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The FL 12 902 J Notice form plays a crucial role in family law proceedings in Florida, particularly concerning paternity, child support, and dissolution of marriage cases. It mandates that each party involved in these legal matters complete and file the form, regardless of whether there are minor children or property at stake. This form requires the individual's Social Security number, which, although deemed confidential under Florida law, is necessary for adherence to the state's statutes. Upon completion, the original form must be submitted to the circuit court clerk in the relevant county, while a copy is retained for personal records. The form also stipulates that if the other party in the case has not been served with initial papers, a copy must be directly sent to them, ensuring that all parties involved have access to this vital information. Additionally, electronic filing has become increasingly standard, with expectations that all documents pertinent to the case be submitted electronically, save for specific exceptions. Those choosing to serve documents via email must adhere to the prescribed state guidelines and designate a current email for correspondence. For individuals participating in domestic violence cases, special provisions are available to keep addresses confidential. Overall, the FL 12 902 J Notice form serves as a key instrument for transparency and accountability in family law proceedings, while also preserving necessary privacy protections.
Form Sample
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW
FORM 12.902(j),
NOTICE OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
(06/18)
When should this form be used?
This form must be completed and filed by each party in all paternity, child support, and dissolution of marriage cases, regardless of whether the case involves a minor child(ren) and/or property.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case was filed and keep a copy for your records.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Under Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, Social Security Numbers are confidential; however, this information is required by the Florida Statutes. A Notice of Confidential Information within Court Filing must be filed with the Notice of Social Security Number. This Notice is an appendix to rule 2.420.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING
The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances.
The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed.
What should I do next?
A copy of this form must be mailed,
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING
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
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j), Notice of Social Security Number (06/18)
Administration. If you elect to participate in electronic service, which means serving or receiving pleadings by electronic mail
To serve and receive documents by
Where can I look for more information?
Before proceeding, you should read General Information for
there. For further information, see chapter 61, Florida Statutes.
Special notes...
If this is a domestic violence case and you want to keep your address confidential for safety reasons, do not enter the address, telephone, fax, or
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 a 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.
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j), Notice of Social Security Number
(06/18)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE |
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JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, |
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IN AND FOR |
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COUNTY, FLORIDA |
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Case No.:
Division:
Petitioner,
and
Respondent.
NOTICE OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
I, {full legal name} ___________________________________________________________, certify that
my social security number is ___________________________, as required by the applicable section of
the Florida Statutes. My date of birth is ______________________________.
[Choose ONE only]
__ 1. This notice is being filed in a dissolution of marriage case in which the parties have no minor or dependent child(ren) in common.
__ 2. This notice is being filed in a paternity or child support case, or in a dissolution of marriage in which the parties have minor or dependent children in common. The minor or dependent child(ren)'s name(s), date(s) of birth, and social security number(s) is/are:
NameBirth date Social Security Number
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
{Attach additional pages if necessary.}
Disclosure of social security numbers shall be limited to the purpose of administration of the Title
program for child support enforcement.
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j), Notice of Social Security Number
(06/18)
I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the claims made in this notice and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or imprisonment.
DATED: ___________________ |
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Signature of Party |
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Printed Name: |
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Address: |
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City, State, Zip: |
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Telephone Number: |
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Fax Number: |
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Designated |
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STATE OF FLORIDA |
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COUNTY OF _________________ |
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Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on by |
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Date:__________________________ |
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NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK |
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___________________
[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 the: {choose only ONE} ______ Petitioner _____ Respondent
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 12.902(j), Notice of Social Security Number
(06/18)
Document Specifications
| Fact Name | Description |
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| Mandatory Use | This form is required to be filed by all parties in paternity, child support, and dissolution of marriage cases, irrespective of whether these involve minor children or property. |
| Filing Requirement | The original must be filed with the circuit court clerk in the appropriate county, and a copy should be retained by the filing party for their records. |
| Confidentiality of Information | Social Security Numbers are considered confidential under Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, despite being necessary for compliance with Florida Statutes. |
| E-Filing Requirements | All documents, including this form, must be filed electronically under the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, except in specific circumstances. |
| Electronic Service | After the initial service of the petition, all subsequent documents must be served electronically, adhering to the format set in the relevant rules. |
| Address Confidentiality | If the case involves domestic violence and confidentiality is a concern, a Request for Confidential Filing of Address must be submitted instead of providing personal contact information on the form. |
Steps to Filling Out Fl 12 902 J Notice
Once you have completed the FL 12 902 J Notice form, it is important to file it correctly and share it with the other party involved in your case. This step ensures that all necessary parties have the required information to move forward in the legal process.
- Begin by typing or neatly printing the form in black ink.
- Fill in the name of the court at the top of the form, including the judicial circuit and the county where your case is filed.
- Enter the case number and division, if applicable, in the designated spaces.
- In the section titled “NOTICE OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER,” provide your full legal name.
- Next, write your social security number in the appropriate space.
- Include your date of birth just below your social security number.
- Select one of the two options regarding your case by marking the appropriate box.
- If applicable, list the names, birth dates, and social security numbers of any minor or dependent children in the designated area.
- Sign the form, ensuring that you date it as well.
- Fill in your printed name, address, city, state, zip code, telephone number, fax number, and designated email address.
- If the form was completed with help from a nonlawyer, ensure that they provide their information in the specified section.
- Once the form is completed, make a copy for your records.
- File the original form with the clerk of the circuit court where your case was initially filed.
After submitting the form, it is essential to share a copy with the other party involved in your case. You can do this by mailing, emailing, or hand-delivering the document, depending on the circumstances of your case.
More About Fl 12 902 J Notice
1. When should the FL 12 902 J Notice form be used?
This form must be completed and filed by each party in all cases related to paternity, child support, and dissolution of marriage. It is applicable regardless of whether minor children or property are involved. Completing this form is a necessary step in the legal process, and it should be either typed or printed in black ink. Once finished, the original form should be filed with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the case was initiated, while a copy should be retained for personal records.
2. What kind of information is confidential in this form?
Social Security Numbers are classified as confidential information under Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. Even though this information must be provided as mandated by statute, special care must be taken to protect it. To maintain confidentiality, a Notice of Confidential Information within Court Filing needs to be submitted along with the FL 12 902 J Notice form.
3. What are the implications of e-filing this form?
Recent updates to the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration require that all documents, including this form, be filed electronically, with some exceptions. Self-represented litigants have the option to file electronically but are not obligated to do so. If you choose this method, it is crucial to adhere to the guidelines outlined in Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525, as well as the specific procedures related to the judicial circuit in which you are filing.
4. How should I deliver a copy of this form to the other party?
If the FL 12 902 J Notice form is not served on the other party with your initial filing, you must ensure that a copy is delivered to them. This can be done by mailing, e-mailing, or delivering it in person. Maintaining clear communication is essential for the fairness and transparency of the legal process.
5. What are the guidelines for electronic service after initial filing?
Following the initial service by a Sheriff or certified process server, all subsequent documents must generally be served electronically, unless specific exceptions apply. It is required to meticulously follow the guidelines set forth in the rules for electronic service, especially if choosing to serve documents via e-mail. The Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516 provides detailed instructions that must be reviewed before proceeding.
6. What should I do if I require confidentiality for safety reasons?
In cases involving domestic violence, special considerations must be taken to protect your safety. If you need to keep your address confidential, you should refrain from entering your contact information on the FL 12 902 J Notice form. Instead, it is advised to file a Request for Confidential Filing of Address using Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(i), ensuring your address is kept private.
7. What if I need help filling out this form?
If assistance is required in completing this form, it is important to consult someone knowledgeable. A nonlawyer providing such help must first present you with a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, as required by the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure. Furthermore, the nonlawyer must include their identifying information on the final page of the form they assist you with. This ensures transparency and accountability in the process.
Common mistakes
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Failing to Provide Complete Information: Users often neglect to fill out all required fields, especially dates, names, and Social Security numbers. Incomplete forms may delay processing.
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Not Filing the Notice with Confidential Information: Some individuals forget to submit a Notice of Confidential Information along with the form. This step is essential for compliance with Florida law.
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Using Incorrect Ink Color: While it might seem minor, many mistakenly use blue or other ink colors instead of the required black ink. This can lead to complications during processing.
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Ignoring E-Filing Requirements: Some people overlook the electronic filing rules mandated by the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. Familiarity with e-filing procedures is crucial.
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Not Ensuring Service to Other Party: Failing to send a copy of the form to the other party in the case is a common error. Individuals must ensure proper service for the form.
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Neglecting to Include Minor Children’s Details: When applicable, individuals forget to list the names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of minor children. This omission can lead to further legal complications.
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Inadequate Signature or Notarization: Some submitters do not properly sign the form or have it notarized, which is a requirement. Failing to do so invalidates the submission.
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Overlooking Confidentiality Considerations: In cases of domestic violence, some forget to file a Request for Confidential Filing of Address. This step is vital for ensuring safety.
Documents used along the form
In addition to the FL 12 902 J Notice form, there are several other important documents that individuals may need to use in family law cases. These forms help ensure proper communication and documentation between parties. Below is a list of frequently used forms along with brief descriptions of each.
- Notice of Confidential Information: This document must be filed alongside the FL 12 902 J Notice form. It highlights that certain personal information, such as Social Security numbers, is confidential according to Florida law.
- Certificate of Service (General), Form 12.914: This form is used to confirm that documents have been delivered to the other party. It provides proof of service, which is crucial in legal proceedings.
- Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Form 12.915: Here, individuals provide their current mailing and email addresses for future correspondence. This is essential if you're opting for electronic service of documents.
- Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Form 12.980(i): For those who need to keep their address private due to safety concerns, this form allows you to request confidentiality during the proceedings.
- Financial Affidavit: This document details a party's financial situation. It includes income, expenses, assets, and debts, which is important for determining support obligations.
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet: This worksheet helps determine the appropriate amount of child support based on the financial information presented in the case.
- Parenting Plan: This document outlines the responsibilities and schedules for each parent concerning their children. It is vital in custody arrangements.
- Plea for a Temporary Order: This document can be filed to request immediate orders from the court, such as for temporary custody or financial support needs pending the final resolution of the case.
Utilizing the correct forms ensures that the legal process runs smoothly and that all parties are fully informed. It’s essential to review each document carefully and fill them out completely to avoid delays in your case.
Similar forms
The FL 12 902 J Notice form shares similarities with the FL 12.915 Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address form. Both documents are essential in family law cases to ensure that all parties have accurate contact information for communication purposes. While the FL 12 902 J focuses on providing the social security number and related personal information, the FL 12.915 ensures that parties can receive important documents electronically or via traditional mail. This aids in maintaining open lines of communication throughout the legal process, which is crucial for resolving family law matters.
Another related document is the FL 12.914 Certificate of Service (General). This form serves as proof that one party has properly served documents to the other party, assuring compliance with procedural requirements. Similar to the FL 12 902 J, it emphasizes the importance of keeping the process transparent and duly informed. Both documents promote clarity within the court system by detailing how and when information is shared between parties, thereby reducing confusion as a case progresses.
The FL 12.900(a) Disclosure from Nonlawyer is connected to FL 12 902 J by focusing on the assistance some parties might receive when filling out legal documents. This disclosure form requires a nonlawyer to inform individuals about the nature of the help they are providing. Just as the FL 12 902 J documents the necessary information for social security, the Disclosure from Nonlawyer ensures that all legal assistance is both ethical and clear. In a situation where a party has help completing forms, transparency is key, and this document safeguards that principle.
The FL 12.980(i) Request for Confidential Filing of Address is another form that mirrors certain aspects of the FL 12 902 J. When safety is a concern—particularly in cases linked to domestic violence—individuals may wish to keep their personal addresses confidential. Both forms emphasize the need for protecting sensitive information while still complying with court requirements. This highlights the balance between transparency and personal safety in family law cases.
The FL 12.904 Notice of Appeal also shares a connection with the FL 12 902 J. This document is submitted when a party wishes to challenge a court's decision. Like the Notice form, it requires the correct legal formatting and adherence to strict rules. While the FL 12 902 J specifies personal data requirements for ongoing cases, the Notice of Appeal documents steps taken for future actions, ensuring all parties remain informed about legal intentions.
The FL 12.905 Notice of Hearing has similarities with the FL 12 902 J as well. Both forms are crucial for guiding parties through various stages of family law proceedings. While the FL 12 902 J focuses on documenting social security information, the Notice of Hearing informs parties of upcoming court dates. This information flow is vital in avoiding surprises and ensuring all parties are prepared to discuss the case in court.
There’s also the FL 12.929 Parenting Plan form, which, while more procedural in nature, is relevant to child custody matters. The FL 12 902 J deals with personal identifiers necessary for proceedings that involve minor children, just as the Parenting Plan lays out custody arrangements. Both forms work in conjunction to ensure child welfare is considered throughout the legal process, showing the ongoing connection between documenting information and parenting responsibilities.
The FL 12.935 Statement of Understanding form is another related document. This form ensures parties acknowledge the nature of their proceedings and their legal obligations. Similar to the FL 12 902 J, which requires a certification of social security numbers, the Statement of Understanding promotes important acknowledgments necessary for moving forward in legal contexts. This ensures all parties understand their roles while safeguarding essential information.
Finally, the FL 12.906 Financial Affidavit is akin to the FL 12 902 J in its focus on the details required in family law cases. The Financial Affidavit addresses the financial aspects of the parties and their obligations. While the Notice form captures social security numbers and related personal information, the Financial Affidavit collects data pertinent to financial responsibilities. Both documents serve crucial functions in ensuring the court has all necessary information for effective decision-making in family law matters.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the FL 12.902 J Notice form, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are some recommended practices and things to avoid:
- Do use black ink or type the form for better legibility.
- Do file the original form with the clerk of the circuit court in the appropriate county.
- Do keep a copy of the completed form for your own records.
- Do notify the other party by mailing, e-mailing, or hand delivering a copy of the form.
- Do ensure that the information provided is accurate and truthful.
- Don't include unnecessary personal information, such as your address, if safety is a concern.
- Don't forget to attach the Notice of Confidential Information if required.
- Don't skip the designation of current mailing and e-mail address if you are serving documents electronically.
- Don't ignore the rules regarding e-filing and e-service; carefully follow the guidelines.
- Don't forget to have a non-lawyer assisting you fill out this form provide proper disclosure as required.
Misconceptions
Understanding the FL 12 902 J Notice form is crucial for anyone involved in paternity, child support, or divorce cases in Florida. Several misconceptions exist surrounding this form, which can lead to confusion for those required to complete it. Here are five common misconceptions:
- It is Optional to File - Some individuals believe that filing the FL 12 902 J Notice form is optional. In reality, every party involved in relevant cases must complete and file this form, regardless of whether there are children or property involved.
- Social Security Numbers Are Public Information - Many assume that Social Security numbers filed with this form are publicly accessible. However, under Florida law, these numbers are confidential, and the form's purpose is to ensure compliance with privacy laws.
- One Person Can Submit the Form for Both Parties - A common error is thinking that only one party needs to submit the notice. Both parties must file their own FL 12 902 J Notice form independently.
- E-Filing is Mandatory for Everyone - Some believe all litigants must file documents electronically. While electronic filing is required for most submissions, self-represented litigants may choose to file manually if they prefer.
- Only Lawyers Can Assist with the Form - Another misconception is that only attorneys can help complete this form. Nonlawyers can assist, but they must adhere to specific guidelines and provide necessary disclosures as outlined in the instructions.
By addressing these misconceptions, individuals can better navigate the requirements associated with the FL 12 902 J Notice form and ensure compliance with Florida family law.
Key takeaways
When utilizing the FL 12 902 J Notice form, keep the following key takeaways in mind:
- This form is mandatory for all parties involved in paternity, child support, or dissolution of marriage cases, irrespective of whether children or property are involved.
- Use black ink and ensure the form is either typed or clearly printed.
- Submit the original form to the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case is filed, and retain a copy for your records.
- Due to confidentiality rules, personal Social Security Numbers must be handled with care. Follow Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration.
- A Notice of Confidential Information within Court Filing must accompany the Social Security number notice.
- Electronic filing is generally required for all documents, so familiarize yourself with and follow the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration if choosing this method.
- For service of documents, ensure you email or mail a copy of this notice to the other party unless it has already been served with initial documents.
- If you opt to use electronic service, be sure to designate your email address properly with the necessary forms.
- Consult the General Information for Self-Represented Litigants before proceeding to ensure you understand all requirements and terms.
- In cases of domestic violence, it is crucial to keep your address confidential. Consider filing a Request for Confidential Filing of Address.
By following these guidelines, you can navigate the filing process with confidence and ensure compliance with all necessary legal requirements.