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Understanding Florida Order

  1. What is the purpose of the Florida Income Deduction Order form?

    The Florida Income Deduction Order form is used in non-Title IV-D cases when the court has mandated that support payments be made through income deductions. This means that a portion of the obligor's income will be deducted directly from their paycheck to fulfill their support obligations. The form helps ensure that payments are made consistently and on time.

  2. Who are the obligor and obligee?

    The obligor is the individual who is required to pay support, while the obligee is the person entitled to receive that support. Understanding these roles is crucial when filling out the form, as it directly impacts how the order is structured and enforced.

  3. How do I complete the form?

    When filling out the form, you need to provide specific information in several sections. In Paragraph 1, check the appropriate effective date for the Income Deduction Order. In Paragraph 2, fill in the support payment amounts and the frequency of those payments. If there are any arrears, include those as well. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure all necessary information is captured accurately.

  4. What happens after I complete the form?

    Once you have filled out the form, it must be signed by a judge to be effective. You’ll need to send a copy to the other party or their attorney for approval. If they approve, you can submit the original and two copies to the judge. If there are objections, you must inform the judge and provide stamped, self-addressed envelopes for all parties involved.

  5. Where can I find additional information?

    For more details, you can refer to the General Information for Self-Represented Litigants at the beginning of the forms. This section provides definitions and further guidance. Additionally, you may want to review section 61.1301 of the Florida Statutes for more information on income deduction orders.

Common mistakes

  1. Not checking the correct effective date: In Paragraph 1, it is essential to select one of the three options regarding when the Income Deduction Order becomes effective. Failing to do so can lead to confusion and delays in processing the order.

  2. Incorrectly completing support amounts: In Paragraph 2, the amounts and time periods for support payments must match those specified in the court order. Errors in these figures can result in legal complications and enforcement issues.

  3. Omitting arrears information: If there are any arrears owed, they must be included in the designated line for arrears. Neglecting to provide this information can affect the overall support calculation.

  4. Failing to complete the child support termination schedule: In Paragraph 7, it is necessary to outline when child support obligations will end for each minor child. Leaving this blank or incomplete can create future disputes regarding support payments.

  5. Not sending the form to the other party: After completing the form, a copy must be sent to the other party or their attorney for approval. Skipping this step may lead to objections that could delay the process.

  6. Neglecting to provide necessary envelopes: When submitting the form to the judge, stamped self-addressed envelopes must be included for all parties involved. Failing to provide these can result in delays in receiving the signed order.

How to Use Florida Order

Completing the Florida Order form is a straightforward process that requires careful attention to detail. Once the form is filled out, it must be sent to the appropriate parties for review before being submitted to the judge for approval. Follow these steps to ensure the form is completed correctly.

  1. Begin by entering the name of the judicial circuit and the county where the case is filed at the top of the form.
  2. Fill in the case number and division information.
  3. Identify the petitioner and respondent by entering their names in the designated spaces.
  4. In Paragraph 1, check the appropriate box to indicate when the Income Deduction Order should become effective.
  5. Complete Paragraph 2 by filling in the amount of child support, alimony, and any arrears, along with the frequency of payments.
  6. Include the service fee amount in the designated line.
  7. In Paragraph 6, specify what percentage of any one-time payment should be applied to arrears, if applicable.
  8. Complete Paragraph 7 by listing all minor children, their initials, birthdates, and the amount of child support owed for each child.
  9. Indicate the termination date for child support obligations for each child, typically the child's 18th birthday.
  10. Review the entire form for accuracy and completeness before proceeding.

After finishing the form, send a copy to the other party or their attorney for approval or objection. If there are no objections, submit the original and two copies to the judge, along with a letter explaining the approval process. If there are objections, inform the judge accordingly. Keep a copy for your records, as the judge will mail copies of the signed order back to you and the other party.

File Specs

Fact Name Description
Purpose This form is used in non-Title IV-D cases to establish an income deduction order for support payments.
Obligor and Obligee The obligor is the person required to pay support, while the obligee is the person entitled to receive it.
Effective Date The effective date of the Income Deduction Order must be specified in the court order or agreement.
Arrears Inclusion If there are arrears, they must be included in the order, specifying amounts and payment frequencies.
Payment Processing All support payments must go through the State Disbursement Unit, which charges a fee of 4% per payment.
Child Support Schedule A schedule must detail the child support amounts for all minor children and when obligations terminate.
Judicial Approval The order must be signed by a judge to be effective, and copies must be sent to all involved parties.