This is a multi-state form covering the subject matter of the title.
This is a multi-state form covering the subject matter of the title.
Be specific. Don't ramble or repeat yourself, and don't include irrelevant information. Don't lie or make assumptions not supported by facts and evidence — include only information that you have personal knowledge of. Don't use inflammatory language or rant about the other parent.
To file your petition in person, take all of your paperwork to your county clerk's office. Go to County Resources to see your county's information. To file your petition online, go to the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal to file your petition. If you don't have an account already, you will need to sign up for an account.
Writing an answer for child custody You'll specify which parts of the petition you agree with, which parts you disagree with and which you don't know about. Your answer can address errors like incorrect dates and locations, plus whether you agree with what the petitioner is asking for (e.g., the type of custody).
You must file a response called an "Answer" within 20 days after being served with legal papers and a summons. The Answers and supporting documents for the most common Family Division proceedings can be obtained on the Florida Courts website at .flcourts.
Send your Answer to the address stated in the Summons that was served on you with the petition. The Certificate of Service that you completed and filed with the court is your proof to the court that you did mail a copy of your Answer to the other side's attorney, or to him/her.
Your header should include the same information that is at the top of the petition: the case number, names of the parties involved, their addresses, dates of birth, lawyers' names, etc. The body of your answer is where you'll respond to the petitioner's claims. Respond to the custody petition paragraph by paragraph.
Don't Bash The Other Parent While it might be tempting to make defamatory statements about your child's other parent, it is not advisable to do so. Even if what you are saying is true, it is best to allow the courts to discover any undue behaviors on the part of parents during child custody hearings.
Generally you must file a motion for child visitation in the county where the child has lived for the past six months. If there is an existing custody or parenting time order, however, you typically will need to file your motion with the court that entered that order.
You must file a response called an "Answer" within 20 days after being served with legal papers and a summons. The Answers and supporting documents for the most common Family Division proceedings can be obtained on the Florida Courts website at .flcourts.