• Assets were discovered that were not distributed
• Debts or claims need to be addressed
• Mistakes occurred in the original probate process
• There’s a need to clarify or modify the final judgment

💡 You must show the court a valid reason and follow proper procedure.

• A life insurance policy or retirement account was overlooked
• A property deed was discovered after probate closed
• A lawsuit settlement is awarded to the deceased’s estate
• A beneficiary was mistakenly excluded or unknown at the time
• A creditor files a valid late claim

• Reason for reopening
• Any newly discovered assets or claims
• A request to reappoint the personal representative (if needed)

• Approve the petition without hearing (for straightforward cases), or
• Schedule a hearing if the reopening is contested or complex

• If the issue is a dispute between heirs unrelated to new assets
• If the probate was never officially closed (you may only need to amend)
• If you're past the statutory time limits (though exceptions exist)

• ✅ Attorney-prepared petitions to reopen
• ✅ Flat-fee probate consultations
• ✅ Guidance on reappointing personal representatives
• ✅ Customized assistance for formal or summary cases

• Your local circuit court, or
• Florida Child Support Enforcement (CSE)

• Payments are late, partial, or unpaid
• The other parent refuses to pay
• There is a court order already in place

💡 You cannot enforce a verbal agreement or informal arrangement—there must be a signed court order.

1. Gather evidence: Document missed or partial payments.
2. File a Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement with your local court.
3. Serve the motion to the other parent properly.
4. Attend the hearing, where the judge may impose penalties or require immediate payment.

• Navigate the filing process
• Present evidence in court
• Request back payments (arrears)
• Avoid delays and procedural mistakes

• ✅ Attorney-prepared enforcement forms
• ✅ Flat-fee consultations with licensed Florida attorneys
• ✅ Step-by-step legal guidance for custodial parents

• Where the child lives and when
• Holiday and vacation schedules
• Decision-making responsibilities (education, healthcare, religion)
• Communication and transportation arrangements

⚖️ The court aims to promote equal involvement whenever possible—but “50/50” timesharing is not guaranteed.

• Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
• The moral, mental, and physical fitness of each parent
• The child’s school and community history
• Evidence of domestic violence or substance abuse
• The willingness of each parent to encourage a relationship with the other

• Week-on / week-off (alternating weeks)
• 3-4-4-3 rotation (splits weeks between parents)
• Every other weekend with midweek dinner or overnight
• Supervised timesharing (if safety concerns exist)

• A parent moving far away
• Changes in work schedules
• Evidence of neglect, abuse, or endangerment
• The child’s needs evolving (e.g., due to age or health)

• ✅ Attorney-prepared Parenting Plan forms
• ✅ Flat-fee consultations with licensed family law attorneys
• ✅ Help with modifications and enforcement filings

💡 Florida does not automatically recognize stepchildren, longtime partners, or close friends as heirs without a will.

• Delays in probate court
• Disputes between relatives
• Assets going to people you wouldn’t have chosen
• Minor children inheriting directly, requiring court-appointed guardians
• Increased legal fees and administrative costs

• Choose your beneficiaries
• Appoint a personal representative (executor)
• Name guardians for minor children
• Leave gifts to friends, charities, or non-relatives
• Prevent family disputes and reduce probate confusion

• ✅ Attorney-prepared Florida will packages
• ✅ Step-by-step instructions
• ✅ Optional consultations with a licensed Florida estate attorney

• Has an oral (verbal) rental agreement
• Stays in the property on a month-to-month or week-to-week basis
• Has overstayed a lease but continues paying rent
• Was never formally approved but moved in and is now occupying the unit

• Month-to-month: Give a 15-day written notice before the next rental period.
• Week-to-week: Give a 7-day notice.

💡 Use the correct language and format or the court may reject your filing.

• A copy of the notice
• Proof of service
• A statement of your claim

• Self-help evictions are illegal.
  You cannot change the locks, shut off utilities, or remove belongings without a court order.
• Incorrect notice timing
  Giving fewer than 15 days’ notice for a month-to-month tenant could invalidate your case.
• Failing to serve notice properly
  Hand-delivery or posting in a visible area is usually required if personal delivery fails.

• ✅ Flat-fee evictions
• ✅ Attorney-prepared eviction notices
• ✅ Residential and commercial packages
• ✅ Fast, court-compliant filings

• Marriage or divorce
• Adopting a more culturally appropriate or gender-affirming name
• Correcting a legal error on your birth certificate
• Religious or personal reasons
• Reverting to a maiden name later in life

• Be at least 18 years old (minors must go through a separate process)
• Be a Florida resident
• File in the county where you reside
• Pass a criminal background check (for adults)

• The reason for the name change
• Proof of residency
• Your criminal history (if any)

• Social Security Administration
• Florida driver’s license or ID
• Passport
• Voter registration
• Bank and employment records
• IRS and other legal/tax documents

• ✅ Attorney-prepared name change forms
• ✅ Step-by-step instructions
• ✅ Affordable consultations with licensed Florida attorneys

1. The value of the estate is less than $75,000 (not including exempt property like a homestead); or
2. The decedent has been dead for more than two years, regardless of estate value.

💡 Note: If the decedent had unpaid creditors, those debts may still need to be addressed—even in Summary Administration.

• Bank accounts
• Real estate (not jointly held)
• Vehicles
• Stocks and bonds
• Personal property not held in trust

• There are multiple heirs
• Creditors are involved
• Real estate is being transferred
• You’re unfamiliar with Florida probate law

• Attorney-reviewed Summary Administration forms
• Easy-to-follow instructions
• Flat-fee attorney consultations for personalized guidance

• Verify identities of signers
• Witness signatures
• Administer oaths and affirmations
• Deter fraud in legal documents

• Quit Claim Deeds
• Lady Bird Deeds
• Durable Power of Attorney
• Last Will and Testament (if not self-proved)
• Healthcare Surrogate Designation
• Marital Settlement Agreements
• Affidavits (Financial, Residency, etc.)

• Be rejected by the clerk of court
• Delay your case
• Render the document unenforceable

• Banks and credit unions (many offer free notarization for clients)
• UPS Stores and FedEx Office locations
• Licensed mobile notaries that come to your home or office
• Online notary services (Florida allows remote online notarization for many forms)

• Use state-compliant, attorney-reviewed forms (like those at FloridaLegalForm.com)
• Review each form to see if notarization is required
• Don’t wait until the last minute to find a notary

• Both parties agree the marriage is irretrievably broken
• No children under 18 or dependent children involved
• Wife is not pregnant
• At least one spouse has lived in Florida for 6+ months
• There is full agreement on how to divide property and debts
• Neither party is seeking alimony
• Both are willing to attend the final court hearing

• Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
• Financial Affidavits (for both parties)
• Settlement Agreement (optional, if applicable)
• Notice of Social Security Number
• Final Judgment Form for the judge to sign

1. Download and Complete the Forms
   Ensure all documents are accurately filled out and signed.
2. File the Forms at the Local Clerk’s Office
   Pay the filing fee (typically around $400 unless waived).
3. Schedule Your Final Hearing
   Both spouses must appear before the judge to finalize the divorce.
4. Receive the Final Judgment
   If everything is in order, the judge will sign off and your divorce will be finalized.

• Double-check for errors or missing information
• Make copies of all documents
• Bring proper ID to your court hearing
• Consider having forms reviewed by a legal professional

• Parental Responsibility – Who makes important decisions about the child (medical, education, religion, etc.)
• Time-Sharing – The schedule of when the child will be with each parent

1. Shared Parental Responsibility – Both parents make decisions jointly (most common)
2. Shared Responsibility with Ultimate Decision-Making – Joint, but one parent has final say on specific issues
3. Sole Parental Responsibility – One parent makes all decisions (granted only in special cases)

• Each parent’s ability to foster a relationship with the child
• Moral fitness and physical/mental health of the parents
• Stability of the home environment
• Child’s school and community involvement
• History of substance abuse, domestic violence, or criminal behavior
• Child’s preference (if mature enough)

• Petition to Determine Parental Responsibility and Time-Sharing
• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Affidavit
• Notice of Social Security Number
• Parenting Plan
• Financial Affidavit
• Summons & Service Documents

1. Download and Complete the Required Forms
2. File at the Clerk’s Office in the County Where the Child Resides
3. Serve the Other Parent (if applicable)
4. Attend a Parenting Class (mandatory)
5. Submit a Proposed Parenting Plan
6. Attend Mediation or a Final Hearing (if no agreement is reached)

• Focus on the child’s best interests, not personal grievances
• Be flexible and cooperative when drafting the Parenting Plan
• Keep records of communications, school involvement, and caregiving
• Stay respectful and avoid disparaging the other parent in court

• The other parent is uncooperative or has a lawyer
• There’s a history of abuse or substance misuse
• You’re unsure how to draft a Parenting Plan or respond to court motions

• Each parent’s income
• Health insurance costs
• Daycare/childcare expenses
• Number of overnight stays each parent has
• Number of children involved

• Divorce
• Paternity establishment
• Custody/time-sharing cases
• Child support enforcement actions

• Wage garnishment
• Suspension of driver’s license or professional license
• Interception of tax refunds or lottery winnings
• Liens placed on property or bank accounts
• Civil contempt of court
• Jail time in severe cases

• Locating the non-paying parent
• Establishing paternity
• Setting up income withholding
• Enforcing existing orders
• Modifying current child support orders

• Existing child support order
• Payment history or lack of payments
• Income information from both parties
• Completed Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement
• Affidavit of non-compliance
• Notice of Hearing or Summons

• Either parent’s income has changed significantly
• The child’s expenses have changed (e.g., daycare, health needs)
• Time-sharing arrangements have changed

• You are 18 years of age or older
• You are a Florida resident
• You are not seeking the name change for illegal or fraudulent purposes
• You have not had your civil rights suspended (e.g., due to a felony conviction) unless they've been restored

• Your petition
• Proof of fingerprints
• Photo ID
• Any other supporting documentation

• Social Security record
• Driver’s license or state ID
• Passport
• Bank and financial accounts
• Insurance policies
• Employer records

• Petition for Change of Name (Adult)
• Fingerprint submission receipt
• Affidavit of Residency (if required)
• Final Judgment Form
• Notice of Hearing

• Filing in the wrong county
• Not completing a fingerprint background check
• Using a name change for deceptive purposes (this will be denied)
• Not updating your legal documents after approval

• Keep full control of the property during their lifetime
• Automatically transfer the property to a named beneficiary upon death
• Avoid probate court entirely for that asset

1. Avoids Probate
   The property automatically transfers to the named beneficiary without going through the probate process.
2. Owner Maintains Control
   You can sell, rent, refinance, or change the beneficiary without the remainder beneficiary's permission.
3. Medicaid-Friendly
   In Florida, a Lady Bird Deed is generally not considered a transfer that disqualifies you from Medicaid eligibility, and the property may be protected from estate recovery.
4. Cost-Effective
   It’s far cheaper and simpler than setting up a trust just to pass down your home.

• You (the grantor) sign a deed naming yourself as the life tenant with enhanced rights.
• You also name a remainder beneficiary—the person who will receive the property upon your death.
• Upon your passing, the property automatically transfers to the remainder beneficiary without court involvement.

• Legal description of the property
• Name of the grantor (owner)
• Name(s) of the remainder beneficiaries
• Language that reserves enhanced rights for the grantor
• Notarization and witnesses as required by Florida law

• Homeowners who want to pass property to a child or loved one without probate
• Seniors looking to preserve Medicaid eligibility
• Individuals who don’t want the complexity or cost of a trust

• It only covers real estate—not bank accounts, vehicles, or other assets
• You must be mentally competent to sign the deed
• Remainder beneficiaries should be clearly identified and kept updated
• Not all title companies are familiar with Lady Bird Deeds, so work with professionals

• Will is validated (if one exists)
• Assets are identified and valued
• Debts and taxes are paid
• Remaining property is distributed to heirs

• Most common form
• Required when the estate is valued over $75,000 (excluding homestead property)
• Involves court filings, notices to creditors, and potential hearings
• Requires an attorney in nearly all cases

• A simplified process
• Available if the estate is worth $75,000 or less or the person died more than two years ago
• May not require an attorney if forms are correctly completed

• The deceased owned assets solely in their name (e.g., bank accounts, real estate)
• No valid trust or joint ownership arrangements are in place

• All assets were jointly owned
• Assets had named beneficiaries (e.g., life insurance, retirement accounts)
• A revocable living trust was used

• Petition for Summary Administration
• Petition for Formal Administration
• Affidavit of Heirs
• Notice to Creditors
• Waiver of Accounting
• Final Disposition Statement

• The estate includes complex or disputed assets
• There is no valid will
• Multiple heirs are involved
• Creditors are contesting the estate
• A family member is challenging the will

• Gather all financial documents and account info early
• Notify heirs and creditors promptly
• Keep detailed records of all estate transactions
• Use attorney-reviewed forms to avoid mistakes

• Nonpayment of rent
• Violation of lease terms
• Failure to vacate after lease expiration
• Illegal activity on the premises

• Changing locks
• Turning off utilities
• Removing tenant belongings

• 3-Day Notice – For nonpayment of rent
• 7-Day Notice with Cure – For lease violations (e.g., pets, noise)
• 7-Day Notice without Cure – For serious or repeated lease violations
• 15-Day Notice – For month-to-month tenancy termination

• File a Complaint for Eviction with your county clerk
• Include a copy of the lease and the notice served
• Pay the filing fee (around $185–$200)
• Serve the tenant with the Summons and Complaint

• Submit a Motion for Final Judgment for Possession
• The court will issue a Writ of Possession, which the sheriff will post at the property

• 3-Day or 7-Day Notice to Tenant
• Complaint for Eviction
• Summons (Residential Eviction)
• Motion for Default Judgment
• Final Judgment for Possession
• Writ of Possession

• Always serve notices in writing and keep copies
• Avoid text or verbal agreements during the process
• Don’t accept partial rent after the complaint is filed unless you modify the filing
• Be respectful and follow the process exactly

• The tenant contests the eviction
• You’re evicting from a property owned by a corporation or LLC
• You’re also seeking damages or back rent
• There are complex lease or habitability issues

• Changing the locks
• Shutting off utilities
• Removing the tenant’s belongings
• Harassing or threatening the tenant

• Be in writing
• State the amount of rent due
• Give the tenant 3 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) to pay or vacate
• Be personally delivered, posted at the property, or mailed

• File a Complaint for Eviction at your local county courthouse
• Pay the filing fee (usually $185–$200)
• The court will issue a Summons to be served on the tenant

• File a Motion for Final Judgment for Possession
• The court will issue a Writ of Possession to the county sheriff
• The sheriff will give the tenant 24 hours to vacate before executing the writ

• 3-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate
• Complaint for Eviction (Nonpayment)
• Summons (Eviction)
• Motion for Default Judgment (if tenant does not respond)
• Final Judgment for Possession
• Writ of Possession

• The tenant disputes the eviction
• You are a corporation or LLC
• You’re also seeking damages or back rent
• The lease agreement is unclear or contested

• Parental responsibility (decision-making)
• Time-sharing (custody and visitation)
• Communication with the child
• Logistics for school, healthcare, and other needs

• Divorce with minor children
• Paternity cases
• Modifications of existing custody/time-sharing
• Child relocation disputes

• Weekly schedules
• Holiday and school break schedules
• Summer vacation time
• Transportation responsibilities

• Jointly (shared parental responsibility)
• Individually (one parent has ultimate authority)

• Education
• Healthcare
• Religion
• Extracurricular activities

• How parents will communicate with each other (e.g., phone, email)
• How the child will communicate with the non-custodial parent (e.g., video calls)
• Rules around digital access and social media

• Where the child will attend school
• Who has access to school and medical records
• Who will handle emergencies and routine appointments

• Agreement on relocation distance limits
• Process for notifying the other parent if moving more than 50 miles away

• Right of first refusal (when one parent cannot care for the child during their scheduled time)
• Dispute resolution methods (mediation before litigation)
• Parenting behavior expectations (e.g., no negative talk about the other parent)
• Communication guidelines for blended families or stepparents

• Basic Parenting Plan
• Long-Distance Parenting Plan
• Supervised/Safety-Focused Parenting Plan

• Emotional ties to both parents
• Ability of each parent to meet the child’s needs
• Stability and consistency of environment
• History of domestic violence or substance abuse
• Willingness of each parent to cooperate

• ✅ Use Florida-specific forms that meet state and county requirements
• ✅ Choose attorney-reviewed forms from reputable sources
• ✅ Double-check filing instructions and deadlines
• ✅ Consider a legal consultation for added confidence
• ✅ Keep copies of everything you file or serve

• Your case involves minor children and contested custody
• You’re disputing property or inheritance rights
• You’re unsure of your legal obligations or court procedures
• Someone has filed a case against you

• Compliant with the most current state statutes
• Formatted to meet Florida court filing requirements
• Checked for legal accuracy, clarity, and completeness
• Updated regularly to reflect law changes or court rules

• Forms may be outdated or based on old laws
• They may be missing mandatory Florida-specific language
• Not all court clerks will accept forms from untrusted sources
• You may waive important rights without knowing it
• Some forms may apply to other states and not work in Florida

• Divorce & Parenting Plans
• Child Custody & Support Agreements
• Probate Petitions
• Lady Bird Deeds & Quit Claim Deeds
• Powers of Attorney
• Residential & Commercial Eviction Forms
• Name Change Petitions

• Pay your bills and manage bank accounts
• Handle real estate transactions
• File taxes on your behalf
• Apply for government benefits (e.g., Medicaid)
• Sign legal documents
• Make investment or business decisions

• Estate planning: Ensures someone can manage your affairs if you become ill or disabled
• Seniors and retirees: Allows a trusted family member to handle finances
• Military personnel: Useful during deployments or assignments overseas
• Medical events: Prepares for emergencies or upcoming surgeries

• Be in writing
• Be signed by the principal
• Be witnessed by two adults
• Be notarized
• Contain specific statutory language for certain powers

• Responsible and financially stable
• Trustworthy
• Familiar with your wishes
• Available and able to act when needed

• If you don’t trust anyone to act on your behalf
• If you want decisions made only by a court-appointed guardian
• If your legal matters are too complex for a layperson to manage

• Medical emergencies happen unexpectedly
• It prevents confusion or family disputes about your care
• Allows your surrogate to access medical records and speak with doctors
• Ensures someone you trust makes life-or-death decisions if you’re unconscious or mentally incapacitated
• Avoids the need for a court-appointed guardian

• Be in writing
• Name one or more surrogate(s)
• Be signed by the principal
• Be witnessed by two adults, one of whom is not the named surrogate
• Authorize access to health records (if desired)

• Consent to or refuse medical treatment
• Access protected health records (HIPAA release)
• Choose doctors or hospitals
• Approve surgeries or end-of-life care
• Authorize transfers to/from nursing homes or hospice
• Make organ donation decisions (if permitted)

• Trustworthy
• Calm under pressure
• Familiar with your medical values and wishes
• Willing to act in your best interest

• Who will receive your property and assets
• Who will care for your minor children (guardian)
• Who will manage your estate (executor or personal representative)
• Your burial or cremation wishes (optional)

• Be at least 18 years old (or an emancipated minor)
• Be of sound mind
• Sign the will voluntarily without coercion
• Have it witnessed by two people (they must sign in your presence)
• Sign the will at the end of the document

1. Your full legal name and residence
2. Revocation of prior wills (if any)
3. Appointment of a personal representative
4. Distribution instructions for your property
5. Name of guardians for any minor children
6. Instructions for debts, taxes, and expenses
7. Signatures and witness verification
8. Self-proving affidavit (optional but recommended)

• Keep the original in a safe, accessible location
• Tell your executor where it is
• Give copies to your attorney or trusted family members
• Do not store it in a safety deposit box unless someone else has access

• Your spouse and children may share the estate in a way you didn’t intend
• No one is named guardian of your children—you risk court intervention
• The court appoints a personal representative
• Probate may take longer and cost more

• Ensures compliance with Florida statutes
• Reduces the risk of your will being contested
• Includes proper witnessing and self-proving affidavit language
• Saves time and avoids probate errors

• Your signature
• A notary public’s acknowledgment
• Signatures from witnesses (in some cases)

• The county where the respondent resides (e.g., divorce or eviction)
• The county where the property is located (e.g., deed or probate filings)

• A process server
• Sheriff’s office
• Certified mail (in some cases)

• Financial affidavits
• Parenting plans
• Property descriptions
• Identification documents

• Case dismissal
• Default judgments
• Fines or loss of legal rights

• Read the instructions on each form carefully
• Make copies of everything you file
• Use black ink and legible handwriting if filling out by hand
• Follow formatting requirements (margins, line spacing, etc.)
• Consider a legal review before submission

• Current, court-approved forms
• Step-by-step instructions
• Bundled packets for common filings
• Optional attorney consultation if needed

• Provides emotional and legal security for the child
• Gives the stepparent full parental rights and responsibilities
• Allows the child to inherit from the stepparent
• Simplifies access to school, medical, and legal documents
• Often strengthens family unity and legal clarity

• Be legally married to the child’s legal parent
• Be at least 18 years old
• File in the county where you or the child reside
• Obtain the other biological parent’s consent — or seek to terminate their rights in court
• Complete a background check and possibly a home visit (optional at judge’s discretion)

• Petition for Stepparent Adoption
• Consent of the Biological Parent (if voluntary)
• Affidavit of Non-Paternity or Termination Petition (if contesting)
• Final Judgment of Adoption
• Notice of Hearing
• Motion to Waive Home Study (optional in stepparent cases)

• Abandonment
• Chronic substance abuse
• Incarceration
• Failure to provide financial support or maintain contact

• Retail shops
• Offices
• Warehouses
• Industrial units

• Nonpayment of rent
• Violation of lease terms
• Holding over after lease ends
• Criminal activity or property damage

• Failure to pay rent
• Breach of contract terms (e.g., business not operating)
• Unauthorized subleasing
• Holding over after lease expiration

• 3-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate (for nonpayment)
• 7-Day Notice With or Without Cure (for violations)

• Based on lease terms; typically a 3- to 5-day demand notice
• No statutory form required—but must follow what’s written in the lease

• Residential landlords (individuals) may file without an attorney.
• Commercial landlords (corporations or LLCs) must be represented by an attorney in court.

• Notice to Vacate (3-Day or Lease-Based)
• Complaint for Eviction
• Summons
• Motion for Default Judgment
• Final Judgment for Possession
• Writ of Possession

• Using the wrong notice or timeline
• Trying to evict a commercial tenant using residential rules
• Including damages in the same complaint without separating them
• Filing without legal representation when required

• Validating the deceased person’s will
• Identifying and valuing assets
• Paying debts and taxes
• Distributing property to heirs

• Faster access to assets for beneficiaries
• Reduced court and attorney fees
• More privacy (no public court documents)
• Less stress for your family during an emotional time
• Avoids the risk of a contested estate

• The trustee distributes the assets according to your instructions
• No probate is required
• The trust remains private

• Bank accounts
• Retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s)
• Investment accounts
• Life insurance policies

• Homes
• Bank accounts
• Vehicles

• Assuming a will avoids probate (it doesn’t!)
• Leaving all assets in your name only
• Failing to update beneficiaries after major life events
• Using DIY methods without checking Florida law
• Ignoring digital assets and online accounts