How to Find and Use Florida Family Law Forms

The Florida State Court System is set up so individuals can access and file Florida family law forms on their own. Individuals going through a family law matter aren’t required to use an attorney. Instead, they can represent themselves and use self-help resources to manage their case.

Let’s look at where you can find Florida family law forms, how you can use them, and if there’s a better alternative to filing on your own. 

What Are Florida Family Law Forms?

Florida family law forms are standard documents you can use while representing yourself in family court in Florida. The Florida civil law forms include representation forms, petitions, supplemental (modification) petitions, answers, financial affidavits, and supporting documents. Florida family law forms can be used in matters related to divorce, alimony and spousal support, child support, property division, and paternity, among other matters. 

When Do You Need Florida Family Law Forms?

You can use Florida family law forms if you want to take legal action or someone has taken legal action against you in family law courts. There are more than a hundred forms that can be used in family law proceedings. You can use the forms if you want or need to:

• File an appeal or an answer related to family law matters
• File for divorce
• File for custody
• Change a custody or visitation agreement
• Change a parenting plan 
• Change a legal name
• Determine paternity 
• File for step-parent adoption
• File for protections against domestic abuse 

This is not a comprehensive list, but it can give you an idea of the actions you can take using Florida family law forms. 

Where Can I Access Florida Family Law Forms?

The Florida State Court System has a self-help resource center on its website that includes a long list of Florida family law forms. You can find them in the Family Law Self-Help Information resource center. 

All forms are free of charge. You can download editable forms directly from the site. 

Individual counties may also have online resources that supply family law forms. But, you do not need to use forms specific to your country. 

Forms in Florida are standard throughout the state. While details of the forms (such as your country name on the first page) may be different, you can use all forms found on the Florida State Court System website for each country. 

How Do I Use Florida Family Law Forms? 

The Family Law Self-Help resource provides instructions to guide you through the process of using and filing forms on your own. 

1. Start by reviewing the General Information for Self-Represented Litigants which shares vital information about the court system and its processes. 
2. Review the Florida Rules of Family Law to gain a better understanding of family law processes and procedures.
3. Determine which forms you need, and find them on the Florida Court site.
4. Fill out forms. You can download, print, and hand-write your forms, but it is recommended to use the form’s fillable fields. When you use Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can fill out forms by typing in answers. This process ensures that your forms are legible. 
5. File forms with the Clerk of Court’s office in your county. Each form includes directions on how to file the form and what procedures need to be followed (such as if you need to make copies, have other parties served, etc.).

How Do I Get Help?

The Family Law Self-Help resource offers some assistance, but it cannot provide the full scope of help you might need. 

The resource center can only offer administrative and procedural help. For example, if you can’t find a form, can’t download it, or have a disability which limits your ability to access an online form, the office can provide assistance. But, they cannot help you fill out forms or offer any assistance that can be perceived as legal help. If you want legal assistance, you need to work with a family law attorney. 

A family law attorney can help you with the entire process. When you work with an attorney, you will likely not need to access any Florida Family Law Forms on your own. Your attorney will advise on what forms you need, help you complete the forms, and file them on your behalf. 

Related: What Happens After Divorce Papers Are Served?

Let’s Talk About Your Family Law Case 

If you’re looking for family law forms, you are likely in the middle of or about to start ligation. While these forms will help you navigate the process on your own, it always helps to have a professional on your side.

A family law attorney will make sure you complete the correct forms, at the right time, and in your best interest. They will guide you through the process to ensure that you and your family get the best possible outcome. 

If you need advice on how to go through a family law process, please contact TJ Grimaldi. All of our consultations are 100% free so you can discuss your case for no charge. You will speak directly with our lead counsel, TJ Grimaldi so he can get to know your case and let you know how we can help you through your unique family law situation. Schedule your free consultation or call 813-226-1023 today.