail shall be complete upon mailing. Delivery of a copy within this rule shall mean:

(5) Certificate of Service. When any authorized person shall in substance certify:

"I certify that a copy/copies has/have been furnished to (insert name or names) by (e-mail) (delivery) (mail) (fax) on (date).

the certificate shall be taken as prima facie proof of such service in compliance with all rules of court and law.

Committee Notes

[No Change]

RULE 8.225. PROCESS, DILIGENT SEARCHES, AND SERVICE OF PLEADINGS AND PAPERS

this certificate shall be taken as prima facie proof of such service in compliance with all rules of court and law. The certificate must be signed by the attorney of record, clerk or deputy clerk, judicial assistant, or judge.

the certificate must be taken as prima facie proof of such service in compliance with this rule.

RULE 8.635. PROCESS

(1) When Required. Unless the court orders otherwise, or a statute or supreme court administrative order specifies a different means of service, every pleading subsequent to the initial petition, every order, every written motion, unless it is one as to which hearing ex parte is authorized, and every written notice filed in the case shall be served on each party; however, nothing herein shall be construed to require that a plea be in writing or that an application for witness subpoenas be served.

(2) How Made. When service is required or permitted to be made upon a party represented by an attorney, service shall be made upon the attorney unless service upon the party is ordered by the court. Service upon the attorney or party shall be made by delivering a copy to the attorney or party or by mailing it to the attorney or party's last known address or, if no address is Renown, by leaving it with the clerk of the court. Service by mail shall be complete upon mailing. Delivery of a copy within this rule shall mean:

(A) handing it to the attorney or the party;

(B) leaving it at the attorney's office with the person in charge thereof;

(C) if there is no one in charge of the office, leaving it in a conspicuous place therein;

(D) if the office is closed or the person to serve has no office, leaving it at the party's usual place of abode with some person of the family above 15 years of age and informing such person of the contents thereof; or

(E) transmitting it by facsimile to the attorney's or party's office with a cover sheet containing the sender's name, firm, address, telephone number, and facsimile number, the number of pages transmitted, and the recipient's facsimile number. When service is made by facsimile, a copy shall also be served by any other method permitted by this rule. Facsimile service occurs when transmission is complete.

(A) Service by Electronic Mail ("E-mail"). Service of a document by e-mail is made by attaching a copy of the document in PDF format to an e-mail sent to all addresses designated by the attorney or party. Any document served by e-mail may be signed by the "/s/" format, so long as the filed original is signed in accordance with the applicable rules of court.

(i) Service on Attorneys. Upon appearing in any proceeding, an attorney must serve a designation of a principal e-mail address and may designate no more than two secondary e-mail addresses to which service must be directed in that proceeding. Every document filed by an attorney thereafter must include in the signature block the principal e-mail address of that attorney and any secondary e-mail addresses. If an attorney does not designate any e-mail address for service, documents may be served on that attorney at the e-mail address on record with The Florida Bar.

(ii) Exception to E-mail Service on Attorneys.

Service by an attorney on another attorney must be made by e-mail unless excused by the court. Upon motion by an attorney demonstrating that the attorney has no email account and lacks access to the Internet at the attorney's office, the court may excuse the attorney from the requirements of e-mail service. Service on and by an attorney excused by the court from e-mail service must be by the means provided in subdivision (b)(2)(B) of this rule.

(iii) Service on and by Parties not Represented by an Attorney. Any party not represented by an attorney may serve a designation of a principal e-mail address and also may designate no more than two secondary email addresses to which service must be directed in that proceeding by the means provided in subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this rule. If a party not represented by an attorney does not designate an e-mail address for service in a proceeding, service on and by that party must be by the means provided in subdivision (b)(2)(B) of this rule.

(iv) Format of E-mail for Service. All documents served by e-mail must be attached to an e-mail message containing a subject line beginning with the words "SERVICE OF COURT DOCUMENT" in all capital letters, followed by the case number of the proceeding in which the documents are being served. The body of the e-mail must identify the court in which the proceeding is pending, the case number, the name of the initial party on each side, the title of each document served with that e-mail, and the sender's name and telephone number. Any e-mail which, together with its attachments, exceeds five megabytes (5MB) in size, must be divided and sent as separate e-mails, numbered in the subject line, no one of which may exceed 5MB in size.

(v) Time of Service. Service by e-mail is complete upon transmission and must be treated as service by mail for the computation of time. An e-mail is deemed served on the date of transmission. If the sender learns that the e-mail did not reach the address of the person to be served, the sender must immediately serve another copy by e-mail, or by a means authorized by subdivision (b)(2)(B) of this rule.

(B) Service by Other Means. In addition to, and not in lieu of, service by e-mail, service may also be made upon attorneys by the means specified in this subdivision. Service on and by all parties who are not represented by an attorney and who do not designate an e-mail address, and on and by all attorneys excused from e-mail service, must be made by delivering a copy of the document or by mailing it to the party or attorney at their last known address or, if no address is known, by leaving it with the clerk of the court. Service by mail is complete upon mailing. Delivery of a copy within this rule is complete upon:

(i) handing it to the attorney or to the party;

(ii) leaving it at the attorney's or party's office with a clerk or other person in charge thereof;

(iii) if there is no one in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous place therein;

(iv) if the office is closed or the person to be served has no office, leaving it at the person's usual place of abode with some person of his or her family above 15 years of age and informing such person of the contents; or

(v) transmitting it by facsimile to the attorney's or party's office with a cover sheet containing the sender's name, firm, address, telephone number, and facsimile number, and the number of pages transmitted. When service is made by facsimile, a copy must also be served by any other method permitted by this rule. Facsimile service occurs when transmission is complete.

(vi) Service by delivery after 5:00 p.m. must be deemed as if it had been made by mailing on the date of delivery.

(C) Numerous Parties. In an action where the parties are unusually numerous, the court may regulate the service contemplated by these rules on motion or on its own initiative in such manner as may be found to be just and reasonable.

(3) Filing. All original papers, copies of which are required to be served upon parties, must be filed with the court either before service or immediately thereaer, unless otherwise provided for by general law or other rules. If the original of any bond or document is not placed in the court file, a certified copy may be so placed by the clerk.

(4) Filing with Court Defined. The filing of pleadings and other papers with the court as required by these rules shall be made by filing them with the clerk of court except that the court may permit the papers to be filed with it in which event the filing date shall be noted thereon and they shall be transmitted to the office of the clerkexcept that the judge may permit documents to be filed with the judge, in which event the judge must note the filing date before him or her on the documents and transmit them to the clerk. The date of filing is the date shown on the face of the document by the judge's notation or the clerk's time stamp, whichever is earlier.

(5) Certificate of Service. When any authorized personattorney shall in substance certify:

"I certify that a copy/copies has/have been furnished to (insert name or names) by (e-mail) (delivery) (mail) (fax) on (date).

this certificate shall be taken as prima facie proof of such service in compliance with thethis rules of court and law. The certificate must be signed by the attorney of record, clerk or deputy clerk, judicial assistant, or judge.

(6) Service by Clerk. Service of notices and other documents required to be made by the clerk must also be done as provided in subdivision (b)(2).

(c) Service of Orders. A copy of all orders or judgments must be transmitted by the court or under its direction to all parties at the time of entry of the order or judgment. The court may require that orders or judgments be prepared by a party, may require the party to furnish the court with stamped addressed envelopes for service of the order or judgment, and may require that proposed orders and judgments be furnished to all parties before entry by the court of the order or judgment. The court may serve any order or judgment by e-mail to all attorneys who have designated an e-mail address for service and to all parties not represented by an attorney who have designated an e-mail address for service. This subdivision is directory and a failure to comply with it does not affect the order or its finality or any proceedings arising in the action.

FORM 8.903. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I certify that a copy of.....(document).....has been furnished to (name(s)).....by e-mail/U.S.mail/hand delivery/fax on.....(date).....

Committee Notes

[No Change]

RULE 9.420. FILING; SERVICE OF COPIES; COMPUTATION OF TIME

(a) Filing.

(1) Generally. Filing may be accomplished by filing with the clerk; provided that a justice or judge may accept the documents for filing, and shall note the filing date and immediately transmit them to the office of the clerk in a manner in conformity with the requirements of Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

(2) [No Change]

(b) [No Change]

(c) Method of Service. If service is required or permitted to be made on a party represented by an attorney, service shall be made on the attorney unless service on the party is ordered by the court. Service on the attorney or party shall be made by delivering a copy to the attorney or party or by mailing it to the attorney or party at the last known address or, if no address is Renown, by leaving it with the clerk of the court. Delivery of a copy within this rule shall mean (A) handing it to the attorney or to the part y, or (B) leaving it at the attorney's or party's office with the clerk or other person in charge thereof, or (C) if there is no one in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous place therein, or (D) if the office is closed or the person to be served has no office, leaving it at the attorney's or party's usual place of abode with some person of the attorney's or party's family above 15 years of age and informing such person of the contents. Service by mail shall be complete on mailing. Service of every document filed in a proceeding governed by these rules (including any briefs, motions, notices, responses, petitions, and appendices) shall be made in conformity with the requirements of Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516, except that the initial document filed in a proceeding governed by these rules (including any notice to invoke jurisdiction, notice of appeal, or petition for an original writ) shall be served both by e-mail pursuant to rule 2.516(b)(1) and in paper form pursuant to rule 2.516(b)(2).

(d) Proof of Service. A certificate of service by an attorney that complies in substance with the requirements of Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516(f) and a certificate of service by a pro se party that complies in substance with the appropriate form below shall be taken as prima facie proof of service in compliance with these rules. The certificate shall specify the party each attorney represents.

(1) Attorney:

I certify that a copy hereof has been furnished to ... (here insert name or names) ... by ... (delivery)(mail) ... on ...(date) ...

(2) By Pro Se Inmate:

I certify that I placed this document in the hands of ... (here insert name of institution official) ... for mailing to ... (here insert name or names and addresses used for service) ... on ... (date) ...

(3)(2) By Other Pro Se Litigants:

I certify that a copy hereof has been furnished to ... (here insert name or names and addresses used for service) ... by ... (e-mail) (delivery) (mail) ... on ... (date) ...

(e)-(f) [No Change]

Committee Notes

[No Change]

Court Commentary

[No Change]

RULE 12.040. ATTORNEYS

(a)-(b) [No Change]

(c) Scope of Representation.

(1) If an attorney appears of record for a particular limited proceeding or matter, as provided by this rule, that attorney shall be deemed "of record" for only that particular proceeding or matter. Any notice of limited appearance filed shall include the name, address, e-mail address(es), and telephone number of the attorney and the name, address, and telephone number of the party. If the party designates e-mail address(es) for service on and by that party, the party's e-mail address(es) shall also be included. At the conclusion of such proceeding or matter, the attorney's role terminates without the necessity of leave of court, upon the attorney filing a notice of completion of limited appearance. The notice, which shall be titled "Termination of Limited Appearance," shall include the names and last known addresses of the person(s) represented by the withdrawing attorney.

(d) Preparation of Pleadings or Other Documents. A party who files a pleading or other document of record pro se with the assistance of an attorney shall certify that the party has received assistance from an attorney in the preparation of the pleading or other document. The name, address, and telephone number of the party shall appear on all pleadings or other documents filed with the court. If the party designates e-mail address(es) for service on and by that party, the party's e-mail address(es) shall also be included.

(e) Notice of Limited Appearance. Any pleading or other document filed by a limited appearance attorney shall state in bold type on the signature page of that pleading or other document: "Attorney for [Petitioner] [Respondent] [attorney's address, e-mail address(es), and telephone number] for the limited purpose of [matter or proceeding]" to be followed by the name of the petitioner or respondent represented and the current address and telephone number of that party. If the party designates e-mail address(es) for service on and by that party, the party's e-mail address(es) shall also be included.

(f) [No Change]

Committee Notes

2012 Amendment. Subdivisions (c), (d), and (e) are amended to provide e-mail addresses in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

RULE 12.080. SERVICE OF PLEADINGS AND PAPERS

(a) Service.

(1) Family Law Actions Generally. Service of pleadings and papers after commencement of all family law actions except domestic, repeat, dating, and sexual violence shall be as set forth in Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.080Judicial Administration 2.516, except that rule 1.0802.516 shall also apply to service on the party during the attorney's limited appearance as provided in rule 12.040(f) and be expanded as set forth in subdivisions (b) and (c) to include additional requirements for service of recommended orders and for service on defaulted parties.

(b) Service and Preparation of Orders and Judgments. A copy of all orders or judgments involving family law matters except domestic, repeat, dating, and sexual violence shall be transmitted by the court or under its direction to all parties at the time of entry of the order or judgment. The court may require that recommended orders, orders, or judgments be prepared by a party. If the court requires that a party prepare the recommended order, order, or judgment, the party shall furnish the court with stamped, addressed envelopes to all parties for service of the recommended order, order, or judgment. The court may also require that any proposed recommended order, order, or judgment that is prepared by a party be furnished to all parties no less than 24 hours before submission to the court of the recommended order, order, or judgment.

(c) Defaulted Parties. No service need be made on parties against whom a default has been entered, except that:

(1) [No Change]

(2) Notice of final hearings or trials and court orders shall be served on defaulted parties in the manner provided for service of pleadings and papers contained in Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.080Judicial Administration 2.516.

(3) Final judgments shall be served on defaulted parties as set forth in Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.080(h)(2)Judicial Administration 2.516(h).

Commentary

[No Change]

Committee Notes

2012 Amendment. Subdivision (a)(1) is amended to provide for service on the party during the attorney's limited appearance. Subdivision (a)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) are amended to provide for service in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

RULE 12.090. TIME

Time shall be governed by Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.090, except that an additional 5 days added to the prescribed period after service, as provided in rule 1.090(e), shall also apply to service by e-mail.

Committee Notes

2012 Amendment. The rule is amended to treat e-mail service as service by mail for the computation of time in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516(b)( 1)(D)(iii).

RULE 12.170. COUNTERCLAIMS AND CROSSCLAIMS

Counterclaims and crossclaims shall be governed by Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.170, except that service of a crossclaim on a party who has appeared in the action, as provided in rule 1.170(g), shall be made pursuant to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516(b).

Committee Notes

2012 Amendment. This rule is amended to provide for service in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

RULE 12.285. MANDATORY DISCLOSURE

(a) [No Change]

(b) Time for Production of Documents.

(1) Temporary Financial Hearings. Any document required under this rule in any temporary financial relief proceeding shall be served on the other party for inspection and copying as follows.

(A) [No Change]

(B) The responding party shall serve the required documents on the party seeking relief on or before 5:00 p.m., 2 business days before the day of the temporary financial hearing if served by delivery or 7 days before the day of the temporary financial hearing if served by mail or e-mail, unless the documents have been received previously by the party seeking relief under subdivision (b)(2) of this rule. A responding party shall be given no less than 12 days to serve the documents required under this rule, unless otherwise ordered by the court. If the 45-day period for exchange of documents provided for in subdivision (b)(2) of this rule will occur before the expiration of the 12 days, the provisions of subdivision (b)(2) control.

(2) [No Change]

(c) — (m) [No Change]

Commentary

[No Change]

Committee Notes

1997-2005 Amendments. [No Change]

2012 Amendment. Subdivision (b)(1)(B) is amended to provide for e-mail service in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

RULE 12.351. PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS AND THINGS WITHOUT DEPOSITION

Production of documents and things without deposition shall be governed by Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.351, except that a party desiring production under this rule, as provided in rule 1.351(b), shall serve notice as provided in Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516 on every other party of the intent to serve a subpoena under this rule at least 10 days before the subpoena is issued if service is by delivery and 15 days before the subpoena is issued if the service is by mail or e-mail.

Committee Notes

2012 Amendment. This rule is amended to provide for service in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

RULE 12.410. SUBPOENA

Subpoenas shall be governed by Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.410, except as follows:

(a) — (c) [No Change]

(d) Production of Evidence at Trial. A party seeking production of evidence at trial, as provided in rule 1.410(c), which would be subject to a subpoena, as provided in rule 1.410(c), may compel such production by serving a notice to produce such evidence on an adverse party as provided in Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

Committee Note

2008 Amendment. [No Change]

2012 Amendment. This rule is amended to provide for service in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

RULE 12.440. SETTING ACTION FOR TRIAL

Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.440 shall govern general provisions concerning setting an action for trial in family law matters, with the following exceptions and additions.

(a) Setting for Trial. If the court finds the action ready to be set for trial, it shall enter an order setting the action for trial, fixing a date for trial, and setting a pretrial conference, if necessary. In the event a default has been entered, reasonable notice of not less than 10 days shall be given unless otherwise required by law. In actions in which the damages are not liquidated, the order setting an action for trial shall be served on parties who are in default in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. Trial shall be set within a reasonable time from the service of the notice for trial. At the pretrial conference, the parties should be prepared, consistent with Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.200, to present any matter that will prepare the parties for trial and that can expedite the resolution of the case. The trial court may also direct the parties to reciprocally exchange and file with the court all documents relative to the outcome of the case; a list of all witnesses, all issues to be tried, and all undisposed motions; an estimate of the time needed to try the case; and any other information the court deems appropriate. Any court filings shall be in conformity with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.425. This information should be served and filed no later than 72 hours before the pretrial conference or 30 days before the trial.

(b) [No Change]

Commentary

[No Change]

RULE 12.510. SUMMARY JUDGMENT

Summary judgment shall be governed by Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.510, except that service by the adverse party, as set forth in for rule 1.510(c), shall be on the movant in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

Committee Notes

2012 Amendment. This rule is amended to state who the adverse party serves and provide for service in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

RULE 12.611. CENTRAL GOVERNMENTAL DEPOSITORY

(a) [No Change]

(b) Payments to Public Officer.

(1)-(2) [No Change]

(3) Payment may be enforced by the party entitled to it or the court may establish a system under which the officer issues a motion for enforcement and a notice of hearing in the form approved by the supreme court. The motion and notice shall be served on the defaulting party in person or by mailin accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. At the hearing the court shall enter an appropriate order based on the testimony presented to it.

Commentary

[No Change]

Committee Notes

2012 Amendment. Subdivision (b)(3) is amended to provide for service in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

RULE 12.615 CIVIL CONTEMPT IN SUPPORT MATTERS

(a) [No Change]

(b) Motion and Notice. Civil contempt may be initiated by motion. The motion must recite the essential facts constituting the acts alleged to be contemptuous. No civil contempt may be imposed without notice to the alleged contemnor and without providing the alleged contemnor with an opportunity to be heard. The civil contempt motion and notice of hearing may be served by mailin accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516 provided notice by mail is reasonably calculated to apprise the alleged contemnor of the pendency of the proceedings. The notice must specify the time and place of the hearing and must contain the following language: "FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE HEARING MAY RESULT IN THE COURT ISSUING A WRIT OF BODILY ATTACHMENT FOR YOUR ARREST. IF YOU ARE ARRESTED, YOU MAY BE HELD IN JAIL UP TO 48 HOURS BEFORE A HEARING IS HELD." This notice must also state whether electronic recording or a court reporter is provided by the court or whether a court reporter, if desired, must be provided by the party.

(c) — (g) [No Change]

Commentary

[No Change]

Committee Notes

2012 Amendment. Subdivision (b) is amended to provide for service in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

RULE 12.630. EXTRAORDINARY REMEDIES

Extraordinary remedies shall be governed by Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.630, except summons in certiorari, as set forth in rule 1.630(d)(5), shall be served as provided in Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

Committee Notes

2012 Amendment. This rule is amended to provide for service in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.900(b), NOTICE OF LIMITED APPEARANCE (07/12)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used to provide notice to the court and the other attorney or party when an attorney is making a limited appearance for a client under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing and signing this form, the attorney should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county in which the action is pending and keep a copy for his or her records.

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be served on the other party or his or her attorney and on the attorney's client in the manner required by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

Where can I look for more information?

See Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040 and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _______________________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ___________________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA

NOTICE OF LIMITED APPEARANCE

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.900(c), CONSENT TO LIMITED APPEARANCE BY ATTORNEY (07/12)

When should this form he used?

This form should be used for a client to give consent when an attorney is making a limited appearance for the client under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, the client should sign it. The attorney or client should then file it with the clerk of the circuit court in the county in which the action is pending. The attorney and client should each keep a copy for his or her records.

What should I do neat?

A copy of this form must be served on the other party or his or her attorney. Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

Where can I look for more information?

See Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _______________________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ___________________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA

CONSENT TO LIMITED APPEARANCE BY ATTORNEY

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.900(d), TERMINATION OF LIMITED APPEARANCE (07/12)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used by an attorney who is terminating a limited appearance for a client under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, the attorney should sign it and then file it with the clerk of the circuit court in the county in which the action spending. The attorney should keep a copy for his or her records.

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be served on the other party or his or her attorney and on the attorney's client. Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

Where can I look for more information?

See Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _______________________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR ___________________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA

TERMINATION OF LIMITED APPEARANCE

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.900(e), ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF ASSISTANCE BY ATTORNEY (07/12)

When should this form be used?

This form should be added to the signature page of any petition, pleading, or motion when an attorney making a limited appearance under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040 has assisted the petitioner or respondent in the preparation of the document. The petitioner or respondent should then sign the pleading and include his/her name and address.

Where am I get more information?

See the instructions to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Forms 12.900(b)-(d) and Rule 12.040.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.900(f), SIGNATURE BLOCK FOR ATTORNEY MAKING LIMITED APPEARANCE (07/12)

When should this form be used?

This signature block should be used on any form filed with the court when the attorney is making a limited appearance under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040.

Where can I look for more information?

See Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040(e).

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.900(g), AGREEMENT LIMITING REPRESENTATION (07/12)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used as a "rider" or supplemental agreement, in addition to an Attorney-Client fee agreement, between the attorney and client when the attorney is making a limited appearance under Rules Regulating Florida Bar 4-1.2(c), 4-4.2(b), and 4-4.3(b) and Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040. A limited appearance means the attorney is not handling the whole case for the client, but is only being retained to do a specific part of the case.

Where can I look for more information?

See Rules Reg. Fla. Bar 4-1.2(c), 4-4.2(b), and 4-4.3(b) and Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040.

AGREEMENT LIMITING REPRESENTATION

(This agreement is supplemental to the Attorney-Client fee agreement and is limited to addressing the consequences of Limited Legal Representation by an attorney in Florida)

TO THE CLIENT: THIS IS A LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY AND MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOU UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. YOU MAY TAKE THIS CONTRACT HOME WITH YOU, REVIEW IT WITH ANOTHER ATTORNEY IF YOU WISH, AND ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE BEFORE SIGNING.

EMPLOYMENT OF AN ATTORNEY FOR LIMITED REPRESENTATION REQUIRES THAT THE ATTORNEY AND CLIENT CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY REVIEW THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES EACH WILL ASSUME. ANY LIMITED REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT SHOULD DESCRIBE, IN DETAIL, THE ATTORNEY'S DUTIES IN THE CLIENT'S INDIVIDUAL CASE.

1. SERVICES/LIMITED SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION: Client, {name} ______________, employs Attorney, {name} _________________________to provide representation only in the limited matter(s) described as follows:

2. COMPLIANCE WITH CHAPTER 4 OF THE RULES REGULATING THE FLORIDA BAR: Although legal assistance is limited, an attorney-client relationship exists, and the client is entitled to the standards of professional responsibility established by Chapter 4 of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, including confidentiality, competence, and diligence.

3. COMPLIANCE WITH FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULE OF PROCEDURE 12.040: An Attorney hired to provide limited representation in court must comply with Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040, as follows:

4. ADDITIONAL SERVICES/REPRESENTATION: The attorney and client may later determine that the attorney should provide additional limited services or assume full representation. The attorney may decline to provide additional services.

5. ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COURT COSTS: The attorney and the client have made a separate agreement in writing as to payment of attorneys' fees and all costs associated with the case and the attorney's representation.

BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE CAREFULLY READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE FOREGOING TERMS, AND YOU INTEND TO BE LEGALLY BOUND BY THEM.

Client

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.900(h), NOTICE OF RELATED CASES (07/12)

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:

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 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.

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. A 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.

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}_______.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.902(b), FAMILY LAW FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT (SHORT FORM) (07/12)

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:

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original 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 served on the other party 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. 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 Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285.

Special notes...

If you want to keep your address confidential because you are 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.

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.

FAMILY LAW FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT (SHORT FORM)

(Under $50,000 Individual Gross Annual Income)

B. LIABILITIES:

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}

I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the claims made in this affidavit and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or imprisonment.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULE OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.902(c), FAMILY LAW FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT (LONG FORM)(07/12)

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 $50,000 OR MORE per year unless:

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should then file the original 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 served on the other party 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. 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 Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285.

Special notes...

If you want to keep your address confidential because you are 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:

Daily — If you are paid by the day, you may convert your income to monthly as follows:

Weekly — If you are paid by the week, you may convert your income to monthly as follows:

Bi-weekly — If you are paid every two weeks, you may convert your income to monthly as follows:

Semi-monthly — If you are paid twice per month, you may convert your income to monthly as follows:

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.

FAMILY LAW FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT (LONG FORM) ($50,000 or more Individual Gross Annual Income)

SECTION I. INCOME

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.

PRESENT MONTHLY DEDUCTIONS:

All amounts must be MONTHLY. See the instructions with this form to figure out money amounts for anything that is NOT paid monthly.

SECTION II. AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENSES

HOUSEHOLD:

15. ______ Monthly meals outside home

AUTOMOBILE:

MONTHLY EXPENSES FOR CHILDREN COMMON TO BOTH PARTIES:

49. ______ Monthly

SECTION III. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

A. ASSETS (This is where you list what you OWN.)

B. LIABILITIES/DEBTS (This is where you list what you OWE.)

C. NET WORTH (excluding contingent assets and liabilities)

D. CONTINGENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

E. 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.

I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the claims made in this affidavit and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or imprisonment.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.902(e), CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET (07/12)

When should this form be used?

You should complete this worksheet if child support is being requested in your case. If you know the income of the other party, this worksheet should accompany your financial affidavit. If you do not know the other party's income, this form must be completed after the other party files his or her financial affidavit, and serves a copy on you.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case is filed and keep a copy for your records.

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be served on the other party in your case. 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 section 61.30, Florida Statutes.

Special notes...

If you want to keep your address confidential because you are 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 chart below contains the guideline amounts that you should use when calculating child support. This amount is based on the number of children and the combined income of the parents, and it is divided between the parents in direct proportion to their income or earning capacity. From time to time, some of the amounts in the child support guidelines chart will change. Be sure you have the most recent version of the chart before using it.

Because the guidelines are based on monthly amounts, it may be necessary to convert some income and expense figures from other frequencies to monthly. You should do this as follows:

If you or the other parent request that the court award an amount that is different than the guideline amount, you must also complete and attach a Motion to Deviate from Child Support Guidelines, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.943.

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.

NOTICE OF FILING CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that {name} ____________________ is filing his/her Child Support Guidelines Worksheet attached and labeled Exhibit 1.

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I certify that a copy of this Notice of Filing with the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet was [check all used]: ( ) e-mailed ( ) mailed ( ) faxed ( ) hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} ____________________.

Other party or his/her attorney:

ADJUSTMENTS TO GUIDELINES AMOUNT. If you or the other parent is requesting the Court to award a child support amount that is more or less than the child support guidelines, you must complete and file Motion to Deviate from Child Support Guidelines, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.943.

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:

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.910(a), SUMMONS: PERSONAL SERVICE ON AN INDIVIDUAL (07/12)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used to obtain personal service on the other party when you begin your lawsuit. Service is required for all documents filed in your case. Service means giving a copy of the required papers to the other party using the procedure that the law requires. Generally, there are two ways to make service: (1) personal service, or (2) service by e-mail, mail, or hand delivery. A third method for service is called constructive service; however, the relief a court may grant may be limited in a case where constructive service has been used.

The law requires that certain documents be served by personal service if personal service is possible. Personal service means that a summons (this form) and a copy of the forms you are filing with the court that must be personally served are delivered by a deputy sheriff or private process server

Personal service is required for all petitions, including petitions for modification. You cannot serve these papers on the other party yourself or by mail or hand delivery. Personal service must be made by the sheriff's department in the county where the other party lives or works or by a private process server certified in the county where the other party lives or works.

In many counties, there are private process servers who, for a fee, will personally serve the summons and other documents that require personal service. You should look under process servers in the yellow pages of the telephone book for a list of private process servers in your area. You may use a private process server to serve any paper required to be personally served in a family law case except a petition for injunction for protection against domestic or repeat violence.

How do I start?

When you begin your lawsuit, you need to complete this form (summons) and a Process Service Memorandum, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.910(b). The forms should be typed or printed legibly in black ink. Next, you will need to take these forms and, if you have not already done so, file your petition with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you live. You should keep a copy of the forms for your records. The clerk will sign the summons, and then the summons, a copy of the papers to be served, and the process service memorandum must be delivered to the appropriate sheriff's office or to a private process server for service on the other party.

IF THE OTHER PARTY LIVES IN THE COUNTY WHERE SUIT IS FILED: Ask the clerk in your county about any local procedures regarding service. Generally, if the other party lives in the county in which you are filing suit and you want the sheriff's department to serve the papers, you will file the summons along with a Process Service Memorandum, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.910(b), with the clerk and the clerk will forward those papers to the sheriff for service. Make sure that you attach a copy of the papers you want personally served to the summons. You may also need to provide the sheriff with a stamped envelope addressed to you. This will allow the sheriff to send the proof of service to you, after the sheriff serves your papers on the other party. However, in some counties the sheriff may send the proof of service directly to the clerk. If you are instructed to supply a self-addressed, stamped envelope and you receive the proof of service, you should file the proof of service with the clerk after you receive it from the sheriff. Also, you will need to find out how much the sheriff charges to serve the papers. Personal checks are not accepted. You should attach to the summons a cashier's check or money order made payable to the sheriff, and either give it to the clerk for delivery to the sheriff or send all of the paperwork and the fee to the sheriff yourself. The clerk will tell you which procedure to use. The costs for service may be waived if you are indigent.

If you want a private process server to serve the other party, you should still bring the summons to the clerk's office and have the clerk sign it for you. You should deliver the summons, along with the copy of your initial petition and any other papers to be served, and a Process Service Memorandum, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.910(b), to the private process server. The private process server will charge you a fee for serving the papers. After service is complete, proof of service by the private process server must be filed with the clerk. You should discuss how this will occur with the private process server.

IF THE OTHER PARTY LIVES IN ANOTHER COUNTY: If the other party lives in another county, service needs to be made by a sheriff in the county where the other party lives or by a private process server certified in the county where the other party lives. Make sure that you attach a copy of the papers you want personally served to the summons as well as the Process Service Memorandum, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.910(b). If you want the sheriff to serve the papers, the clerk may send your papers to that sheriff's office for you, or you may have to send the papers yourself. The clerk will tell you which procedure to use. Either way, you will need to provide the sheriff with a stamped envelope addressed to you. This will allow the sheriff to send the proof of service to you, after the sheriff serves your papers on the other party. You should file the proof of service with the clerk after you receive it from the sheriff. Also, you will need to find out how much the sheriff charges to serve the papers. Personal checks are not accepted. You should attach to the summons a cashier's check or money order made payable to the sheriff, and either give it to the clerk for delivery to the sheriff or send all of the paperwork and the fee to the sheriff yourself. The clerk will tell you which procedure to use. The costs for service may be waived if you are indigent.

If you want a private process server to serve the other party, you should still bring the summons to the clerk's office where the clerk will sign it for you. You should deliver the summons, along with the copy of your initial petition and any other papers to be served, and a Process Service Memorandum, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.910(b), to the private process server. The private process server will charge you a fee for serving the papers. After service is complete, proof of service by the private process server must be filed with the clerk. You should discuss how this will occur with the private process server.

IF THE OTHER PARTY CANNOT BE LOCATED OR DOES NOT LIVE IN FLORIDA: If, after you have made a diligent effort to locate the other party, you absolutely cannot locate the other party, you may serve the other party by publication. Service by publication is also known as constructive service. You may also be able to use constructive service if the other party does not live in Florida. However, Florida courts have only limited jurisdiction over a party who is served by constructive service and may have only limited jurisdiction over a party living outside of Florida regardless of whether that party is served by constructive or personal service; that is, the judge's power to order the other party to do certain things may be limited. For example, the judge may be able to grant your request for a divorce, but the judge may not be able to address issues such as child support, spousal support (alimony), or division of property or debts.

Regardless of the type of service used, if the other party once lived in Florida but is living outside of Florida now, you should include in your petition a statement regarding the length of time the party lived in Florida, if any, and when. For example: Respondent last lived in Florida from {date} __________ to {date} __________________________.

This area of the law is very complex and you may need to consult with an attorney regarding the proper type of service to be used in your case if the other party does not live in Florida or cannot be located.

What happens when the papers are served on the other party?

The date and hour of service are written on the original summons and on all copies of it by the person making the service. The person who delivers the summons and copies of the petition must file a proof of service with the clerk or provide a proof of service to you for filing with the court. It is your responsibility to make sure the proof of service has been returned to the clerk and placed in your case file.

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. For further information regarding service of process, see chapters 48 and 49, Florida Statutes, and rule 1.070, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, as well as the instructions for Notice of Action for Dissolution of Marriage (No Child or Financial Support), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(1), Notice of Action for Family Cases with Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(2), Affidavit of Diligent Service and Inquiry, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b), and Affidavit of Diligent Search, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(c).

Special notes...

If you have been unable to obtain proper service on the other party within 120 days after filing your lawsuit, the court will dismiss your lawsuit against the other party unless you can show the court a good reason why service was not made within 120 days. For this reason, if you had the local sheriff serve the papers, you should check with the clerk every couple of weeks after completing the service papers to see if service has been completed. You may need to supply the sheriff with a new or better address. If you had a private process server or a sheriff in another county serve the papers, you should be in contact with that person or sheriff until you receive proof of service from that person or sheriff. You should then file the proof of service with the clerk immediately.

If the other party fails to respond, i.e., fails to file a written response with the court, within 20 days after the service of the summons, you are entitled to request a default. See the instructions to Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922 (a), and Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(b), for further information. You will need to file an Affidavit of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(b), before a default may be granted.

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 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.

SUMMONS: PERSONAL SERVICE ON AN INDIVIDUAL ORDEN DE COMPARECENCIA: SERVICIO PERSONAL EN UN INDIVIDUO CITATION: L'ASSIGNATION PERSONAL SUR UN INDIVIDUEL

IMPORTANT

If the party serving summons has designated e-mail address(es) for service or is represented by an attorney, you may designate e-mail address(es) for service by or on you. Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office. You may review these documents, upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be served at the address on record at the clerk's office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

IMPORTANTE

Usted ha sido demandado legalmente. Tiene veinte (20) dias, contados a partir del recibo de esta notificacion, para contestar la demanda adjunta, por escrito, y presentarla ante este tribunal. Localizado en: ____________________________________________. Una llamada telefonica no lo protegera. Si usted desea que el tribunal considere su defensa, debe presentar su respuesta por escrito, incluyendo el numero del caso y los nombres de las partes interesadas. Si usted no contesta la demanda a tiempo, pudiese perder el caso y podria ser despojado de sus ingresos y propiedades, o privado de sus derechos, sin previo aviso del tribunal. Existen otros requisitos legales. Si lo desea, usted puede consultar a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a una de las oficinas de asistencia legal que aparecen en la guia telefonica.

Si desea responder a la demanda por su cuenta, al mismo tiempo en que presente su respuesta ante el tribunal, usted debe enviar por correo o entregar una copia de su respuesta a la persona denominada abajo.

Si usted elige presentar personalmente una respuesta por escrito, en el mismo momento que usted presente su respuesta por escrito al Tribunal, usted debe enviar por correo o llevar una copia de su respuesta por escrito a la parte entregando esta orden de comparencencia a:

Nombre y direccion de la parte que entrega la orden de comparencencia: _______________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________.

Copias de todos los documentos judiciales de este caso, incluyendo las ordenes, estan disponibles en la oficina del Secretario de Juzgado del Circuito [Clerk of the Circuit Court's office]. Estos documentos pueden ser revisados a su solicitud.

Usted debe de manener informada a la oficina del Secretario de Juzgado del Circuito de su direccion actual. (Usted puede presentar ____________ el Formulario: Ley de Familia de la Florida 12.915, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915, Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address.) Los papelos que se presenten en el futuro en esta demanda judicial seran env ados por correo a la direccion que este registrada en la oficina del Secretario.

ADVERTENCIA: Regla 12.285 (Rule 12.285), de las Reglas de Procedimiento de Ley de Familia de la Florida [Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure], requiere cierta revelacion automatica de documentos e informacion. El incumplimient, puede resultar en sanciones, incluyendo la desestimacion o anulacion de los alegatos.

IMPORTANT

Des poursuites judiciaries ont ete entreprises contre vous. Vous avez 20 jours consecutifs a partir de la date de l'assignation de cette citation pour deposer une reponse ecrite a la plainte ci-jointe aupres de ce tribunal. Qui se trouve a: {L'Adresse} _______________________. Un simple coup de telephone est insuffisant pour vous proteger; vous etes obliges de deposer votre reponse ecrite, avec mention du numero de dossier ci-dessus et du nom des parties nommees ici, si vous souhaitez que le tribunal entende votre cause. Si vous ne deposez pas votre reponse ecrite dans le delai requis, vous risquez de perdre la cause ainsi que votre salaire, votre argent, et vos biens peuvent etre saisis par la suite, sans aucun preavis ulterieur du tribunal. Il y a d'autres obligations juridiques et vous pouvez requerir les services immediats d'un avocat. Si vous ne connaissez pas d'avocat, vous pourriez telephoner a un service de reference d'avocats ou a un bureau d'assistance juridique (figurant a l'annuaire de telephones).

Si vous choisissez de deposer vous-meme une reponse ecrite, il vous faudra egalement, en meme temps que cette formalite, faire parvenir ou expedier une copie au carbone ou une photocopie de votre reponse ecrite a la partie qui vous depose cette citation.

Nom et adresse de la partie qui depose cette citation: __________________________

Les photocopies de tous les documents tribunals de cette cause, y compris des arrets, sont disponible au bureau du greffier. Vous pouvez revue ces documents, sur demande.

Il faut aviser le greffier de votre adresse actuelle. (Vous pouvez deposer Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915, Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address.) Les documents de l'avenir de ce proces seront envoyer a l'adresse que vous donnez au bureau du greffier.

ATTENTION: La regle 12.285 des regles de procedure du droit de la famille de la Floride exige que l'on remette certains renseignements et certains documents a la partie adverse. Tout refus de les fournir pourra donner lieu a des sanctions, y compris le rejet ou la suppression d'un ou de plusieurs actes de procedure.

THE STATE OF FLORIDA

TO EACH SHERIFF OF THE STATE: You are commanded to serve this summons and a copy of the complaint in this lawsuit on the above-named person.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.915, DESIGNATION OF CURRENT MAILING AND E-MAIL ADDRESS (07/12)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used to inform the clerk and the other party of your current mailing and e-mail address(es) or any change of address. It is very important that the court and the other party in your case have your correct address.

A party not represented by an attorney may choose to designate e-mail address(es) for service. A primary and up to two secondary e-mail addresses can be designated. If you do so and the other party is represented by an attorney or has also designated e-mail address(es) for service, e-mail will be the exclusive means of service.

If there is any change in your mailing or e-mail address(es), you must complete a new form, file it with the clerk, and serve a copy on any other party or parties in your case.

What should I do next?

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case is filed and keep a copy for your records. A copy of this form must be served on any other party in your case. 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.

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 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.

DESIGNATION OF CURRENT MAILING AND E-MAIL ADDRESS

IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORMS 12.920(a), MOTION FOR REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE, 12.920(b), ORDER OF REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE, and 12.920(c), NOTICE OF HEARING BEFORE GENERAL MAGISTRATE (07/12)

When should these forms be used?

A general magistrate is an attorney appointed by a judge to take testimony and recommend decisions on certain matters connected with a divorce. These recommendations are then reviewed by the judge and are generally approved unless contrary to the law or the facts of the case. The primary purposes of having general magistrates hear family law matters are to reduce the costs of litigation and to speed up cases. Either party may request that their case, or portions of their case, be heard by a general magistrate by filing Motion for Referral to General Magistrate, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(a). You must also prepare an Order of Referral to General Magistrate, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(b), to submit to the judge assigned to your case.

Many times, the court, either on its own motion or under current administrative orders of the court, may refer your case to a general magistrate. Even in those instances, you may be required to prepare and submit an Order of Referral to General Magistrate, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(b), to the judge.

Once a general magistrate has been appointed to your case, the general magistrate will assign a time and place for a hearing as soon as reasonably possible after the referral is made. The general magistrate will give notice of that hearing to each of the parties directly or will direct a party or attorney in the case to file and serve a notice of hearing on the other party. If you are asked to send the notice of hearing, you will need to use the form entitled Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(c). Regardless of who prepares the notice of hearing, the moving party (the one who requested referral to the general magistrate) is required to have the notice properly served on the other party.

These forms should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case is filed and keep a copy for your records.

What should I do next?

If you are filing a Motion for Referral to General Magistrate, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(a), you need to send or deliver your motion directly to the judge assigned to your case, along with an Order of Referral to General Magistrate, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(b), and an addressed, stamped envelope for each party in the case. The judge will then either grant or deny the motion, usually without a hearing.

If you are required to submit an Order of Referral to General Magistrate, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(b), to the judge assigned to your case, you will need to send or deliver the order directly to the judge, along with addressed, stamped envelopes for each party in the case.

The party who prepares any of these forms must file the original with the clerk of the circuit court. A copy of the motion must be served on any other party in your case. 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 Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.490.

Special notes...

IMPORTANT: After the judge refers your case to a general magistrate, either party (including the party who was required to prepare and submit the Order of Referral) may object to the referral within 10 days of the date that the referral is made (if the Order of Referral is served by mail, the parties have an additional 5 days within which to object to the referral). Every litigant is entitled to have his or her case heard by a judge. However, before you decide to object to an Order of Referral to General Magistrate, you should consider the potential extra costs and time delays that may result from having a judge hear your case instead of a general magistrate. You may want to speak with an attorney in your area who can assist you in making a more informed decision regarding whether you should file an objection to an Order of Referral to General Magistrate.

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 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.

MOTION FOR REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE

IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:

ORDER OF REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE

THIS CASE IS REFERRED TO THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE on the following issues:

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the above issues are referred to General Magistrate {name} ____________________________________________________________________, for further proceedings, under rule 12.490 of the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure and current administrative orders of the Court. Financial Affidavits, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), shall be filed in accordance with Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285. The General Magistrate is authorized to administer oaths and conduct hearings, which may include taking of evidence, and shall file a report and recommendations that contain findings of fact, conclusions of law, and the name of the court reporter, if any.

The General Magistrate shall assign a time for the proceedings as soon as reasonably possible after this referral is made and shall give notice to each of the parties either directly or by directing counsel or a party to file and serve a notice of hearing.

Counties within the State of Florida may have different rules. Please consult the ( ) Clerk of the Court () Family Law Intake Staff ( ) other __________________ relating to this procedure.

A REFERRAL TO A GENERAL MAGISTRATE REQUIRES THE CONSENT OF ALL PARTIES. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO HAVE THIS MATTER HEARD BY A JUDGE. IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO HAVE THIS MATTER HEARD BY THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE, YOU MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE REFERRAL WITHIN 10 DAYS OF THE TIME OF SERVICE OF THIS ORDER. IF THE TIME SET FOR THE HEARING IS LESS THAN 10 DAYS AFTER SERVICE OF THIS ORDER, THE OBJECTION MUST BE MADE BEFORE THE HEARING. IF THIS ORDER IS SERVED WITHIN THE FIRST 20 DAYS AFTER SERVICE OF PROCESS, THE TIME TO FILE AN OBJECTION IS EXTENDED TO THE TIME WITHIN WHICH A RESPONSIVE PLEADING IS DUE. FAILURE TO FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION WITHIN THE APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD IS DEEMED TO BE A CONSENT TO THE REFERRAL.

If either party files a timely objection, this matter shall be returned to the undersigned judge with a notice stating the amount of time needed for hearing.

REVIEW OF THE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE SHALL BE BY EXCEPTIONS AS PROVIDED IN RULE 12.490(f), FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE. A RECORD, WHICH INCLUDES A TRANSCRIPT, MAY BE REQUIRED TO SUPPORT EXCEPTIONS.

SHOULD YOU WISH TO SEEK REVIEW OF THE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION MADE BY THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE, YOU MUST FILE EXCEPTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 12.490(f), FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE COURT WITH A RECORD SUFFICIENT TO SUPPORT YOUR EXCEPTIONS, OR YOUR EXCEPTIONS WILL BE DENIED. A RECORD ORDINARILY INCLUDES A WRITTEN TRANSCRIPT OF ALL RELEVANT PROCEEDINGS. THE PERSON SEEKING REVIEW MUST HAVE THE TRANSCRIPT PREPARED IF NECESSARY FOR THE COURT'S REVIEW.

NOTICE OF HEARING BEFORE GENERAL MAGISTRATE

PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY.

If the matter before the General Magistrate is a Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement, FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE HEARING MAY RESULT IN THE COURT ISSUING A WRIT OF BODILY ATTACHMENT FOR YOUR ARREST. IF YOU ARE ARRESTED, YOU MAY BE HELD IN JAIL UP TO 48 HOURS BEFORE A HEARING IS HELD.

PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY.

This part to be filled out by the court or filled in with information you have obtained from the court:

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact:

{identify applicable court personnel by name, address, and telephone number} at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

SHOULD YOU WISH TO SEEK REVIEW OF THE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION MADE BY THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE, YOU MUST FILE EXCEPTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 12.490(f), FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE COURT WITH A RECORD SUFFICIENT TO SUPPORT YOUR EXCEPTIONS, OR YOUR EXCEPTIONS WILL BE DENIED. A RECORD ORDINARILY INCLUDES A WRITTEN TRANSCRIPT OF ALL RELEVANT PROCEEDINGS. THE PERSON SEEKING REVIEW MUST HAVE THE TRANSCRIPT PREPARED IF NECESSARY FOR THE COURT'S REVIEW.

If you are represented by an attorney or plan to retain an attorney for this matter you should notify the attorney of this hearing.

If this matter is resolved, the moving party shall contact the General Magistrate's Office to cancel this hearirg.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.930(a), NOTICE OF SERVICE OF STANDARD FAMILY LAW INTERROGATORIES (07/12)

When should this form he used?

You should use this form to tell the court that you are asking the other party in your case to answer certain standard questions in writing. These questions are called interrogatories, and they must relate to your case. The standard family law interrogatories are designed to supplement the information provided in the Financial Affidavit, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). You should carefully read the standard interrogatory forms, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b) and (c), to determine which questions, if any, the other party needs to answer in order to provide you with information not covered by the financial affidavit forms.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You must indicate whether you are sending the interrogatories for original and enforcement proceedings or the interrogatories for modification proceedings. You must also indicate which questions you are asking the other party to answer. After completing this form you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case was filed and keep a copy for your records.

What should I do next?

You must serve the other party with a copy of this form along with an original and a copy of the appropriate interrogatories, Florida Family Law Rides of Procedure Form 12.930(b) or (c), if service is by mail or hand delivery. You must serve a copy of this form and a copy of the interrogatories if service is by e-mail. Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

You may want to inform the other party of the following information:

As a general rule, within 30 days after service of interrogatories, the other party must answer the questions in writing and serve you with the answers. Service of the answers must be in compliance with Florida Ride of Judicial Administration 2.516. His or her answers may be written on as many separate sheets of paper as necessary. He or she should number each page and indicate which question(s) he or she is answering, and be sure to make a copy for him/herself. All answers to these questions are made under oath or affirmation as to their truthfulness. Each question must be answered separately and as completely as the available information permits. The original of the answers to the interrogatories is to be provided to the requesting party. Do not file the original or a copy with the clerk of the circuit court except as provided in Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.340(e).

The other party may object to a question by writing the legal reason for the objection in the space provided. He or she may also ask the court for a protective order granting him or her permission not to answer certain questions and protecting him or her from annoyance, embarrassment, apprehension, or undue burden or expense. If the other party fails to either answer or object to the questions within 30 days, he or she may be subject to court sanctions.

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 bold underline in these instructions are defined there. For further information, see Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.280, 12.285, 12.340, and 12.380, and Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.230, 1.340, and 1.380.

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 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.

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF STANDARD FAMILY LAW INTERROGATORIES

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.930(b), STANDARD FAMILY LAW INTERROGATORIES FOR ORIGINAL OR ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS (07/12)

When should this form he used?

This form should be used to ask the other parts in your case to answer certain standard questions in writing. These questions are called interrogatories, and they must relate to your case. If the other party fails to answer the questions, you may ask the judge to order the other party to answer the questions. (You cannot ask these questions before the petition has been filed.)

The questions in this form should be used in original proceedings or enforcement proceedings and are meant to supplement the information provided in the Financial Affidavit, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). You should read all of the questions in this form to determine which questions, if any, the other party needs to answer in order to provide you with information not covered in the financial affidavit forms. If there are questions to which you already know the answer, you may choose not to ask them.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You must complete the box at the beginning of this form to indicate which questions you are requesting that the other party answer.

You must serve the other party with an original and a copy of these interrogatories and a copy of the Notice of Service of Standard Family Law Interrogatories, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(a), if by mail or hand delivery. You must serve an original of these interrogatories and a copy of the Notice, if by e-mail. Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

You should also keep a copy for your records. You should not file this form with the clerk of the circuit court. However, you must file the Notice of Service of Standard Family Law Interrogatories, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.930(a), to tell the court that you have sent this form to the other party.

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 the instructions for Notice of Service of Standard Family Law Interrogatories, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(a), Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.280, 12.285, 12.340, and 12.380; and Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.280, 1.340, and 1.380.

Special notes...

In addition to the standard questions in this form, you may ask up to 10 additional questions. You should type or print legibly your additional questions on a separate sheet of paper and attach it to this form. If you want to ask more than 10 additional questions, you will need to get permission from the judge.

You may want to inform the other party of the following information: As a general rule, within 30 days after service of interrogatories, the other party must answer the questions in writing and serve you with the answers. Service of the answers must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. His or her answers shall be written in the blank space provided after each separately numbered interrogatory. If sufficient space is not provided, the answering party may attach additional papers with the answers and refer to them in the space provided in the interrogatories. He or she should be sure to make a copy for him/herself. All answers to these questions are made under oath or affirmation as to their truthfulness. Each question must be answered separately and as completely as the available information permits. The original of the answers to the interrogatories is to be provided to the requesting party. DO NOT FILE THE ORIGINAL OR A COPY WITH THE CLERK OF THE COURT EXCEPT AS PROVIDED BY FLORIDA RULE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE 1.340(e) AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FLORIDA RULE OF JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION 2.425. The other party may object to a question by writing the legal reason for the objection in the space provided. He or she may also ask the court for a protective order granting him or her permission not to answer certain questions and protecting him or her from annoyance, embarrassment, apprehension, or undue burden or expense. If the other party fails to either waver or object to the questions within 30 days, he or she may be subject to court sanctions.

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 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.

STANDARD FAMILY LAW INTERROGATORIES FOR ORIGINAL OR ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS

The answers to the following questions are intended to supplement the information provided in the Financial Affidavits, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). You should answer the group of questions indicated in the above shaded box. The questions should be answered in the blank space provided below each separately numbered question. If sufficient space is not provided, you may attach additional papers with the answers and refer to them in the space provided in the interrogatories. You should be sure to make a copy for yourself. Each question must be answered separately and as completely as the available information permits. All answers are to be made under oath or affirmation as to their truthfulness.

AFTER YOU ANSWER THE INTERROGATORIES, DO NOT FILE THE ORIGINAL WITH THE CLERK OF THE COURT. ALL PERSONAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE COURT FILE BECOMES PUBLIC RECORD. INSTEAD, SERVE THE ORIGINAL OF THE ANSWERS TO THE INTERROGATORIES ON THE OTHER PARTY AND FILE FORM 12.930(d), NOTICE OF SERVICE OF ANSWERS TO INTERROGATORIES, WITH THE CLERK.

I, {name of person answering interrogatories} _____________________________, being sworn, certify that the following information is true:

1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

2. EDUCATION:

3. EMPLOYMENT:

4. ASSETS:

5. LIABILITIES:

6. MISCELLANEOUS:

7. LONG FORM AFFIDAVIT:

If you filed the short form affidavit, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), and you were specifically requested in the Notice of Service of Standard Family Law Interrogatories to file the Long Form Affidavit, Form 12.902(c), you must do so within the time to serve the answers to these interrogatories.

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} ___________________________.

I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the answers to these interrogatories and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or imprisonment.

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} _________.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.930(c), STANDARD FAMILY LAW INTERROGATORIES FOR MODIFICATION PROCEEDINGS (07/12)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used to ask the other party in your case to answer certain standard questions in writing. These questions are called interrogatories, and they must relate to your case. If the other party fails to answer the questions, you may ask the judge to order the other party to answer the questions. (You cannot ask these questions before the petition has been filed.)

The questions in this form should be used in modification proceedings and are meant to supplement the information provided in the Financial Affidavit, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). You should read all of the questions in this form to determine which questions, if any, the other party needs to answer in order to provide you with information not covered in the financial affidavit forms. If there are questions to which you already know the answer, you may choose not to ask them.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You must complete the box at the beginning of this form to indicate which questions you are requesting that the other party answer.

You must serve the other party with an original and a copy of these interrogatories and a copy of the Notice of Service of Standard Family Law Interrogatories, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(a), if by mail or hand delivery. You must serve an original of these interrogatories and a copy of the Notice, if by e-mail. Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

You should also keep a copy for your records. You should not file this form with the clerk of the circuit court. However, you must file the Notice of Service of Standard Family Law Interrogatories, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(a), to tell the court that you have sent this form to the other party.

After you receive the completed answers to the interrogatories, DO NOT FILE THE ORIGINAL OR A COPY WITH THE CLERK OF THE COURT UNLESS THE ANSWERS ARE ADMITTED INTO EVIDENCE BY THE COURT AND ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH FLORIDA RULE OF JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION 2.425

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 the instructions for Notice of Service of Standard Family Law Interrogatories, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(a), Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.280, 12.285, 12.340, and 12.380; and Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.280, 1.340, and 1.380.

Special notes

In addition to the standard questions in this form, you may ask up to 10 additional questions. You should type or print legibly your additional questions on a separate sheet of paper and attach it to this form. If you want to ask more than 10 additional questions, you will need to get permission from the judge.

You may want to inform the other party of the following information: As a general rule, within 30 days after service of interrogatories, the other party must answer the questions in writing and serve you with the answers. Service of the answers must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. His or her answers shall be written in the blank space provided after each separately numbered interrogatory. If sufficient space is not provided, the answering party may attach additional papers with the answers and refer to them in the space provided in the interrogatories. He or she should be sure to make a copy for him/herself. All answers to these questions are made under oath or affirmation as to their truthfulness. Each question must be answered separately and as completely as the available information permits. The original of the answers to the interrogatories is to be provided to the requesting party. DO NOT FILE THE ORIGINAL OR A COPY WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT UNLESS THE ANSWERS ARE ADMITTED INTO EVIDENCE BY THE COURT AND ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FLORIDA RULE OF JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION 2.425. The other party may object to a question by writing the legal reason for the objection in the space provided. He or she may also ask the court for a protective order granting him or her permission not to answer certain questions and protecting him or her from annoyance, embarrassment, apprehension, or undue burden or expense. If the other party fails to either answer or object to the questions within 30 days, he or she may be subject to court sanctions.

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 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.

STANDARD FAMILY LAW INTERROGATORIES FOR MODIFICATION PROCEEDINGS

TO BE COMPLETED BY THE PARTY SERVING THESE INTERROGATORIES

I am requesting that the following standard questions be answered: [check all that apply]

The answers to the following questions are intended to supplement the information provided in the Financial Affidavits, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). You should answer the group of questions indicated in the above shaded box. The questions should be answered in the blank space provided below each separately numbered question. If sufficient space is not provided, you may attach additional papers with the answers and refer to them in the space provided in the interrogatories. You should be sure to make a copy for yourself. Each question must be answered separately and as completely as the available information permits. All answers are to be made under oath or affirmation as to their truthfulness.

AFTER YOU ANSWER THE INTERROGATORIES, DO NOT FILE THE ORIGINAL WITH THE CLERK OF THE COURT. ALL PERSONAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE COURT FILE BECOMES PUBLIC RECORD. INSTEAD, SERVE THE ORIGINAL OF THE ANSWERS TO THE INTERROGATORIES ON THE OTHER PARTY AND FILE FORM 12.930(d), NOTICE OF SERVICE OF ANSWERS TO INTERROGATORIES, WITH THE CLERK.

I, {name of person answering interrogatories} ____________________, being sworn, certify that the following information is true:

1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

a. State your full legal name and any other name by which you have been known.

b. State your present residence and telephone numbers.

2. EDUCATION:

a. List all business, commercial, and professional licenses that you have obtained since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified.

b. List all of your education since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified including, but not limited to, vocational or specialized training, including the following:

(3) degrees or certificates obtained or anticipated dates of same.

3. EMPLOYMENT:

a. For each place of your employment or self-employment since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, state the following:

c. If you have been unemployed at any time since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, state the dates of unemployment. If you have not been employed at any time since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, give the information requested above in question 3.a for your last period of employment.

4. ASSETS:

a. Real Estate. State the street address, if any, and if not, the legal description of all real property that you own or owned during the last 3 years, or since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter. For each property, state the following:

b. Tangible Personal Property. List all items of tangible personal property that are owned by you or in which you have had any interest during the last 3 years, or since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter, including, but not limited to, motor vehicles, tools, furniture, boats, jewelry, art objects or other collections, and collectibles whose fair market value exceeds $100. For each item, state the following:

c. Intangible Personal Property. Other than the financial accounts (checking, savings, money market, credit union accounts, retirement accounts, or other such cash management accounts) listed in the answers to interrogatories 4.d and 4.e below, list all items of intangible personal property that are owned by you or in which you have had any ownership interest (including closed accounts) within the last 3 years, or since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter, including but not limited to, partnership and business interests (including good will), deferred compensation accounts unconnected with retirement, including but not limited to stock options, sick leave, and vacation pay, stocks, stock funds, mutual funds, bonds, bond funds, real estate investment trust, receivables, certificates of deposit, notes, mortgages, and debts owed to you by another entity or person. For each item, state the following:

d. Retirement Accounts: List all information regarding each retirement account/plan, including but not limited to defined benefit plans, 401k, 403B, IRA accounts, pension plans, Florida Retirement System plans (FRS), Federal Government plans, money purchase plans, HR10 (Keogh) plans, profit sharing plans, annuities, employee savings plans, etc. that you have established and/or that have been established for you by you, your employer, or any previous employer. For each account, state the following:

e. Financial Accounts. For all financial accounts (checking, savings, money market, credit union accounts, or other such cash management accounts) listed in your Financial Affidavit, in which you have had any legal or equitable interest, regardless of whether the interest is or was held in your own name individually, in your name with another person, or in any other name, give the following:

f. Closed Financial Accounts. For all financial accounts (checking, savings, money market, credit union accounts, or other such cash management accounts) closed within the last 3 years, or since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter, in which you have had any legal or equitable interest, regardless of whether the interest is or was held in your own name individually, in your name with another person, or in any other name, give the following:

(3) last 4 digits of account numbers.

g. Trust. For any interest in an estate, trust, insurance policy, or annuity, state the following:

(2) If you have established any trust or are the trustee of a trust, state the following:

h. Name of Accountant, Bookkeeper, or Records Keeper. State the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of your accountant, bookkeeper, and any other persons who possess your financial records, and state which records each possesses.

5. LIABILITIES:

a. Loans, Liabilities, Debts, and Other Obligations. For all loans, liabilities, debts, and other obligations (other than credit cards and charge accounts) listed in your Financial Affidavit, indicate for each the following:

(7) total amount of arrearage, if any.

b. Credit Cards and Charge Accounts. For all financial accounts (credit cards, charge accounts, or other such accounts) listed in your Financial Affidavit, in which you have had any legal or equitable interest, regardless of whether the interest is or was held in your own name individually, in your name with another person, or in any other name, give the following:

You may comply with this interrogatory (5.b) by providing copies of all periodic (monthly quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) account statements for each such account for the preceding 3 years, or since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter. DO NOT FILE THESE DOCUMENTS IN THE COURT FILE. You do not have to resubmit account statements previously furnished under rule 12.285 (Mandatory Disclosure).

c. Closed Credit Cards and Charge Accounts. For all financial accounts (credit cards, charge accounts, or other such accounts) closed with no remaining balance, within the last 3 years, or since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter, in which you have had any legal or equitable interest, regardless of whether the interest is or was held in your own name individually, in your name with another person, or in any other name, give the following:

6. MISCELLANEOUS:

7. LONG FORM AFFIDAVIT: If you filed the Short Form Affidavit, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), and you were specifically requested in the Notice of Service of Standard Family Law Interrogatories to file the Long Form Affidavit, Form 12.902(c), you must do so within the time to serve the answers to these interrogatories.

I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the answers to these interrogatories and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or imprisonment.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.932, CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WITH MANDATORY DISCLOSURE (07/12)

When should this form be used?

Mandatory disclosure requires each party in a dissolution of marriage case to provide the other party with certain financial information and documents. These documents must be served on the other party within 45 days of service of the petition for dissolution of marriage or supplemental petition for modification on the respondent. The mandatory disclosure rule applies to all original and supplemental dissolution of marriage cases, except simplified dissolution of marriage cases and cases where the respondent is served by constructive service and does not answer. You should use this form to notify the court and the other party that you have complied with the mandatory disclosure rule.

Each party must provide the other party with the documents listed in section 2 of this form if the relief being sought is permanent regardless of whether it is an initial or supplemental proceeding. ONLY THE ORIGINAL OF THE COMPLETED FORM IS FILED WITH THE COURT. EXCEPT FOR THE FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT AND CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET, NO DOCUMENTS SHALL BE FILED IN THE COURT FILE WITHOUT A PRIOR COURT ORDER. THE DOCUMENTS LISTED ON THE FORM ARE TO BE GIVEN TO THE OTHER PARTY. If your individual gross annual income is under $50,000, you should complete the Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form), Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b). If your individual gross annual income is $50,000 or more, you should complete the Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form), Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c).

In addition, there are separate mandatory disclosure requirements that apply to temporary financial hearings, which are listed in section 1 of this form. The party seeking temporary financial relief must serve these documents on the other party with the notice of temporary financial hearing. The responding party must serve the required documents on the party seeking temporary relief. Service by e-mail or mail shall be at least 7 days before the temporary financial relief hearing. Service by delivery shall be no later than 5:00 p.m., 2 business days before the hearing. Any documents that have already been served under the requirements for temporary or initial proceedings do not need to be reserved again in the same proceeding. If a supplemental petition is filed, seeking modification, then the mandatory disclosure requirements begin again.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case is filed and keep a copy for your records. A copy of this form must be served on any other party in your case. Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

What should I do next?

After you have provided the other party all of the financial information and documents and have filed this form certifying that you have complied with this rule, you are under a continuing duty to promptly give the other party any information or documents that change your financial status or that make the information already provided inaccurate. You should not file with the clerk any of the documents listed in the certificate of compliance other than the financial affidavit and the child support guidelines worksheet. Refer to the instructions regarding the petition in your case to determine how you should proceed after filing this form.

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...

You may provide copies of required documents; however, the originals must be produced for inspection if the other party requests to see them.

Although the financial affidavits are based on individual gross income, either party may ask the other party to complete the Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form), Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), by serving the appropriate interrogatory form. (See Standard Family Law Interrogatories, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b) (original proceedings) or (c) (modification proceedings)).

Any portion of the mandatory disclosure rule may be modified by order of the judge or agreement of the parties. Therefore, you and your spouse may agree that you will not require each other to produce the documents required under the mandatory disclosure rule. This exception does not apply to the Financial Affidavit, Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), which is required in all cases and cannot be waived. 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.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WITH MANDATORY DISCLOSURE ONLY THE ORIGINAL OF THIS COMPLETED FORM IS FILED WITH THE COURT. EXCEPT FOR THE FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT AND CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEENO DOCUMENTS SHALL BE FILED IN THE COURT FILE WITHOUT A PRIOR COURT ORDER. THE DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW ARE TO BE GIVEN TO THE OTHER PARTY.

I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the accuracy of my compliance with the mandatory disclosure requirements of Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285 and that, unless otherwise indicated with specificity, this disclosure is complete. I further understand that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement or incomplete disclosure includes fines and/or imprisonment.

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

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.996(b), NOTICE TO PAYOR (07/12)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when an Income Deduction Order has been entered by the Court which is to take effect immediately.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, the original of this form should be filed with the clerk of the circuit court in the county in which the action is pending. You should keep a copy for your own records.

What should I do next?

A copy of this form, and a copy of the Income Deduction Order, must be sent to the obligor's payor by certified mail, return receipt requested. The return receipt should be sent to the person that prepared this form so that it can filed with the clerk along with Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.996(c), Notice of Filing Return Receipt.

A copy of this form must also be served on the other party or his or her attorney. 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 section 61.1301, Florida Statutes.

Special Instructions...

The Obligor's social security number must be written on the copies of the Notice to Payor that are mailed to the Obligor's Payor and served on the other party or his or her attorney. The social security number should not be written on the copy of the Notice to Payor filed with the court.

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.

NOTE: The Obligor's social security number should be placed on the copy of the Notice to Payor that is mailed to the Obligor's Payor. This line should be left blank on the original Notice to Payor filed with the court.

YOU, THE PAYOR, ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that, under section 61.1301, Florida Statutes, you have the responsibilities and rights set forth below with regard to the accompanying Income Deduction Order and/or any attachment(s):

12. If you receive more than one notice to payor or income deduction notice against the same obligor, the payor shall contact the court or, in Title IV-D cases, the Title IV-D agency for further instructions.

13. In a Title IV-D case, if an obligation to pay current support is reduced or terminated due to the emancipation of a child and the obligor owes an arrearage, retroactive support, delinquency, or costs, income deduction continues at the rate in effect immediately prior to emancipation until all arrearages, retroactive support, delinquencies, and costs are paid in full or until the amount of withholding is modified.

14. All notices to the obligee shall be sent to the address provided in this notice to payor, or any place thereafter the obligee requests in writing.

15. An employer who employed 10 or more employees in any quarter during the preceding state fiscal year or who was subject to and paid tax to the Department of Revenue in an amount of $20,000 or more shall remit support payments deducted pursuant to an income deduction order or income deduction notice and provide associated case data to the State Disbursement Unit by electronic means approved by the department. Payors who are required to remit support payments electronically can find more information on how to do so by accessing the State Disbursement Unit's website at www.floridasdu.com and clicking on "Payments." Payment options include Expert Pay, Automated Clearing House (ACH) credit through your financial institution, www.myfloridasdu.com, or Western Union. Payors may contact the SDU Customer Service Employer telephone line at 1-888-833-0743.

16. Additional information regarding the implementation of this Notice to Payor may be found at www.florida.sdu.com.

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} ______________.

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:

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.996(c) NOTICE OF FILING RETURN RECEIPT (07/12)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when an Income Deduction Order, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.996(a), is entered by the court and a Notice to Payor, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.996(b), has been sent by certified mail to the obligor's payor. When the post office returns the return receipt to you showing that the obligor's payor has received the Notice to Payor, you should type or print this form in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign it and attach the return receipt you received from the post office. The original of this form (and the attached return receipt) should be filed with the clerk of the circuit court in the county in which the action is pending. You should keep a copy for your own records.

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must also be served on the other party or his or her attorney. 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 section 61.1301, Florida Statutes.

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 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.

NOTICE OF FILING RETURN RECEIPT

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: