Content Overview
Understanding Florida Procedure
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What is the purpose of the Florida Procedure form 12.900(h)?
This form, known as the Notice of Related Cases, is required to inform the court of any related cases when filing a family law case in Florida. A related case may involve the same parties, children, or issues. It is crucial for ensuring that the court is aware of any potential conflicts in orders or jurisdiction.
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When should I use this form?
You should use this form whenever you are involved in a family law case that has any related cases. According to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d), you must file this notice if there are related cases pending at the time you file your family law case. Even if there are no related cases, your circuit may still require you to submit this form.
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How do I fill out the form?
The form should be typed or printed in black ink. You will need to provide details about the related cases, including case numbers, names of the parties involved, and the type of proceedings. Make sure to check the appropriate boxes that apply to your situation, and provide a statement regarding the relationship of the cases.
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What should I do after completing the form?
Once you have filled out the form, you must file it with the clerk of the circuit court alongside your initial pleading in the family law case. Additionally, you must serve a copy of the form on the presiding judges and all parties involved in the related cases. It is also a good idea to keep a copy for your records.
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What if I need help filling out the form?
If you are not an attorney and need assistance, a nonlawyer can help you. However, that person must provide you with a Disclosure from Nonlawyer and include their name, address, and phone number on the last page of the forms they assist you with.
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Where can I find more information?
For additional guidance, it is recommended that you read the “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” at the beginning of the forms. You can also refer to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d) for more details on the requirements surrounding related cases.
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What types of cases are considered related?
A case may be deemed related if it involves the same parties, children, or issues and is pending when the family law case is filed. Other factors include whether the related case affects the court’s jurisdiction or if orders in either case may conflict with one another.
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What happens if there are no related cases?
If there are no related cases, you can simply check the box indicating this on the form. However, you still need to file the form as part of the requirements for your family law case.
Common mistakes
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Neglecting to file the form: Some individuals forget to submit the Notice of Related Cases altogether. This step is crucial as it informs the court of any existing related cases that could impact the current proceedings.
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Incorrectly identifying related cases: It's important to accurately identify any related cases. Failing to recognize cases that involve the same parties or issues may lead to complications later on.
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Using the wrong format: The form must be typed or printed in black ink. Submitting it in a different format can result in delays or rejection of the filing.
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Omitting required information: Leaving out necessary details, such as case numbers or the names of parties involved, can hinder the court's ability to process the notice effectively.
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Failing to serve all parties: After filing, a copy of the form must be served on all presiding judges and parties involved in the related cases. Skipping this step can lead to misunderstandings or legal disputes.
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Not keeping a copy for personal records: It is essential to retain a copy of the filed notice for personal records. This documentation may be needed for future reference or to verify compliance with court requirements.
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Ignoring the rules for nonlawyer assistance: If a nonlawyer helps in filling out the form, they must provide a Disclosure from Nonlawyer. Overlooking this requirement can create legal issues down the line.
How to Use Florida Procedure
Filling out the Florida Procedure form is an important step in notifying the court about any related cases that may impact your family law case. Completing this form accurately ensures that all relevant information is provided to the court, which can help avoid conflicts in rulings and streamline the legal process.
- Begin by downloading the Florida Procedure form 12.900(h) from a reliable source or the official court website.
- Type or neatly print your information in black ink. Ensure clarity and legibility throughout the form.
- In the top section, fill in the name of the circuit court, the judicial circuit number, and the county where your case is being filed.
- Enter the case number and division, if applicable, in the designated spaces.
- Identify yourself as the Petitioner and fill in the name of the Respondent.
- Check the appropriate box to indicate whether there are any related cases or if there are none.
- If there are related cases, provide the details for each case, including:
- Case Name(s)
- Petitioner and Respondent names
- Case Number
- Division
- Type of Proceeding (check all that apply)
- State where the case was decided or is pending
- Name of the Court where the case was decided or is pending
- Title and date of the last Court Order/Judgment (if any)
- Relationship of cases (check all that apply) and a brief statement explaining the relationship
- Repeat the above step for additional related cases, if necessary, up to three cases.
- At the end of the form, check the box to indicate whether you request coordination of litigation in any of the listed cases.
- Sign and date the form at the bottom.
- Make copies of the completed form for your records and for service to the presiding judges and all parties involved in the related cases.
After completing the form, the next step involves filing it with the clerk of the circuit court along with your initial pleading. Ensure that copies are served to all relevant parties as required by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. Keeping a copy for your own records is also essential for future reference.
File Specs
| Fact Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose of the Form | This form is used to notify the court of any related cases in family law matters, as required by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d). |
| Filing Requirements | The form must be filed with the clerk of the circuit court along with the initial pleading in a family law case. It should be typed or printed in black ink. |
| Service of the Form | A copy of the completed form must be served on the presiding judges and all parties involved in the related cases, in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. |
| Definition of Related Cases | A case is considered related if it involves the same parties, children, or issues and is pending at the time of filing, or if it may affect the court’s jurisdiction. |
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