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Saturday, June 14, 2025

The About the Family Court Self-Help Program

Woman and man look and point at open book

The Family Court Self Help Program originated in 1994 through a coalition between the Eleventh Judicial Circuit and the Dade County Bar Association’s Legal Aid Society in response to a need to increase access to the court for Self-Represented Litigants involved in family court matters. The Program’s mission is to provide specialized service to Self-Represented Litigants involved in the family court process by providing the proper forms and instructions to streamline their case, reduce confusion and eliminate delays.

 

In accordance with limits set by the Supreme Court of Florida, the Self-Help Program can assist Self-Represented Litigants with the following services:

  • Initial intake with a front counter specialist
  • Online services that provide the Self-Represented Litigants with information on the type of forms packet needed
  • Orientation and familiarization of the forms included in the packets so that the self-represented litigant can complete the forms at their convenience.
  • Packet Completion Assistance for Self-Represented Litigants needing additional assistance with the completion of the forms. (Optional Service) for a nominal fee.
  • Document review service to ensure that forms are inspected for completeness prior to filing with the Clerk of Courts
  • Concise instructions on court procedures and what next steps can be expected during this process.
  • Connect parties to court partners who can assist with the next stages of the case.

The Self-Help Programs role is to provide procedural assistance to Self-Represented Litigants for them to present their case to the court and obtain a final hearing. The Self-Help Program does not give legal advice nor guarantee the outcome of the Self-Represented Litigants case in court.

The Self-Help Programs service fee varies from $5 to $125 depending on the Self-Help Program service. The service fee includes the following services: provide procedural assistance, initial review of pleading with a Self-Help Paralegal, notarization of pleadings and documents, copies and postage, packet completion assistance, case follow-up visits, case status information and assist Self-Represented Litigants in obtaining a court hearing.

If you are a Self-Represented Litigant who is indigent and can provide proof of indigency, the Self-Help Program may be able to provide Self-Help services at a reduced cost, or in certain cases, have the costs completely waived. Please note that this Self-Help waiver is not related to any other Court or Clerk of Court fees.

Family Court Self Help Program Locations

For general information and scheduling on the Self Help Program please contact:

Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center
Address: 175 NW 1st Avenue Room 2441, Miami, Florida 33128
Telephone:(305) 349-7800
Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday except for court holidays
South Dade Justice Center
Address: 10710 SW 211th Street, Room 1400, Cutler Bay, FL 33189
Telephone:(305) 349-7800
Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday except for court holidays

Self-Help Services (Packets)

Divorce: No Minor Children, No Property, and No Debts

Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing a dissolution of marriage.

Divorce with Minor Children

Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing a dissolution of marriage.

Divorce: No Minor Children, with Property, and Debts

Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing a dissolution of marriage.

Paternity

Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing to establish paternity, a time-sharing schedule, and child support.

Disestablished Paternity

Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing to disestablish paternity or terminate a child support obligation.

Modification

Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing to change/modify a current court order.

Relocation

Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing to relocate more than 50 miles.

Temporary Custody

Information, packet, fees, and resources for an extended family member filing to obtain temporary custody of a child or children.

Name Change

Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing to change their name, or minor child(ren), or family.

Administrative Support

Information, packet, fees, and resources for those that have DOR child support order and need to file an appeal or requesting to supersede an order.

Petition to Establish Parenting Plan and Time-Sharing Schedule

Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing to Petition to Establish Parenting Plan and Time-Sharing Schedule.

 

Name Change Family

Information, packet, fees, and resources for those that have DOR child support order and need to file an appeal or requesting to supersede an order.

Name Change Minor Child(ren)

Information, packet, fees, and resources for those that have DOR child support order and need to file an appeal or requesting to supersede an order.

Self-Help Forms

Affidavit Of Diligent Search

Use this form if you are serving by publication. Disclose the other party’s last known address and thoroughly search all required sources. The court must believe you have made a serious effort to find their location. Follow the instructions provided to meet all diligent search requirements.

View Form
Designation Of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address

This form should be used to inform the clerk and the other party of your current mailing and e-mail address(es) or any change of address. It is very important that the court and the other party in your case have your correct mailing address and E-mail address.

View Form
Diligent Search Letters and Instructions

These forms should be used when the other party could not be located address unknown, and you are using constructive service (also called service by publication). You must show the Court that you have made a reasonable effort to locate the other party.

View Form
Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form)

This form should be used when you are involved in a family law case which requires a financial affidavit, and your individual gross income is $50,000 or more per year.

View Form
Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form)

This form should be used when you are involved in a family law case which requires a financial affidavit, and your individual gross income is UNDER $50,000 per year.

View Form
Fingerprint Locations

Once you have your case number, you will receive instructions from either Self-Help staff or the Clerk of Court to proceed with the fingerprint process.

View Form
Motion For Default Personal Service

If the other party has failed to file an answer or serve any documents within 20 days after the date of service of your petition, you may ask the clerk of the circuit court to enter a default against him or her by filling out this form. Once your form is completed you may have it reviewed by the Self-Help Program prior to filing it with the court. Generally, a default allows you to obtain an earlier final hearing to finish your case.

View Form
Motion For Default Publication

If the other party has failed to file an answer or serve any documents within the publication period of your petition, you may ask the clerk of the circuit court to enter a default against him or her by filling out this form. Once your form is completed you may have it reviewed by the Self-Help Program prior to filing it with the court. Generally, a default allows you to obtain an earlier final hearing to finish your case.

View Form
Motion For Extension Of Time To Progress Case

This form shall be completed if you are asking the court for additional time to conduct a diligent search.

View Form
Motion For Referral To Mediation

This form shall be used to request mediation.

View Form
Notice Of Publication (Divorce)

This form may be used to obtain constructive service (also called service by publication) when filing your petition. 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. Please follow the affidavit of diligent search instructions when using the Notice of Publication.

View Form
Notice Of Unavailability

This form shall be completed to inform the court and the other party that you will be unavailable for any scheduled hearings, depositions, or court proceeding on a specified date(s).

View Form
Notice Of Voluntary Dismissal

If you are the petitioner in a case and you wish to discontinue (dismiss) the case, you may use this form to request that the court dismiss your petition. If you are the respondent in a case and you have filed a counterpetition, you may use this form to request that the court dismiss your counterpetition.

View Form
Request Case Management Conference (CMC)

This form shall be completed to request a hearing with the court to discuss the case’s pending issues and to move the case forward.

View Form
Request For Confidential Filing Of Address

This form should be used If you fear that disclosing your address would put you in danger because you are the victim of sexual battery, aggravated child abuse, stalking, aggravated stalking, harassment, aggravated battery, or domestic violence, you should complete this form

View Form
Summons

This form should be used to obtain personal service on the other party when you begin your lawsuit. Service is required for all documents filed in your case. Service means giving a copy of the required papers to the other party using the procedure that the law requires. Personal service means that a summons (this form) and a copy of the forms you are filing with the court must be personally served and delivered by a deputy sheriff or private process server.

View Form
Acknowledgment of Paternity

This form should be completed by the biological father when there is an existing Paternity case. The form needs to be completed and notarized prior to filing with the Clerk of Court.

View Form

Family Self Help Appointments

The Eleventh Judicial Circuit’s Self-Help Program (SHP) now provides Self-Represented Litigants (SRL) the ability to schedule their Self-Help appointment online. Please read the different appointment types carefully below before clicking on the link to schedule your appointment. Appointments are not required for front counter services which include the following: case follow-up services, filing of Motion packets or Answer packets, Self-Help packet info or general information, and case status information.

Please note that scheduling the incorrect appointment type can subject you to being rescheduled for another date. All SHP appointments are scheduled for specific dates and times depending on appointment type. After you schedule your appointment online, you will be receiving a confirmation via email and text with appointment details.

 

First Time Visit (In person appointment required)

Your packet is fully completed and is ready for Self-Help Paralegal review prior to filing. The Self-Help service fee (see fee schedule) includes Paralegal review, notarization of court documents, initial procedural information, follow-up procedural information, and procedural information to obtain a hearing.

Example: To make an appointment for a Post Judgment Modification packet, you will select First-Time Visit Modification.

 

Packet Completion Assistance (In person appointment required)

Need assistance completing your packet prior to filing? The Self-Help Program offers a packet completion service with a Self-Help Paralegal at a nominal fee (see fee schedule on packet description page) to help you complete your documents.

Example: To make a Packet Completion Assistance appointment for a Paternity Agreement packet, you will select Packet Completion Assistance-Paternity Agreement.

 

Schedule Appointment

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