Florida Child Custody Forms
Attorney-Prepared. Legally Compliant. Focused on What Matters Most — Your Child.
When you need to establish or modify child custody in Florida, having the right legal forms is critical. Our attorney-drafted Florida child custody forms are designed to help parents create a clear, enforceable Parenting Plan that complies with Florida law and protects the best interests of the child.
Whether you're starting a custody case, responding to one, or modifying an existing arrangement, our forms cover time-sharing schedules, parental responsibility, holiday plans, and decision-making authority. Every document is prepared and reviewed by licensed Florida attorneys to ensure accuracy, clarity, and court approval.
Take control of your custody case — with trusted legal forms built for Florida parents.
Save time, avoid errors, and protect your parental rights with professionally prepared custody documents.
Save time, avoid errors, and protect your parental rights with professionally prepared custody documents.
FAQ
Do I need a parenting plan in Florida?
Yes, it’s required when parents are separating or divorcing and have children under 18.
Yes, it’s required when parents are separating or divorcing and have children under 18.
Can I modify an existing custody order?
Yes, if there’s a significant change in circumstances, you can petition the court for a modification.
Is mediation required before filing for custody?
Sometimes. Florida courts encourage mediation before litigation in custody matters.
Sometimes. Florida courts encourage mediation before litigation in custody matters.
Do these forms include time-sharing and responsibilities?
Yes, the package includes a comprehensive parenting plan.
✅ Eligibility to File for Child Custody in Florida:
To open a custody case in Florida, you must meet the following requirements:
- The child has lived in Florida for at least 6 months (with a parent or legal guardian).
- You are the legal parent or guardian of the child.
- No other state has a pending custody case for the same child.
📝 Required Information for Filing Child Custody:
🔹 Basic Personal Information
- 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)
🔹 Jurisdictional Information
- 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.)
🔹 Required Florida Court Forms:
📁 Initial Filing Documents
- 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))
📁 Additional Documents (if applicable)
- 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
💵 Fees
- 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
👨👩👧 Child-Related Information
- 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)
👨⚖️ Additional Requirements
- 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