10/2016
Package 1c
PACKAGE FEE: $3.75
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www.mypinellasclerk.org
www.mypinellasclerk.org
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Ken BurKe, C.P.A.
ClerK of the CirCuit Court And ComPtroller
PinellAs County, floridA
www.mypinellasclerk.org
5/2015
CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE
COPIES REQUIRED: Originals to the Clerk.
1 set of copies for service.
1 set of copies for your records.
PUBLICATION FEE: You must contact the publication of
your choice to find out what they
charge. You will inform the Clerk of
which publication you are using.
ADDITIONAL COSTS: $3.50 per Acknowledgement
(If you do not have your signature
notarized in the required spaces
before filing, the Deputy Clerk
can do this for you. Please DO NOT
SIGN until a Notary or Deputy
Clerk instructs you to do so.)
SELF HELP CENTER
The Self Help Centers are the result of a collaborative effort between the Clerk’s Office, the Sixth Judicial Circuit,
the Community Law Program and the Clearwater Bar Association.
The purpose of the Clerk's Legal Self Help Centers is to assist citizens representing
themselves in court (sometimes referred to as pro se persons) who do NOT have a private attorney.
Citizens who represent themselves in court and do not already have a private attorney representing them, can
now get affordable legal assistance.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
Schedule an appointment to consult with an attorney for a minimum of $15.00*
(Attorneys may assist with Family Law, Small Claims and Landlord/Tenant matters ONLY.)
Purchase forms and packets for the civil court actions listes above
Have documents notarized
Make copies
Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.:
The Clearwater Self Help Center
The Clearwater Law Library, Old Clearwater
Courthouse
315 Court Street,
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-5150
Fax: (727) 453-3423
o Appointments may be scheduled for
Thursday and/or Friday.
o A Spanish interpreter provided by the
Hispanic Outreach Center is available by
appointment at the Clearwater location
on Fridays from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
The St. Petersburg Self Help
Center
The St. Petersburg Judicial Building
545 First Avenue North
St Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: (727) 582-7941
Fax: (727) 582-7945
o Appointments may be scheduled for
Monday, Wednesday, and/or Friday.
The North County Branch Self Help Center
29582 U.S. 19 North
Clearwater, FL 33761
Phone: (727) 464-5150
Fax: (727) 453-3423
o Attorney appointments may be scheduled
for Tuesday only at this office.
Self Help Center Now Offering Online Scheduling of attorney consultation appointments for pro se litigants
that do not already have an attorney. To schedule an appointment online using a credit card, please visit
www.mypinellasclerk.org
and click on the SELF HELP CENTER link in the top menu.
*Attorney appointments may only be scheduled for a minimum of 15 minutes to a maximum of one hour. All appointments must be
scheduled in 15-minute increments, i.e., 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes at a rate of $1 (one dollar) per minute, therefore payments will be $15, $30,
$45 or $60 accordingly.
Attorney consultation fees must be paid when the appointment time is scheduled. Payments must be by credit card,cash check or money
order. Refunds will not be issued for missed appointments.
Ken Burke, CPA
Clerk of the Circuit Court
& Comptroller
Pinellas County, Florida
MAILING CHARGES GUIDELINES
The chart below can be used as a reference when determining the type of envelope and the
amount of postage it will cost to mail your summons back.
If the proper size envelope and sufficient postage is not provided, your summons will not be
returned or mailed.
ENVELOPE SIZE
#10 OR 6X9
WEIGHT
NUMBER OF
PAGES
COSTS
1 oz
1-6
.49
2 oz
7-11
.70
3 oz
12-17
.91
3.5 oz
18-25
1.12
ENVELOPE SIZE
FLAT OR 9X12
WEIGHT
NUMBER OF
PAGES
COSTS
1 oz
1-6
.98
2 oz
7-12
1.19
3 oz
13-18
1.40
4 oz
19-23
1.61
5 oz
24-29
1.82
6 oz
30-37
2.03
7 oz
38-42
2.24
8 oz
43-48
2.45
9 oz
49-54
2.66
10 oz
55-59
2.87
11 oz
60-67
3.08
12 oz
68-73
3.29
13 oz
74-79
3.50
Rates are subject to change. You may visit the United States Posta
Services at www.usps.com for up to date pricing.
Paper weight will vary causing the price of the number of pages per
ounce to change.
Administrative Office of the Courts
The Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida
(727)582-7200
Pointers for Service by Publication or
Posting in Divorce Actions
Caution: The process of service by publication or posting is complicated and is best handled by a l awyer. These printed
suggestions are n ot intended as co mplete instructions nor are they intended to substitute for legal advice. They have been
prepared only to help avoid some common problems that prevent the Final Hearing from taking place when the Petitioner has
failed to take some action required by law. It is im portant that you realize that these pointers will not tell yo u everything
which you must do to ensure your dissolution will be granted. These pointers only help prevent a few common problems.
I. The most common problem occurs when the Petitioner no longer knows where the Respondent is living, and the Petitioner
files a sworn statement that he or she has made a diligent search and inquiry to discover the Respondent's address. Many
Petitioners do not know that a "d iligent search and inquiry" means that they must really search very thoroughly for th e
Respondent and follow all the leads that they discover in their search. The following is a list of actions the Court may find are
reasonable for the Petitioner to take before filing a sworn statement that a "diligent search and inquiry" has been made.
A. Ask the U.S. Postmaster in cities o f Respondent's previously known residences for forwarding addresses under the
Freedom of Information Act.
B. Search phone directories of the cities and towns of Respondent's possible residence.
C. Search public records of the tax collector and assessor.
D. Search records of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
E. Inquire of persons in the neighborhoods where the Respondent formerly lived.
F. Ask at utility companies, including water, sewer, cable, TV, and electric, in areas of likely residence.
G. Contact the last known employer of Respondent. Ask about any addresses to which W-2 forms were mailed. If there is a
pension or profit sharing plan, ask to what address any pension check is to be mailed.
H. Inquire of unions from which Respondent may have worked or which may govern his particular trade or craft.
I. Inquire of regulatory agencies, including licensing agencies.
J. Gather names and addresses of Respondent's relatives and contact those relatives to ask them for all or any information that
may lead to finding the Respondent. Petitioner should follow up any leads given, including searching for the Respondent in
towns or cities to which he is known to have moved. Relatives include, but are not limited to, parents, brothers, sisters, aunts,
uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandparents, greatgrandparents, former inlaws, stepparents, and stepchildren.
K. Inquire as to whether or not the Respondent may have passed away and, if so, the date and location.
L. Inquire of law e nforcement agencies at the last known residential area of Respondent, including Highway Patrol, State
police, Department of Corrections.
M. Inquire at hospitals in the last area in which the Respondent was known to live.
N. Use services of private investigation agencies or similar "skip tracing" services.
0. Search the Internet using such sites as www.database america.com and www.kisw.com reference/directories.html and
www.lycos.com/peoplefind and www.switchboard.com. If you do not ha ve access to the Intern et, or are unfamiliar with its
use, go to the public library and ask the librarian to help you.
P. Write letters to the Armed Forces of the U.S. asking whether or not they have any information as to the Respondent (This is
also probably a prerequisite to any valid nonmilitary affidavit in cases wh ere the Respondent is o f age to serve and his
whereabouts are unknown.)
Q. Because of due process concerns, if the Respondent has never lived in Florida, the Court may require publication in the
town of the Respondent's last known address, in addition to the required Florida publication.
This list is not necessarily complete, because the circumstances of each case may suggest that other actions are also
reasonably necessary. The Petitioner should follow through on all leads that he or she discovers in making the search and
should list in the affidavit all actions which were taken to locate the Respondent.
II. If, during your search for the Respondent, you locate the Respondent's address, you should have the Respondent served by
personal service as provide d for in Cha pter 48 of the Fl orida Statutes. It will then be unnece ssary to file the Affidavit of
Diligent Search and Inquiry.
III. There are issues associated with divorce, such as alimony, child support, and distribution of real and personal property,
which the Court might not be ab le to include in th e Order it en ters if y ou have served the Respondent by publication or
posting. Legal advice is especially important if there is marital property or property of the Respondent in the State of Florida.
These suggestions are not intended to substitute for legal advice. If you have questions about the law and need legal
advice, you must consult a lawyer.
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(1), Notice of Action for Dissolution of
Marriage (No Child or Financial Support) (11/15)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW
FORM 12.913(a)(1)
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR
FINANCIAL SUPPORT)
(11/15)
When should this form be used?
This form may be used to obtain constructive service (also called service by publication) in a dissolution of
marriage case that does not involve a minor child or financial support if you do not know where your
spouse lives or if your spouse lives outside Florida and you are unable to obtain personal service.
Constructive notice will allow the court to dissolve the marriage, but personal service is required before a
court can order payment of financial support, such as spousal support (alimony) or costs. If you are asking
the court to decide how real or personal property located in Florida should be divided, the Notice of
Action must include a specific description of the property. If you use constructive service, the court can
grant only limited relief because its jurisdiction is limited. This is a complicated area of the law and you
should consult an attorney before using constructive service.
You should complete this form by typing or printing the appropriate information in black ink. You should
insert your spouse’s name and last known address and then file this form with the clerk of the circuit court
in the county where your petition for dissolution of marriage was filed. You must also complete and file an
Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b). You
should keep a copy for your records.
After the Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b), is
filed, the clerk will sign this form. The form must then be given to a qualified local newspaper in the
county where the case is pending to be published once each week for four consecutive weeks. When in
doubt, ask the clerk which newspapers in your area are “qualified.” The newspaper will charge you for this
service. If you cannot afford to pay the cost of publication of this notice in a qualified newspaper, you may
ask the clerk to post the notice at a place designated for such postings. You will need to file an Application
for Determination of Civil Indigent Status, which you can obtain from the clerk. If the clerk determines
that you cannot afford these costs, the clerk will post the notice of action.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-FILING
The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be
filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or other
pleadings or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file
your pleadings or other documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of
Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file.
The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed.
Where can I look for more information?
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” found at the
beginning of these forms. For further information, see rule 12.070, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure,
and chapter 49, Florida Statutes.
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(1), Notice of Action for Dissolution of
Marriage (No Child or Financial Support) (11/15)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-SERVICE ELECTION
After the initial service of process of the petition or supplemental petition by the Sheriff or certified
process server, the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all documents required or
permitted to be served on the other party must be served by electronic mail (e-mail) except in certain
circumstances. You must strictly comply with the format requirements set forth in the Rules of Judicial
Administration. If you elect to participate in electronic service, which means serving or receiving pleadings
by electronic mail (e-mail), or through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, you must review Florida Rule of
Judicial Administration 2.516. You may find this rule at www.flcourts.org through the link to the Rules of
Judicial Administration provided under either Family Law Forms: Getting Started, or Rules of Court in the
A-Z Topical Index.
SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS MAY SERVE DOCUMENTS BY E-MAIL; HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT
REQUIRED TO DO SO. If a self-represented litigant elects to serve and receive documents by e-mail, the
procedures must always be followed once the initial election is made.
To serve and receive documents by e-mail, you must designate your e-mail addresses by using the
Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form
12.915, and you must provide your e-mail address on each form on which your signature appears. Please
CAREFULLY read the rules and instructions for: Certificate of Service (General), Florida Supreme Court
Approved Family Law Form 12.914; Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme
Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915; and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.
Special notes...
If the other party fails to respond to your petition within the time limit stated in the notice of action that is
published or posted, you are entitled to request a default. (See Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court
Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), and Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form
12.922(b).)
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these
forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules of
Procedure Form 12.900 (a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also
must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he
or she helps you complete.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(1), Notice of Action for Dissolution of Marriage (No Child
or Financial Support)(11/15)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _______________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR ________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.: ___________________________ ___
Division:
__________________________________________________________________________________ ________
__________________________________,
Petitioner,
and
__________________________________,
Respondent,
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE
(NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)
TO: {name of Respondent} ____________________________________________________________________
{Respondent’s last known address} ___________________________________________________________
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are
required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on {name of Petitioner}
_______________________________________________________________________________________,
whose address is _________________________________________________________________________
on or before {date} _________________, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at {clerk’s address}
_______________________________________________________________________________________
before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered
against you for the relief demanded in the petition.
The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided:
{insert “none” or, if applicable, the legal description of real property, a specific description of personal
property, and the name of the county in Florida where the property is located}
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s
office. You may review these documents upon request.
You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file
Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form
12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the
clerk’s office.
WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of
documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of
pleadings.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(1), Notice of Action for Dissolution of Marriage (No
Child or Financial Support)(11/15)
Dated: _______________________ CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
By: ___________________________________________
Deputy Clerk
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:
[fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the Petitioner.
This form was completed with the assistance of:
{name of individual}, ___________________________________________________________________,
{name of business}_____________________________________________________________________,
{address} ____________________________________________________________________________,
{city}_________________,{state} _____, {zip code}_________,{telephone number}_________________.
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(2), Notice of Action For
Family Cases With Minor Child(ren) (11/15)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW
FORM 12.913(a)(2)
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR FAMILY CASES WITH MINOR CHILD(REN)
(11/15)
When should this form be used?
This form may be used to obtain constructive service (also called service by publication) in an action
involving a parenting plan for a minor child under chapter 61, Florida Statutes; an action to determine
temporary custody by extended family under chapter 751, Florida Statutes; and termination of a legal
father’s parental rights when another man is alleged to be the biological father. "Parenting plan" means
a document created to govern the relationship between the parents relating to decisions that must be
made regarding the minor child and must contain a time-sharing schedule for the parents and child.
Section 61.046(14), Florida Statutes. You may use constructive service if you do not know where the
other party lives or if the other party lives outside Florida and you are unable to obtain personal service.
Constructive notice will allow the court to grant the relief requested, but personal service is required
before a court can order payment or termination of child support, spousal support (alimony), or costs.
If you are asking the court to decide how real or personal property located in Florida should be divided,
the Notice of Action must include a specific description of the property. If you use constructive service,
the court can grant only limited relief because its jurisdiction is limited. This is a complicated area of the
law and you should consult an attorney before using constructive service.
You should complete this form by typing or printing the appropriate information in black ink. You must
insert the other party’s name and last known address and then file this form with the clerk of the circuit
court in the county where your petition was filed. You must also complete and file an Affidavit of
Diligent Search and Inquiry. Use Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b) unless you are
serving the legal father in a paternity case where another man is alleged to be the biological father, in
which case, you must use Form 12.913(c). You should keep a copy for your records.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-FILING
The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be
filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or other
pleadings or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file
your pleadings or other documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of
Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file.
The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed.
After the Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry, Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b) or
12.913(c), is filed, the clerk will sign this form. You will need to publish notice once each week for four
consecutive weeks in a “qualified” newspaper in the county where the case is pending. When in doubt,
ask the clerk which newspapers are “qualified. The newspaper will charge you for this service. If you
cannot afford to pay the cost of publishing this notice, you may ask the clerk to post the notice at a place
designated for such postings. You will need to file an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent
Status, which you can obtain from the clerk. If the clerk determines that you cannot afford these costs,
the clerk will post the notice of action. If your case involves termination of a legal father's parental
rights when another man is alleged to be the biological father, you need to publish the notice only in the
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(2), Notice of Action For
Family Cases With Minor Child(ren) (11/15)
county where the legal father was last known to have resided. You are responsible for locating a
“qualified” newspaper in the county where the other party last resided and paying the cost of
publication.
Where can I look for more information?
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” found at the
beginning of these forms. For further information, see rule 12.070, Florida Family Law Rules of
Procedure, rule 1.070, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, sections 61.50161.542, Florida Statutes and
chapter 49, Florida Statutes.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-SERVICE ELECTION
After the initial service of process of the petition or supplemental petition by the Sheriff or certified
process server, the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all documents required or
permitted to be served on the other party must be served by electronic mail (e-mail) except in certain
circumstances. You must strictly comply with the format requirements set forth in the Rules of
Judicial Administration. If you elect to participate in electronic service, which means serving or
receiving pleadings by electronic mail (e-mail), or through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, you must
review Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. You may find this rule at www.flcourts.org through
the link to the Rules of Judicial Administration provided under either Family Law Forms: Getting Started,
or Rules of Court in the A-Z Topical Index.
SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS MAY SERVE DOCUMENTS BY E-MAIL; HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT
REQUIRED TO DO SO. If a self-represented litigant elects to serve and receive documents by e- mail, the
procedures must always be followed once the initial election is made.
To serve and receive documents by e-mail, you must designate your e-mail addresses by using the
Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form
12.915, and you must provide your e-mail address on each form on which your signature appears.
Please CAREFULLY read the rules and instructions for: Certificate of Service (General), Florida Supreme
Court Approved Family Law Form 12.914; Designation of Current Mailing and E- mail Address, Florida
Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915; and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.
Special notes...
If the other party fails to respond to your petition within the time limit stated in the notice of action that
is published or posted, you are entitled to request a default. (See Motion for Default, Florida Supreme
Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), and Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law
Form 12.922(b).) Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer
helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida
Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill
out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last
page of every form he or she helps you complete.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(2), Notice of Action For Family Cases
With Minor Child(ren) (11/15)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _______________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR ________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.: ___________________________ ___
Division:
__________________________________________________________________________________ ________
__________________________________,
Petitioner,
and
__________________________________,
Respondent,
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR
{Specify action} ________________________________________________________________________
TO: {name of Respondent} _______________________________________________________________
{Respondent’s last known address} ________________________________________________________
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for {identify the type of case} ________________________________
has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to
it on {name of Petitioner}
__________________________________________________________________,
whose address is ______________________________________________________________________,
on or before {date} _________________, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at {clerk’s
address} _____________________________________________________________________________,
before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered
against you for the relief demanded in the petition.
{If applicable, insert the legal description of real property, a specific description of personal property, and
the name of the county in Florida where the property is located} _________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit
Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.
You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file
Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form
12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the addresses on record at the
clerk’s office.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(2), Notice of Action For Family Cases
With Minor Child(ren) (11/15)
WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure
of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or
striking of pleadings.
Dated: _______________________ CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
By: ___________________________________________
Deputy Clerk
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:
[fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the Petitioner.
This form was completed with the assistance of:
{name of individual}, ___________________________________________________________________,
{name of business}_____________________________________________________________________,
{address} ____________________________________________________________________________,
{city}_________________,{state} _____, {zip code}_________,{telephone number}_________________.
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b), Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry
(11/12)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM
12.913(b), AFFIDAVIT OF DILIGENT SEARCH AND INQUIRY (11/12)
When should this form be used?
This form is to be used with Notice of Action for Dissolution of Marriage (No Child or Financial Support),
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(1) and Notice of Action For Family Cases
With Minor Child(ren), Form 12.913(a)(2), to obtain constructive service (also called service by
publication).
The other party is entitled to actual notice of the proceedings when possible. When it is necessary to use
constructive notice, it must be given in a way that is likely to provide actual notice. You must disclose
the last known address of the other party. A last known address cannot be unknown. This form includes
a checklist of places you can look for information on the location of the other party. While you do not
have to look in all of these places, the court must believe that you have made a very serious effort to get
information about the other party’s location and that you have followed up on any information you
received.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form
before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original and a Notice of Action for
Dissolution of Marriage (No Child or Financial Support), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law
Form 12.913(a)(1), or Notice of Action For Family Cases With Minor Child(ren), Form 12.913(a)(2), with
the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your petition is filed. You should keep a copy for your
records.
Where can I look for more information?
Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self-Represented Litigants found at the
beginning of these forms. For further information, see rule 12.070, Florida Family Law Rules of
Procedure and chapter 49, Florida Statutes.
Special notes...
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these
forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules of
Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also
must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form
he or she helps you complete.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b), Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry (11/12)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE __ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR ___ COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.:
Division:
__ ,
Petitioner,
and
____ ,
Respondent.
AFFIDAVIT OF DILIGENT SEARCH AND INQUIRY
I, {full legal name} , being sworn,
certify that the following information is true:
1. I have made diligent search and inquiry to discover the name and current residence of
Respondent: {Specify details of search} Refer to checklist below and identify all actions taken
(any additional information included such as the date the action was taken and the person
with whom you spoke is helpful) (attach additional sheet if necessary):
[Check all that apply]
____ United States Post Office inquiry through Freedom of Information Act for current address or any
relocations.
____ Last known employmentof Respondent, including name and address of employer. You should
also ask for any addresses to which W-2 Forms were mailed, and, if a pension or profit-sharing
plan exists, then for any addresses to which any pension or plan payment is and/or has been
mailed.
____ Unions from which Respondent may have worked or that governed his or her particular trade or
craft.
____ Regulatory agencies, including professional or occupational licensing.
____ Names and addresses of relatives and contacts with those relatives, and inquiry as to
Respondents last known address. You are to follow up any leads of any addresses where
Respondent may have moved. Relatives include, but are not limited to: parents, brothers,
sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandparents, great-grandparents, former in-
laws, stepparents, stepchildren.
____ Information about the Respondents possible death and, if dead, the date and location of the
death.
____ Telephone listings in the last known locations of Respondents residence.
____ Internet at http://www.switchboard.com or other Internet databank locator service. Please
indicate if a public library assisted you in your search.
____ Law enforcement arrest and/or criminal records in the last known residential area of
Respondent.
____ Highway Patrol records in the state of Respondents last known address.
____ Department of Motor Vehicle records in the state of Respondent’s last known address.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b), Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry (11/12)
____ Department of Corrections records in the state of Respondents last known address.
____ Title IV-D (child support enforcement) agency records in the state of Respondent’s last known
address.
____ Hospitals in the last known area of Respondent’s residence.
____ Utility companies, which include water, sewer, cable TV, and electric, in the last known area of
Respondents residence.
____ Letters to the Armed Forces of the U.S. and their response as to whether or not there is any
information about Respondent. (See Memorandum for Certificate of Military Service, Florida
Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a).)
____ Tax Assessors and Tax Collectors Office in the area where Respondent last resided.
____ Other: {explain} ______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. The age of Respondent is [Choose only one] ( ) known {enter age} _____ or ( ) unknown.
3. Respondents current residence
[Choose only one]]
a. ____Respondents current residence is unknown to me.
b. ____Respondents current residence is in some state or country other than Florida.
_________________________________________________________________________
c. ____The Respondent, having residence in Florida, has been absent from Florida for more
than 60 days prior to the date of this affidavit, or conceals him/her self so that process
cannot be served personally upon him or her, and I believe there is no person in the
state upon whom service of process would bind this absent or concealed Respondent.
4. Respondent’s last known address as of {date}____________________________________, was:
Address___________________________City_____________________State_________Zip______
Telephone No. __________________Fax No._________________________.
Respondent’s last known employment, as of {date}_________________________________, was
Name of Employer________________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________City_____________________State _____Zip_______
Telephone No.__________________ Fax No._________________________.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b), Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry (11/12)
I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the claims made in this
affidavit and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or
imprisonment.
Dated: ___________________ ________________________________________
Signature of Petitioner
Printed Name: ___________________________
Address: ________________________________
City, State, Zip: ___________________________
Telephone Number: _______________________
Fax Number: ____________________________
E-mail Address(es):________________________
STATE OF FLORIDA
COUNTY OF
Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on ___________________ by______________________
_______________________________________
NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK
_______________________________________
[Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of
notary or clerk.]
____ Personally known
____ Produced identification
Type of identification produced __________________________________
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:
[fill in all blanks]
This form was prepared for: {choose only one} ( ) Petitioner ( ) Respondent
This form was completed with the assistance of:
{name of individual} __________________________________________________________________,
{name of business} ___________________________________________________________________,
{address} ___________________________________________________________________________,
{city} _______________________,{state} ____________, {telephone number} ___________________.
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(c), Affidavit of Diligent Search (11/12)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE
FORM 12.913(c), AFFIDAVIT OF DILIGENT SEARCH (11/12)
When should this form be used?
This form is to be used with Notice of Action For Family Cases With Minor Child(ren), Florida
Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(2), to obtain constructive service (also called
service by publication) on the legal father in any action or proceeding to determine paternity which
may result in termination of the legal father’s parental rights.
The legal father is entitled to actual notice of the proceedings when possible. When it is necessary
to use constructive notice, it must be given in a way that is likely to provide actual notice. You
must disclose the last known address of the legal father. A last known address cannot be
unknown. This form includes a checklist of places you must look for information on the location of
the legal father. You have to look in all of these places, and the court must believe that you have
made a very serious effort to get information about the person’s location and that you have
followed up on any information you received.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the
form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original and a Notice of Action
For Family Cases With Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form
12.913(a)(2), with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your petition for dissolution of
marriage is filed. You should keep a copy for your records.
Where can I look for more information?
Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self-Represented Litigants found at
the beginning of these forms. For further information, see rule 12.070, Florida Family Law Rules of
Procedure, chapter 49, Florida Statutes, and section 409.257, Florida Statutes.
Special notes...
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out
these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law
Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out
these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the
last page of every form he or she helps you complete.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(c), Affidavit of Diligent Search (11/12)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR PINELLASCOUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.: __________________________
Division:___________________________
__________________________________,
Petitioner,
and
__________________________________,
Respondent.
AFFIDAVIT OF DILIGENT SEARCH
I, {full legal name}_________________________________, being sworn, certify that the following
information is true:
1. The last known address of the child(ren)’s legal father {name}______________________,
as of {date}______________________________, was:
Address _________________________ City____________ State__________ Zip ______
Telephone No. ____________________ Fax No. _______________________.
His last known employment, as of {date} __________________, was:
Name of Employer __________________________________________________________
Address __________________________ City ___________ State ________ Zip _________
Telephone No. _____________________ Fax No. _______________________
2. The legal father is over the age of 18.
3. The legal father’s current residence is not known and cannot be determined, although I
have made a diligent search and inquiry to locate him through the following:
You must search ALL of the following sources of information and state the results.
____ United States Post Office inquiry through the Freedom of Information Act for the
legal father’s current address or any previous address.
Result of search:_____________________________________________________
____ Last known employment of the legal father, including name and address of
employer.
Result of search:____________________________________________
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(c), Affidavit of Diligent Search (11/12)
____ Regulatory agencies, including professional or occupational licensing, in the area
where the legal father last resided.
Result of search:____________________
____ Names and addresses of relatives to the extent such can be reasonably obtained
from the petitioner or other sources, contacts with those relatives and inquiry as
to the legal father’s last known address. You are to follow up any leads of any
addresses where the legal father may have moved.
Result of search: _____________________________________________________
____ Information about the legal father’s possible death and, if dead, the date and
location.
Result of search:______________________________________________
____ Telephone listings in the area where the legal father last resided.
Result of search: _____________________________________________________
____ Law enforcement agencies in the area where the legal father last resided.
Result of search: _____________________________________________________
____ Highway Patrol records in the state where the legal father last resided.
Result of search: _____________________________________________________
____ Department of Corrections records in the state where the legal father last resided.
Result of search: _____________________________________________ ________
____ Hospitals in the last known area of the legal father’s residence.
Result of search: _____________________________________________________
____ Records of utility companies, which include water, sewer, cable TV, and electric in
the last known area of the legal father’s residence.
Result of search: _____________________________________________________
____ Records of the Armed Forces of the U.S. and their response as to whether or not
there is any information about the legal father. (See Florida Supreme Court
Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a), Memorandum for Certificate of Military
Service.)
Result of search: _____________________________________________________
____ Records of the tax assessor’s and tax collector’s office in the area where the legal
father last resided.
Result of search:_____________________________________________________
____ Search of one Internet databank locator service.
Result of search: _____________________________________________________
____ Title IV-D (child support enforcement) agency records in the state of the legal
father’s last known address.
Result of search: _____________________________________________________
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(c), Affidavit of Diligent Search (11/12)
I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the claims made in
this affidavit and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines
and/or imprisonment.
Dated:_____________________________ _________________________________________
Signature of Petitioner
Printed Name: _____________________________
Address: _________________________________
City, State, Zip: ____________________________
Telephone Number: ________________________
Fax Number: ______________________________
E-mail Address(es):__________________________
STATE OF FLORIDA
COUNTY OF _____________________
Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on ___________ by ____________________________.
________________________________________
NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK
[Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of
notary or deputy clerk.]
____ Personally known
____ Produced identification
Type of identification produced ____________________________
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:
[fill in all blanks]
This form was prepared for: {choose only one} ( ) Petitioner ( ) Respondent
This form was completed with the assistance of:
{ name of individual} ______________________________________________________________,
{name of business} ________________________________________________________________,
{address} ________________________________________________________________________,
{city} ________________________,{state} __________, {telephone number} __________________.
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a), Memorandum for Certificate of
Military Service (09/16)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY
LAW FORM 12.912(a)
MEMORANDUM FOR CERTIFICATE OF MILITARY SERVICE (09/16)
When should this form be used?
This form should be used if you KNOW OR DO NOT KNOW whether the other party in your case is on
active duty in a branch of the military service of the United States. “Active duty” includes reserve
personnel of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, and members of the Florida
National Guard who have been called to active duty for more than thirty (30) days. Even if you believe
that the other party has never or would never join the military, you must show the court proof that he
or she is not a member of the military. Therefore, you may need to use this form to provide the court
with such proof. See the instructions for an Affidavit of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court
Approved Family Law Form 12.912(b), for additional information. Please note that the contact
information below is correct as of the effective date of this form; however, it may be subject to change.
If you have difficulty obtaining the certificates or need additional information, you may wish to contact
Military One Source at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/ or 800.824.9647.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Certificates:
For information on obtaining certificates of service or non-service under the Servicemembers Civil Relief
Act (SCRA)(formerly known as Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940), please refer to the Defense
Manpower Data Center (DMDC) SCRA website: https://www.dmdc.mil/appj/scra .
You may also write the DMDC at the following address:
Defense Manpower Data Center [Attn: Military Verification]
1600 Wilson Blvd., Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22209-2593
Telephone: 703.696.6762
You may be charged a service fee by each military service branch for its response. Please refer to the
websites and/or phone numbers listed below for help in determining the amount of each military
branch’s fee and to verify its current mailing address.
COAST GUARD: USCG Commander, Personnel Service Center, Attn: PSD-MR, 4200 Wilson Blvd.,
Suite 1100, Arlington VA 22203 Phone -866.772.8724
http://uscg.mil/psc/bops .
AIR FORCE: HQ AFPC/DS1W, Attn: World Wide Locator, 550 C Street, West, Suite 50,JBSA-Randolph
AFB, TX 78150-4752, Phone: 210.565.266.
www.afpc.af.mil/library/airforcelocator.asp
NAVY: Navy World Wide Locator, Navy Personnel Command, PERS 1, 5720 Integrity Drive, Millington,
TN 38055-3120, Phone: 901. 874.5111. http://public.navy.mil/bupers-
npc/organization/npc/csc/Pages/NavyLocatorService.aspx
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a), Memorandum for Certificate of
Military Service (09/16)
MARINE CORPS: Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, Personnel Management Support Branch
(MMSB-17), 2008 Elliot Road, Room 201, Quantico, VA 22134 Phone: 703.784.3941
hqmc.marines.mil/agencies
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE: Attn: Director, Division of Commissioned Corps Officer Support, 1101 Wooten
Parkway, Plaza Level, Suite 100, Rockville MD 20852
https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/scra/
ARMY: www.dmdc.osd.mil/
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You should complete this form for each branch of the
United States’ military listed above, and mail the form to each branch with a check for the appropriate
amount and a stamped, self-addressed envelope. You should keep a copy of the form for your records.
After you have received a verification of military status from each branch, you will need to attach those
verifications to an Affidavit of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form
12.912(b), for filing with the clerk.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-FILING
The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be
filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or other
pleadings or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file
your pleadings or other documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of
Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file.
The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-SERVICE ELECTION
After the initial service of process of the petition or supplemental petition by the Sheriff or certified
process server, the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all documents required or
permitted to be served on the other party must be served by electronic mail (e-mail) except in certain
circumstances. You must strictly comply with the format requirements set forth in the Rules of Judicial
Administration. If you elect to participate in electronic service, which means serving or receiving
pleadings by electronic mail (e-mail), or through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, you must review Florida
Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. You may find this rule at www.flcourts.org through the link to the
Rules of Judicial Administration provided under either Family Law Forms: Getting Started, or Rules of Court
in the A-Z Topical Index.
SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS MAY SERVE DOCUMENTS BY E-MAIL; HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT
REQUIRED TO DO SO. If a self-represented litigant elects to serve and receive documents by e-mail, the
procedures must always be followed once the initial election is made.
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a), Memorandum for Certificate of
Military Service (09/16)
To serve and receive documents by e-mail, you must designate your e-mail addresses by using the
Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form
12.915, and you must provide your e-mail address on each form on which your signature appears. Please
CAREFULLY read the rules and instructions for: Certificate of Service (General), Florida Supreme Court
Approved Family Law Form 12.914; Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme
Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915; and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.
Special notes...
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out
these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules
of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms
also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every
form he or she helps you complete.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a), Memorandum for Certificate of Military Service
(09/16)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.: _____________________
Division: _______________________
,
Petitioner,
and
,
Respondent.
MEMORANDUM FOR CERTIFICATE OF MILITARY SERVICE
TO: ( ) USCG Commander, Personnel Service Center, Attn: PSD-MR, 4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite
1100, Arlington, VA 22203 (Coast Guard)
( ) HQ AFPC/DS1W, Attn: World Wide Locator, 550 C. Street West, Suite 50, Randolph AFB,
TX 78150-4752 (Air Force)
( ) Navy World Wide Locator, Navy Personnel Command, PERS-1, 5720 Integrity Drive,
Millington, TN 38055-3120 (Navy)
( ) United States Marine Corps, Personnel Support Management Branch, (MMSB-17), ,
2008 Elliot Road, Room 201, Quantico, VA 22134 (Marines)
( ) Public Health Service: Attn: Director, Division of Commissioned Corps Officer Support,
http://dcp.psc.gov/ad_search.asp (Public Health)
( ) Locator www.dmdc.osd.mil/mla/ (Army)
RE:
{Name of Respondent} {Respondent’s Social Security Number}
This case involves a family matter. It is imperative that a determination be made whether the above-
named individual, who has an interest in these proceedings, is presently in the military service of the
United States, and the dates of induction and discharge, if any. This information is requested under the
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (formerly known as Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940). Please
supply verification as soon as possible. My check for $ ___ for your search fee and a self-
addressed, stamped envelope are enclosed.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a), Memorandum for Certificate of Military Service
(09/16)
Dated: ______________________________________
Signature of Petitioner
Printed Name: _________________________
Address: _____________________________
City, State, Zip: ________________________
Telephone Number: ____________________
Fax Number: _________________________
Designated E-mail Address(es):____________
_____________________________________
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:
[fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the Petitioner.
This form was completed with the assistance of:
{name of individual} ______________________________________________________________,
{name of business}_________________________________________________________________,
{address}__________________________________________________________________________,
{city}__________________, {state}____,{zip code}________, {telephone number} _______________.