Florida Family Law Trial Notebook
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Pre-Trial
1.1 Motions in Limine
1.1.1 In General
1.1.2 Attack on Court’s Ruling
1.2 Compelling Attendance of a Witness Present in Court
1.3 Production of Documents
1.3.1 Subpoena for Production of Documents
1.3.2 Payment for Production of Documents in Court
Chapter 2: Course and Conduct of Trial
2.1 Governing Law
2.2 Communication With Client and Witnesses
2.2.1 Attorney’s Communication With Client
2.2.2 Attorney’s Communication With Witness
2.2.3 Witness Communications With Witnesses
2.2.4 Judge’s Communication With Expert
2.3 Opening Statement
2.4 Closing Argument
Chapter 3: Documentary Evidence
3.1 Best-Evidence Rule
3.1.1 Requirement of Original
3.1.2 Definition of Original
3.1.3 Use of Duplicate of Original
3.1.4 Use of Other Proof of Contents
3.2 Summaries of Records
3.2.1 When Summaries May Be Used
3.2.2 Procedure for Use of Summaries
3.2.3 Practical Applications
3.3 Introduction of Portion of Document or Deposition at Trial
3.3.1 Documentary Evidence
3.3.2 Depositions
3.3.3 Document “Speaks for Itself”
3.3.4 Publishing Deposition “For Any Purpose”
3.4 Authenticating Documents
3.4.1 Requirement of Authentication
3.4.2 Self-Authentication
3.5 Affidavits
3.6 Depositions at Trial
3.6.1 Use of Depositions at Trial
3.6.2 Interplay With Rules of Evidence
3.6.3 Use of Portion of Deposition
3.6.4 Objection to Deposition Questions
3.6.5 Errata Sheets to Deposition
3.6.6 Use of Videotape Depositions
Chapter 4: Other Physical Proof
4.1 Demonstrative Evidence and Demonstrative Aids
4.1.1 Demonstrative Evidence
4.1.2 Demonstrative Aids
4.2 Photographs
Chapter 5: Witness Competence and Disqualification
5.1 Knowledge
5.1.1 General Rules of Competency
5.1.2 Personal Knowledge
5.1.3 Lack of Knowledge
5.2 Dead Man Statute
5.2.1 Statutory Authority
5.2.2 Statutory Exceptions
5.2.3 Waiver of Dead Man Statute
5.3 Persons Disqualified From Testifying
5.3.1 Statutory Authority
5.3.2 Duty to Tell Truth
5.3.3 Child in Family Law Proceeding
5.3.3.1 Rule Precluding Child’s Presence
5.3.3.2 Policy Considerations
5.3.3.3 Testimony Without Oath
5.3.4 Calling Attorney as Witness
5.3.5 Calling Judge as Witness
Chapter 6: Witness Examination: Basic Issues
6.1 Court’s Control of Trial and Questioning
6.1.1 Direct Examination
6.1.2 Cross-Examination
6.1.3 Redirect and Recross Examination
6.2 Sequestration (“Invoking the Rule”)
6.2.1 Sequestration of Witnesses in Court
6.2.2 Sequestration of Witnesses at Deposition
6.3 Interpreters and Translators
6.4 Impeachment
6.4.1 Who May Impeach
6.4.2 Character of Witness as Impeachment
6.4.3 Conviction of Crime as Impeachment
6.4.4 Summary of Impeachment Rules
6.4.4.1 Six Permitted Methods
6.4.4.2 Two Prohibited Methods
6.4.5 Inconsistent Statements
6.5 Impeaching Own Witness
6.6 Religious Beliefs of Witnesses
Chapter 7: Witness Questioning and Answering Objections checklist
7.1 Ambiguous
7.2 Argumentative
7.3 Asked and Answered
7.4 Assuming Facts Not in Evidence
7.5 Beyond Scope
7.6 Compound Questions
7.7 Conclusion
7.8 Leading
7.8.1 Cross-Examination
7.8.2 Hostile Witness
7.8.3 Adverse Party
7.9 Misquoting
7.10 Narrative
7.11 Non-responsive
7.12 Refreshing Memory of Witness
7.12.1 General Principles
7.12.2 Distinction Between Impeachment and Refreshing Memory
7.13 Self-Serving
7.14 Speculative
Chapter 8: Science, Opinion and Experts
8.1 Opinion
8.2 Qualification of Expert Witness
8.3 Impeachment of Expert Witness
8.4 Foundation or Basis for Opinion of Expert
8.4.1 Opinion on Ultimate Issue
8.4.2 Basis for Opinion
8.4.3 Disclosure of Underlying Data
8.5 Areas of Opinion
8.5.1 Opinion on Areas Within Common Understanding
8.5.2 Opinion as to Ability or Reputation of Another Expert
8.5.3 Opinion of Truthfulness of Another Witness
8.5.4 Opinion on Law
8.5.5 Opinion in Outside Field
8.5.6 Opinion in New or Novel Area
8.6 Authoritative Literature
Chapter 9: Alternatives to Physical and Testimonial Proof
9.1 Judicial Notice
9.1.1 Meaning of Judicial Notice
9.1.2 Mandatory Judicial Notice
9.1.3 Discretionary Judicial Notice
9.1.4 Timeliness—Notice of Judicial Notice
9.2 Evidentiary Presumptions
9.2.1 Definition of Presumption
9.2.2 Types of Presumptions
9.2.3 Purposes of Presumptions
9.3 Presumptions in Family Law Cases
9.3.1 Privacy in Proceedings
9.3.2 Marriage
9.3.3 Equitable Distribution
9.3.4 Children of Parties
9.3.5 Child Custody
9.3.6 Alimony
9.3.7 Ability to Pay for Support
9.3.8 Bank Account
9.3.9 Shares of Stock
9.4 Stipulations
9.4.1 In General
9.4.2 Improper Stipulations
9.4.3 Oral Stipulations
9.4.4 Stipulations in Case-Management and Pretrial Conferences
9.4.5 Avoiding Stipulation
Chapter 10: Privileges
10.1 General Privilege Requirements
10.2 Attorney-Client Privilege
10.2.1 Scope of Privilege
10.2.1.1 Definitions
10.2.1.2 Protected Communications
10.2.1.3 Who May Claim Privilege
10.2.1.4 Exceptions
10.2.2 Extension of Privilege
10.2.3 Waiver of Privilege
10.2.4 Matters Not Protected
10.2.4.1 Attorney’s Financial Records
10.2.4.2 Client’s Identity and Fee-Payment Records
10.2.4.3 Documents and Objects Delivered to Attorney
10.2.4.4 No Privilege if Documents Within Criminal/Fraud Exception
10.2.5 Procedure to Assert Privilege
10.3 Work-Product Privilege
10.4 Psychotherapist-Patient Privilege
10.5 Sexual Assault Counselor Privilege
10.6 Domestic Violence Advocate-Victim Privilege
10.7 Husband-Wife Privilege
10.8 Clerical Privilege
10.9 Accountant-Client Privilege
10.10 Trade Secrets
10.11 Settlement Negotiations Privilege
10.12 Mediation Privilege
10.13 Guardian ad Litem Privilege
10.14 Fifth Amendment
10.15 Right of Privacy
10.15.1 Privacy Rights of Parties
10.15.2 Privacy Rights of Third Persons and Witnesses
10.15.3 Closing or Sealing of Court Files
10.16 Journalist’s Privilege
10.17 Waiver and Effect of Privilege
10.17.1 Waiver of Privilege
10.17.2 Effect of Claim of Privilege
Chapter 11: Hearsay Basics
11.1 Definition
11.1.1 What Is “Hearsay”
11.1.2 What Is Not “Hearsay”
11.1.3 Summary of Hearsay Rules Generally
11.2 Hearsay Within Hearsay
11.2.1 Definition
11.2.2 Admissibility
11.3 Attacking or Supporting Credibility of Declarant
11.3.1 Purpose and Authority
11.3.2 Procedure
Chapter 12: Hearsay Exceptions: Declarant Unavailable
12.1 Definition of “Unavailable”
12.2 Former Testimony
12.3 Statement Under Belief of Impending Death
12.4 Statement Against Interest
12.5 Statement of Personal or Family History
Chapter 13: Hearsay Exceptions: Declarant Available
13.1 Spontaneous Statement
13.2 Excited Utterance
13.3 Mental, Emotional or Physical Condition
13.4 Medical Diagnosis or Treatment
13.5 Recorded Recollection
13.6 Business Records
13.7 Absence of Entry—Business Records
13.8 Public Records
13.9 Vital Statistics
13.10 Absence of Divorce Decree, Marriage Certificate, or School Records
13.11 Records of Religious Organizations
13.12 Marriage Certificates
13.13 Family Records
13.14 Real Property Records
13.15 Statements Regarding Interest in Property
13.16 Ancient Documents
13.17 Market Reports and Commercial Publications
13.18 Admissions
13.19 Reputation—Family History
13.20 Reputation—General History
13.21 Reputation—Character
13.22 Former Testimony
13.23 Child Victim
13.24 Elderly Person or Disabled Adult
Chapter 14: Character and Habit
14.1 Character Evidence
14.1.1 Character of Party
14.1.2 Other Crimes, Wrong or Acts
14.1.3 Methods of Proving Character
14.2 Routine Practice
Chapter 15: Relevance and Materiality
15.1 Immaterial
15.2 Irrelevant
Chapter 16: Other Rules Governing Both Physical and Testimonial Proof
16.1 Limited Admissibility
16.2 Proffering Testimony (Offer of Proof)
16.2.1 Necessity of Offer of Proof
16.2.2 Methods of Making Offer of Proof
16.2.3 Offer of Proof (Proffer) in Nonjury Case
16.3 Prejudicial
Chapter 17: Substantive Family Law
17.1 AGREEMENTS
17.1.1 Abandonment
17.1.2 Arbitration
17.1.3 Attorney’s Fees
17.1.4 Cohabitation
17.1.5 Consideration
17.1.6 Custody and Child Support Provisions
17.1.7 Enforcement
17.1.8 Governing Law
17.1.9 Incorporation
17.1.10 Interpretation
17.1.11 Mediation
17.1.12 Mediation—Privilege
17.1.13 Modification
17.1.14 Oral Agreement
17.1.15 Prenuptial—Attorney’s Fees
17.1.16 Prenuptial—Disclosure
17.1.17 Prenuptial—Duress
17.1.18 Prenuptial—Fairness
17.1.19 Prenuptial—General Knowledge
17.1.20 Prenuptial—Silence as to Issue
17.1.21 Prenuptial—Waivers
17.1.22 ‑Postnuptial Agreement—Undue Influence
17.1.23 Property Settlement
17.1.24 Property vs. Support Agreements
17.1.25 Reconciliation
17.1.26 Reformation
17.1.27 Religious Agreements
17.1.28 Relocation
17.1.29 Remarriage
17.1.30 Set Aside
17.1.31 Silence as to Terms
17.1.32 Statute of Frauds
17.1.33 Transfer Costs
17.1.34 Unmarried Persons
17.1.35 Waivers (Alimony)
17.1.36 Waivers (Modification)
17.1.37 Waivers (Property Rights)
17.2 ALIMONY
17.2.1 Ability to Pay
17.2.2 Amount
17.2.3 Annulment
17.2.4 Appeal
17.2.5 Automatic Reduction/Termination
17.2.6 Award
17.2.7 Bridge-the-Gap
17.2.8 Cohabitation
17.2.9 Counsel
17.2.10 Enforcement
17.2.11 Extension
17.2.12 Fault
17.2.13 Findings of Fact
17.2.14 Findings of Fact (General)
17.2.15 Findings of Fact (Rehabilitative Alimony)
17.2.16 “Gray Area” Marriages
17.2.17 Imputed Income
17.2.18 Insurance
17.2.19 Length of Marriage
17.2.20 Lump Sum
17.2.21 Modification
17.2.22 Need
17.2.23 Nominal Alimony
17.2.24 Order of Awards
17.2.25 Permanent
17.2.26 Pleadings
17.2.27 Rehabilitative
17.2.28 ‑Rehabilitative—Automatic Future Termination
17.2.29 Reservation of Jurisdiction
17.2.30 Retroactive
17.2.31 Security
17.2.32 Separate Maintenance
17.2.33 Standard of Living
17.2.34 Successor Spouse
17.2.35 Temporary
17.2.36 Termination
17.2.37 Unconnected With Divorce
17.2.38 Validity of Marriage
17.3 APPEALS
17.3.1 Alimony
17.3.2 Alimony—Effect of Reversal on Appeal
17.3.3 Attorney’s Fee—Appeals
17.3.4 Attorney’s Fees—Appellate
17.3.5 Attorney’s Fees—Pending Appeal
17.3.6 Attorney’s Fees—Reversal
17.3.7 Briefs
17.3.8 Certiorari
17.3.9 Contempt
17.3.10 Costs
17.3.11 Decisions
17.3.12 Discovery Orders
17.3.13 Dismissal
17.3.14 Evidence
17.3.15 Filing of Notice
17.3.16 Finality
17.3.17 Interest
17.3.18 Interlocutory Appeal
17.3.19 Jurisdiction
17.3.20 Law of the Case
17.3.21 Law on Appeal
17.3.22 Mandamus
17.3.23 Prevailing Party
17.3.24 Prohibition
17.3.25 Rehearing Below
17.3.26 Relief From Judgment Motion Below
17.3.27 Reversal—Effect of
17.3.28 Review
17.3.29 Stay Pending Appeal
17.3.30 Temporary Orders
17.3.31 Temporary Support
17.3.32 Transcript
17.3.33 ‑Trial Court’s Jurisdiction After Appellate Mandate
17.3.34 Videotape Evidence
17.4 ATTORNEY’S FEES
17.4.1 Ability to Pay
17.4.2 Amount
17.4.3 Appeal
17.4.4 Appellate Fees
17.4.5 Basis for Award
17.4.6 Charging Lien
17.4.7 Costs
17.4.8 Death of a Party
17.4.9 Discovery
17.4.10 Due Process
17.4.11 Enforcement
17.4.12 Evidence
17.4.13 Expert Witness Fees
17.4.14 Findings of Fact
17.4.15 Frivolous Litigation
17.4.16 Guardian Ad Litem
17.4.17 Imputed Income
17.4.18 Interest
17.4.19 Judgment
17.4.20 Jurisdiction
17.4.21 Litigation of
17.4.22 Mediation
17.4.23 Modification Cases
17.4.24 Need for Award of Fees
17.4.25 Percentage Awards
17.4.26 Pleadings
17.4.27 Prevailing Party
17.4.28 Sanctions
17.4.29 Successor Spouse
17.4.30 Temporary
17.4.31 Time for Determination
17.4.32 Timeliness of Motion
17.4.33 Travel Time
17.4.34 Waiver
17.5 CHILD SUPPORT
17.5.1 Abatement
17.5.2 Accounting
17.5.3 Amount
17.5.4 Assets as Support
17.5.5 Attorney’s Fees
17.5.6 Bonuses
17.5.7 Burden of Proof
17.5.8 Child Care Costs
17.5.9 College Education
17.5.10 Contempt
17.5.11 Death of Payor
17.5.12 Defenses
17.5.13 Depository
17.5.14 Discovery
17.5.15 Enforcement
17.5.16 Exclusive Use of Home
17.5.17 Findings of Fact
17.5.18 Full Faith and Credit for Child Support Orders Act
17.5.19 Good Fortune
17.5.20 Guidelines
17.5.21 Guidelines—Definition and Computation of Income
17.5.22 Guidelines—Departure
17.5.23 Guidelines Worksheet
17.5.24 Imputed Income
17.5.25 Income Deduction Order
17.5.26 Majority
17.5.27 Medical Insurance
17.5.28 Modification
17.5.29 Pleading
17.5.30 Private School
17.5.31 Proof
17.5.32 Pro-Rata Division
17.5.33 Retroactive
17.5.34 Security
17.5.35 Set-Off
17.5.36 Service
17.5.37 Social Security
17.5.38 Special Needs
17.5.39 Summer
17.5.40 Temporary
17.5.41 Trust
17.5.42 Venue
17.5.43 Visitation
17.5.44 Voluntary Payments
17.6 CONTEMPT
17.6.1 Appeal
17.6.2 Ability to Pay
17.6.3 Attorney’s Fees
17.6.4 Civil vs. Criminal Contempt
17.6.5 Clarity of Order Violated
17.6.6 Coercive Fines
17.6.7 College Expenses
17.6.8 Deferred Incarceration
17.6.9 Findings of Fact
17.6.10 Future (Prospective) Contempt
17.6.11 Judgment
17.6.12 Jurisdiction
17.6.13 Life Insurance
17.6.14 Notice
17.6.15 Oral Order
17.6.16 Procedure
17.6.17 Property Provisions
17.6.18 Visitation
17.7 CUSTODY (PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY)
17.7.1 Animals
17.7.2 Bifurcation
17.7.3 Contempt
17.7.4 Default
17.7.5 Emergency Proceedings
17.7.6 Evidence
17.7.7 Factors
17.7.8 Findings of Fact—Custody and Relocation
17.7.9 Findings of Fact—UCCJEA
17.7.10 Grandparents and Third Party Custody
17.7.11 Guardian Ad Litem
17.7.12 Home Study Report
17.7.13 In Camera Interview With Child
17.7.14 Initial Determination
17.7.15 Injunction
17.7.16 Judgment
17.7.17 Jurisdiction
17.7.18 Modification
17.7.19 Notice
17.7.20 Pleading
17.7.21 Psychological Evaluation
17.7.22 Psychological Testimony
17.7.23 Religion
17.7.24 Relocation
17.7.25 Responsibility
17.7.26 Rotating Custody
17.7.27 School
17.7.28 Sole Responsibility
17.7.29 Spousal Abuse
17.7.30 Third Parties
17.7.31 UCCJEA
17.7.32 Venue
17.7.33 Visitation
17.8 EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION
17.8.1 Animals
17.8.2 Assets
17.8.3 Burden of Proof
17.8.4 Classification—Assets Acquired During Marriage
17.8.5 Classification Date
17.8.6 Classification—Gifted or Inherited Assets
17.8.7 Classification—Income From Nonmarital Assets
17.8.8 Classification—Premarital Agreements
17.8.9 Classification—Premarital Property
17.8.10 Classification—Successive Marriages
17.8.11 Commingling
17.8.12 Dissipation
17.8.13 Distribution—Asset no Longer in Existence
17.8.14 Distribution—Justification
17.8.15 Distribution—Liabilities
17.8.16 Distribution—Methods
17.8.17 Distribution—Nonparties and/or Nonmarital Assets
17.8.18 Distribution—Presumption of Equal Division
17.8.19 Enhancement—Agreements
17.8.20 Enhancement—Family Business
17.8.21 Enhancement—Marital Funds or Labor
17.8.22 Enhancement—Mortgage Payments
17.8.23 Exchange of Premarital Assets
17.8.24 Fault
17.8.25 Findings of Fact—Agreements
17.8.26 Findings of Fact—Classification
17.8.27 Findings of Fact—Distribution
17.8.28 Findings of Fact—Judgment
17.8.29 Findings of Fact—Valuation
17.8.30 Interest
17.8.31 Liabilities
17.8.32 Order of Awards
17.8.33 Personal Injury Recovery
17.8.34 Personal Property
17.8.35 Pleadings
17.8.36 Procedure
17.8.37 Professional Degrees
17.8.38 Retirement Funds
17.8.39 Severance Pay
17.8.40 Trust Funds
17.8.41 Use of Nonmarital Funds for Marital Purposes
17.8.42 Valuation—Date
17.8.43 Valuation—Goodwill
17.8.44 Valuation—Methodology
17.9 INJUNCTIONS
17.9.1 Attorneys’ Fees
17.9.2 Bond
17.9.3 Definition
17.9.4 Dissipation
17.9.5 Domestic Violence
17.9.6 Entry
17.9.7 Jurisdiction
17.9.8 Modification
17.9.9 Ne Exeat
17.9.10 Pleadings
17.9.11 Procedure
17.9.12 Relocation
17.9.13 Removal of Children
17.9.14 Repeat Violence
17.10 JUDGES/MASTERS
17.10.1 Disqualification—Grounds
17.10.2 Disqualification—Procedure
17.10.3 Exceptions
17.10.4 General Master
17.10.5 Hearing Officer
17.10.6 Successor Judge
17.11 JUDGMENTS
17.11.1 Administrative Order
17.11.2 Death of Party
17.11.3 Delay in Completion of Trial
17.11.4 Delay in Entry of Judgment
17.11.5 Enforcement
17.11.6 Financial Affidavits
17.11.7 Foreign Judgments
17.11.8 Jurisdiction to Correct Judgment
17.11.9 Modification of Final Judgment
17.11.10 Nunc Pro Tunc Order
17.11.11 Oral Rulings
17.11.12 Order vs. Judgments
17.11.13 Pleadings
17.11.14 Preparation of Final Judgments
17.11.15 Real Property Provisions
17.11.16 Rehearing
17.11.17 Relief From Judgment—Fraud
17.11.18 Relief From Judgment—General
17.11.19 Relief From Judgment—Mistake
17.11.20 Reservation of Jurisdiction
17.11.21 Successor Judge
17.11.22 Temporary Orders
17.11.23 Written Rulings
17.12 MARITAL HOME
17.12.1 Constructive Trust
17.12.2 Credits—Amount and Nature
17.12.3 Credits—Payments Made During Separation
17.12.4 Credits—Postjudgment Payments
17.12.5 Credits—Rental Value
17.12.6 Credits—Repairs/Maintenance/Improvements
17.12.7 Deeds
17.12.8 Equitable Lien/Set-Off
17.12.9 Exclusive Use
17.12.10 Foreign Property—Third Party Property
17.12.11 Homestead
17.12.12 Lis Pendens
17.12.13 Partition
17.12.14 Property Transfers
17.12.15 Valuation
17.13 PATERNITY
17.13.1 Attorney’s Fees
17.13.2 Dismissal
17.13.3 Evidence
17.13.4 Legitimacy—Presumption
17.13.5 Parental Responsibility
17.13.6 Proceedings
17.13.7 Res Judicata
17.13.8 Retroactive Support
17.13.9 Surnames
17.13.10 Sperm Donor Statute
17.14 PROCEDURE
17.14.1 Abatement
17.14.2 Annulment/Validity of Marriage
17.14.3 Attorneys
17.14.4 Bifurcation
17.14.5 Continuance
17.14.6 Default
17.14.7 Discovery
17.14.8 Due Process
17.14.9 Fifth Amendment
17.14.10 Foreign Judgments
17.14.11 Grounds
17.14.12 Jurisdiction—“Long Arm”
17.14.13 Jurisdiction—Personal
17.14.14 Jurisdiction—Subject Matter
17.14.15 Notice
17.14.16 Pleadings
17.14.17 Privilege
17.14.18 Process
17.14.19 Psychological Examination
17.14.20 Real Estate
17.14.21 Sealing Records
17.14.22 Spousal Immunity
17.14.23 Stipulation
17.14.24 Summary Judgment
17.14.25 Telephonic Hearings
17.14.26 Venue
17.14.27 Witnesses
17.15 SPECIAL EQUITY
17.15.1 Personal Property
17.15.2 Proof
17.16 TAX ISSUES
17.16.1 Alimony
17.16.2 Child Support
17.16.3 Deductions
17.16.4 Dependency Exemption
17.16.5 Marital vs. Nonmarital Assets
17.16.6 Payment of Tax Liability
17.16.7 Property vs. Support Agreements
17.16.8 Tax Forms
17.16.9 Tax Consequences
17.16.10 Tax Refunds
17.17 VISITATION—CONTACT AND ACCESS
17.17.1 Age of Child
17.17.2 Animals
17.17.3 Child Support
17.17.4 Cost of Visitation
17.17.5 Determination
17.17.6 Enforcement
17.17.7 Grandparental Visitation Statute
17.17.8 Modification
17.17.9 Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act (PKPA)
17.17.10 Pleadings/Jurisdiction
17.17.11 Step-Parent or Third Party
17.17.12 Summer
17.17.13 UCCJEA
Chapter 18: Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure
18.1 GENERAL RULES
18.1.1 Transition Rule - 12.005
18.1.2 Scope, Purpose and Title - 12.010
18.1.3 Applicability of Florida Rules of Civil Procedure - 12.020
18.2 RULES OF PLEADING
18.2.1 Non-Verification of Pleadings - 12.030
18.2.2 Pleadings and Motions - 12.100
18.2.3 General Rules of Pleading -12.110
18.2.4 Pleading Special Matters - 12.120
18.2.5 Documents Supporting Action or Defense - 12.130
18.2.6 Defenses - 12.140
18.2.7 Sham Pleadings - 12.150
18.2.8 Motions - 12.160
18.2.9 Counterclaims and Crossclaims - 12.170
18.2.10 Third Party Practice - 12.180
18.2.11 Amended and Supplemental Pleadings - 12.190
18.3 RULES OF DISCOVERY
18.3.1 General Provisions Concerning Discovery - 12.280
18.3.2 Mandatory Disclosure - 12.285
18.3.2.1 Time for Production: Temporary Relief Hearings
18.3.2.2 Time for Production: Initial and Supplemental Proceedings
18.3.2.3 Temporary Financial Relief
18.3.2.4 Initial or Supplemental Proceedings
18.3.2.5 Duty to Supplement Disclosure
18.3.2.6 Sanctions for Failure to Disclose
18.3.2.7 Extension of Time for Compliance
18.3.2.8 Objections to Mandatory Disclosure
18.3.2.9 Certificate of Compliance
18.3.2.10 Child Support Guidelines Worksheet
18.3.2.11 Place of Production
18.3.3 Financial Affidavits Enforcement and Contempt Proceedings - 12.287
18.3.4 Depositions Before Action or Pending Appeal - 12.290
18.3.5 Persons Before Whom Depositions May Be Taken - 12.300
18.3.6 Depositions Upon Oral Examination - 12.310
18.3.7 Depositions Upon Written Questions - 12.320
18.3.8 Use of Depositions in Court Proceedings - 12.330
18.3.9 Interrogatories to Parties - 12.340
18.3.10 Production of Documents - 12.350
18.3.11 Production of Documents Without Deposition - 12.351
18.3.12 Examination of Parties - 12.360
18.3.13 Evaluation of Minor Child - 12.363
18.3.14 Expert Witnesses - 12.365
18.3.15 Requests for Admissions - 12.370
18.3.16 Failure to Make Discovery; Sanctions - 12.380
18.3.17 Depositions of Expert Witnesses - 12.390
18.4 RULES OF PROCEDURE
18.4.1 Attorneys - 12.040
18.4.2 When Action Commenced - 12.050
18.4.3 Transfers of Actions - 12.060
18.4.4 Process - 12.070
18.4.5 Service of Pleadings and Papers - 12.080
18.4.6 Time - 12.090
18.4.7 Case Management and Pretrial Conference - 12.200
18.4.7.1 Case Management Conference: Family Law Cases
18.4.7.2 Case Management Conference: Adoption Cases
18.4.7.3 Pretrial Conference
18.4.7.4 Notice, Order for Conferences
18.4.7.5 Orders Regarding Case Management Conferences and Pretrial Orders
18.4.8 Parties - 12.210
18.4.9 Interventions - 12.230
18.4.10 Interpleader - 12.240
18.4.11 Misjoinder and Nonjoinder of Parties - 12.250
18.4.12 Survivor: Substitution of Parties - 12.260
18.4.13 Consolidation; Separate Trials - 12.270
18.4.14 Confidentiality of Records - 12.400
18.4.15 Testimony and Attendance of Minor Child - 12.407
18.4.16 Subpoena - 12.410
18.4.17 Dismissal of Actions - 12.420
18.4.18 Demand for Jury Trial; Waiver - 12.430
18.4.19 Trial Jury - 12.431
18.4.20 Setting Action for Trial - 12.440
18.4.21 Evidence - 12.450
18.4.22 Continuances - 12.460
18.4.23 Exceptions Unnecessary - 12.470
18.4.24 Motion for Directed Verdict - 12.480
18.4.25 Verdicts - 12.481
18.4.26 Defaults and Final Judgments Thereon - 12.500
18.4.27 Summary Judgment - 12.510
18.4.28 View - 12.520
18.4.29 Rule 1.525 Does Not Apply to Family Law Proceedings - 12.525
18.4.30 Motions for New Trial and Rehearing - 12.530
18.4.31 Relief from Judgment, Decrees or Orders - 12.540
18.4.32 Executions and Final Process - 12.550
18.4.33 Discovery in Aid of Execution - 12.560
18.4.34 Enforcement of Judgments - 12.570
18.4.35 Writ of Possession - 12.580
18.4.35.1 Process on Behalf of or Against Persons Not Parties - 12.590
18.4.36 Deposits in Court - 12.600
18.4.37 Receivers - 2.620
18.4.38 Proceedings Against Surety on Judicial Bonds - 12.625
18.4.39 Extraordinary Remedies - 12.630
18.5 RULES OF SPECIFIC MATTERS
18.5.1 Simplified Dissolution Procedure - 12.105
18.5.2 General Masters - 12.490
18.5.2.1 Appointment of General Masters
18.5.2.2 Consent to Referral
18.5.2.3 Objection to Referral
18.5.2.4 Order of Referral
18.5.2.5 Powers and Duties of General Master
18.5.2.6 Hearings
18.5.2.7 General Master’s Report
18.5.2.8 The Record
18.5.3 Child Support Enforcement - 12.491
18.5.4 Special Masters - 12.492
18.5.4.1 Appointment of Special Masters
18.5.4.2 Consent
18.5.4.3 Duties of Special Master
18.5.4.4 Bond
18.5.4.5 Hearings Before Special Master
18.5.4.6 Accounting Proceedings
18.5.4.7 Special Master’s Report
18.5.4.8 Filing Report; Notice; Exceptions
18.5.4.9 Expenses of Special Master
18.5.5 Injunction for Domestic, Repeat, Dating, and Sexual Violence - 12.610
18.5.5.1 Petitions: Requirements for Use, Domestic, Repeat, Dating, and Sexual Violence
18.5.5.2 Service of Petitions: Domestic Violence
18.5.5.3 Service of Petitions: Repeat Violence, Dating Violence, and Sexual Violence
18.5.5.4 Consideration by the Court
18.5.5.5 Forms
18.5.5.6 Temporary Orders of Injunction
18.5.5.7 Service of Injunctions: Temporary Injunctions
18.5.5.8 Issuance of the Injunctions
18.5.5.9 Service of Injunctions: Permanent Injunctions
18.5.5.10 Duration of Injunctions
18.5.5.11 Enforcement
18.5.5.12 Motion to Modify or Vacate Injunctions
18.5.5.13 Forms
18.5.6 Central Government Depository - 12.611
18.5.7 Civil Contempt in Support Matters - 12.615
18.5.8 Family Mediation - 12.740
18.5.8.1 Limitation on Referral to Mediation
18.5.8.2 Appearances
18.5.8.3 Completion of Mediation
18.5.8.4 Report on Mediation
18.5.9 Mediation Rules - 12.741
18.5.9.1 General Procedures
18.5.9.2 Appointment of the Mediator
18.6 FLORIDA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE 1.525
Forms
Form 1 Family Law Case Checklist
Form 2 Letter re: Mediation and Pre-Mediation Conference
Form 3 Verification
Form 4 Motion to Appoint a Commissioner
Form 5 Notice of Taking Deposition
Form 6 Notice of Taking Video Deposition
Form 7 Privilege Log
Form 8 Motion for Extension of Time
Form 9 Motion for Vocational Evaluation
Form 10 Motion for Independent Medical Examination
Form 11 Motion to Continue Trial
Form 12 Notice to Produce at Deposition/Trial
Form 13 Notice of Subpoena for Production of Documents From a Non-Party
Form 14 Subpoena for Production of Documents From Non-Party
Form 15 Subpoena Duces Tecum Without Deposition
Form 16 Stipulation
Form 17 Stipulation and Order Re-Setting Final Hearing
Form 18 Motion to Compel Production of Summaries
Form 19 Notice of Intent to Use Summaries
Form 20 Motion In Limine to Strike and/or Object to Summaries
Form 21 Motion for Bifurcation
Form 22 Notice of Non-Jury Trial
Form 23 Notification of Non-Jury Trial
Form 24 Pre-Trial and Order Setting Trial
Form 25 Notice of Filing Request to Take Judicial Notice
Form 26 Unilateral Pre-Trial Stipulation
Form 27 Notice of Service of Witness and Expert Witness Interrogatories
Form 28 Witness List for Trial
Form 29 Notice of Filing (Deposition Transcript)
Form 30 Errata Sheet
Form 31 Stipulation as to Authenticity
Form 32 Stipulation as to Use of Duplicates
Form 33 Admissibility of Expert Witness Testimony
Form 34 Proof Chart
Form 35 Trial Exhibit List
Form 36 Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
Form 37 Testimony at Final Hearing
Form 38 Order of Ratification of Addendum to Marital Settlement Agreement
Form 39 Retainer Agreement
Form 40 Sample Client Letter (Dealing With
Unreasonable Client Expectations)
Form 41 Motion to Amend Pleadings
Form 42 Sample Trial Brief (Non-Marital
Assets as Source of Income for Payment of Alimony)
Form 43 Sample Opening Argument
Form 44 Sample Written Closing Argument
(Complex Property Distribution)
Form 45 Proof Chart for Parental
Responsibility/Timesharing
D9
Updated 04/06/12
