1. The child has lived in Florida for at least 6 months (with a parent or legal guardian).
2. You are the legal parent or guardian of the child.
3. No other state has a pending custody case for the same child.

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• Full legal name, address, and phone number of the petitioner (you)
• Full legal name and current address of the other parent
• Names and birthdates of all minor children involved
• Your relationship to the child (mother, father, legal guardian)

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• Where the child has lived for the past 5 years
• Names and addresses of all individuals the child has lived with
• Any current or past court cases involving the child (custody, DCF, etc.)

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• Petition to Establish Parental Responsibility and Time-Sharing (Form 12.995(a))
  OR Petition to Determine Paternity and for Related Relief (Form 12.983(a)) – if not married
• UCCJEA Affidavit (Form 12.902(d)) – jurisdiction information
• Notice of Social Security Number (Form 12.902(j))
• Family Law Financial Affidavit (Form 12.902(b) or (c)) – for child support purposes
• Proposed Parenting Plan (Form 12.995(a))

• Summons (Form 12.910(a)) – required for serving the other parent
• Affidavit of Diligent Search (Form 12.913(b)) – if other parent’s location is unknown
• Process server or sheriff’s service instructions

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• Filing fee: ~ $420
• Summons issuance fee: ~$10
• Service of process fee: ~$75-150 (for sheriff or process server)
• Fee waiver available via Application for Civil Indigent Status if income-eligible

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• Who provides daily care, schooling, and health decisions
• Current living arrangements
• Proposed time-sharing schedule (e.g., weekdays, holidays, summer)
• Health insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses
• Income of each parent (for calculating child support)

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• Parenting Class – Required for all custody and paternity cases involving children
• Self-addressed stamped envelopes (some courts require them)
• Photo ID for filing in person
• Mediation may be ordered if custody is contested