What should my Motion say? The court staff cannot tell litigants what to write on their forms. Remember that you are representing yourself. The motion tells the judge what you want the Court to do and why you think the Court should do it. It is your responsibility to provide proof of your claims supported by evidence and applicable law. You should seek legal advice or counsel if you have a complicated case, even if you choose not to hire an attorney to go to court with you.

Other agencies:  Contact the United Way Information & Referral (352) 332-4636.

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We are separated. I don't want a divorce. We have children. S/He wants to see them, but I won't allow that. If you are married, both parents have equal "custody" rights to the children unless and until there is some court action to the contrary (such as a final judgment of dissolution of marriage - divorce).

What is Service of Process? When the Sheriff delivers the forms you have filed to the other party, then sends you proof that the other party received the forms. You must file the proof from the Sheriff in your case file. The other party has 20 days from the day after he or she was served to file an answer to your petition in writing.

Does the Default period after Service of Process include weekends? Yes. The respondent has 20 days from the date of delivery, which includes weekends and holidays in which to file his or her written answer.

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I don't want to marry my girlfriend, but she won't allow me visitation. Packets are available to Establish Paternity and/or Modify Paternity depending on whether or not paternity has already been established legally.

My child's mother/father has reappeared in my child's life. We were not married. What are my rights? The Family Court Case Management Program cannot advise litigants on their legal rights. Litigants can consult with an attorney or go to the Alachua County Law Library to read and research Paternity issues.

I took a Parenting Course somewhere else so I don't need to take it here. There are several Parent Education and Family Stabilization courses that have been approved by the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court. If a party attends a course that has been approved by the circuit court in another circuit, it is likely the judge will accept it.

I have had my kids for 16 years, I don't need to take the Parenting Education Course. I know how to be a parent! It is mandatory in the State of Florida for litigants to take a Parent Education and Family Stabilization course which is a four hour seminar. The course is to educate parents about how the divorce effects the child and how to help children handle the stress of divorce.

I live out of state (the other party is in Florida). Do I have to go to Florida for the Parenting Education Course? The Parent Education and Family Stabilization class has a seminar available via the internet. If you do not have access to the internet, your local library usually has internet access available to the public.

I took the parenting class, but my spouse refuses to. The other party will have to answer to the Judge.

I cannot afford the price of the required Parenting Education Course. If you have established indigency with the Clerk's office, obtain the Motion to Reduce Fee for Mandated Parenting Education Class and file it in your case.

How can I reduce my child support? Hire an attorney or packets are available to Modify Child Support, and file the appropriate documents and send notice to the other party.

Why is the child support being taken out of my paycheck when the other parent gave me custody? If a Modification of Custody was not filed to inform the court of changes in the household, the court does not modify your case. After correctly filing the proper motion to modify custody, the court will hear the litigant's case and make changes as the court sees fit.

S/He is not paying his court ordered child support. What can I do? After correctly filing the proper motion to enforce, the case will be heard by the Judge.

I missed my Child Support hearing and now there is a warrant out for my arrest. For an Alachua County case, contact the office of the Child Support Hearing Officer at (352) 374-2270. For a case in Gilchrist or Levy Counties, call the office of the Child Support Hearing Officer at 486-5382; for a case in Baker, Bradford or Union Counties, call the office of the Child Support Hearing Officer at (904) 966-6319.

My child has turned 18, can I just stop paying child support? Child support payments do not stop automatically on the child's 18^th birthday; the court must be petitioned to stop child support payments. Forms you can complete are available for this purpose in the Murphree Law Library.

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I am court ordered to pay child support, but I have no visitation rights. If the parties were not married, and the child support hearing officer ordered child support, a Modification of Paternity packet is available to have the court address visitation and/or custody issues. If the parents were married and have divorced, the case may be brought back to court to enforce visitation or to modify the existing order.

My boyfriend gave the children to his mother and now she won't let me have my children back. Call the police or Sheriff's Department for assistance.

My children went to my ex-spouse for their visitation. He left the state with them! How do I get them back? Contact local law enforcement for assistance if the court order has not been followed. Or if you know where your child has been taken, you will probably have to go to court there and show your Florida judgment giving you custody of your child.

I don't like my ex-spouses new boyfriend around my child. Consult with an attorney about your rights and your ex-spouses rights when they have the children. Packets to Modify Custody or Visitation are available if you want to ask the court to change the existing order.

We have moved and want our case here too. What should we do? If within Florida, contact the court which currently has jurisdiction and ask them about their procedures for a Change of Venue. If your motion to change venue is granted, the case can be moved.

The school board zoning office said that in order to enroll my child in school, I have to get Temporary Custody. What do they mean? Temporary Custody by Extended Family gives the custody of your child over to a family member. For instance, if the child is living with the grandparents, in order to enroll the child in school, the grandparents would have to get temporary custody to do so.

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My name is too long! Can I change it without an attorney? Name Change (without an attorney) packets are available.

My spouse is physically abusive toward me and I am afraid. What can I do? Peaceful Paths has victim advocacy programs. Contact Peaceful Paths at (352) 377-8255 or (800) 393-SAFE. Also, the Clerk of the Court in each county of the Eighth Judicial Circuit has petitions for protection against domestic violence you can complete and file.

A sheriff's deputy handed me papers. My spouse said I was harming him/her. I didn't do this! I want to see my kids. How do I do that? Attend the hearing as stated on the Temporary Injunction paperwork with which you were served. Tell your side to the Judge at the time of the hearing. Consult with an attorney if you have questions.

What are the school attendance requirements in Florida?  Florida Statute 1003.21(1)(a)1 provides that all children who are 6 years old or who will be 6 years old by February 1 of any school year or who are older than 6 years of age but who are not yet 16 years old, with certain exceptions, are required to attend school regularly during the entire school term.

Child Abuse