FAQs for Unified Family Court

How can I, as a litigant or an attorney, refer a case to the Unified Family Court?

Administrative Order #25-20 establishes procedures for the Unified Family Court Division within the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. A potential related case matter may be referred to the UFC Division by completing and sending the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida Related Case Information Sheet, or by telephone, or e-mail. If a matter qualifies for transfer to UFC Division, an Order of Reassignment/Transfer will be issued, and the parties will be noticed to appear for hearing before the newly assigned UFC Judge. For questions, contact UFC Division Operations at (305) 679-1660.

Administrative Order No. 25-20

What types of matters qualify to be heard by the Unified Family Court?

A matter may qualify to be heard by the UFC Division when two or more open related Family, Juvenile Dependency, Juvenile Delinquency, and/or Domestic Violence Injunction cases are pending simultaneously involving any of the same parties, children, or issues.

Refer to Administrative Order #25-20 for all related case matters which qualify for transfer to the Unified Family Court Division.

What types of Related Cases fall under the jurisdiction of the UFC?

  • Dissolution of marriage
  • Division & distribution of property arising out of dissolution of marriage
  • Annulment
  • Support unconnected with dissolution of marriage
  • Paternity, including, but not limited to, disestablishment of paternity
  • Child support
  • Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act/ Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (URESA/UIFSA)
  • Custodial care of and access to children, including, but not limited to, relocation and temporary or concurrent custody of minor children by extended family
  • Adoption
  • Name change
  • Declaratory judgment actions related to premarital, marital, or post marital agreements
  • Civil domestic, repeat, dating, stalking and sexual violence injunctions
  • Juvenile dependency
  • Termination of parental rights
  • Juvenile delinquency
  • Emancipation of a minor
  • Children in Need of Services/ Families in Need of Services (CINS/FINS)
  • Truancy
  • Modification and enforcement of orders entered in these cases

Does the Administrative Order provide for coordination of cases that are not transferred into UFC?

Yes. The Administrative Order provides for coordination of matters where there is an open related pending with a related closed case in multiple jurisdictions of the court. In this instance, the assigned judges may share case information to avoid the entry of conflicting orders and duplication of resources and services.

What is the Address and telephone number of the court?

The Miami Dade Children’s Courthouse is located at 155 NW 3rd Street, Miami, FL 33128. The Administrative Office of the Courts - Unified Family Court Operations telephone number is 306-679-1600. Normal hours of operations are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, with the exception of holidays.

When is my next court date?

For information on your next court date contact the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts-Juvenile Division at 305-679-2190, Room 3300. You will need to provide the court case number and the Clerk of the Court will be able to inform you of the next court date.

I missed my court date? What do I do next?

If you have an attorney, contact your attorney to find out what occurred in court on that hearing date. If you do not have an attorney, contact the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts-Juvenile Division at 305-679-2190, Room 3300. They will provide you the next court date.

How do I regain custody of my child after my case has been closed?

You may write a one page letter to the Court division Judge and explain why you should be reunified with your child(ren). Along with your letter, provide any documentation you might have to verify completion of services that had been ordered on your case plan. Make sure to include the Dependency case number, your current home address, and your telephone number. The Court will review your request and make a determination as to whether the request will set for hearing.

How do I give up custody of a child that is in my care if I am not involved in the Dependency system?

Contact Family Court Services at 305-349-5508

How do I give up custody of a child that is in my care if I am involved in the Dependency system?

Contact immediately the Full Case Management Agency assigned to the Dependency case. If the child’s Dependency case has been closed, contact the Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2872.

How do I seal/expunge my record?

Contact the Clerk of Courts Office- Juvenile Division at 305-679-2190, Room 3300. You may also visit them at Room 3300 in the Miami Dade Children’s Courthouse where they will provide the necessary paper work and procedures. If you need assistance with this process, you can contact the Public Defender’s Office at 305-679-1899, Room 7000.

How can I become an emancipated minor?

Contact the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts at 305-275-1155 and press 2 (two) for Family Court Information. The minor must be 16 or 17 years of age, gainfully employed and self supporting. The minor must also prepare all the paperwork required.

Where can I find services for my troubled child/teen?

You can contact 211 Children's Trust Helpline TTY: (305) 644-9449 Or Switchboard Helpline (305) 358-HELP (305) 644-9449 (TTY) Or Miami Bridge at 305-636-3526 - Staff counselors will set up an appointment and meet with you to discuss issues and concerns, and provide recommendations.

Can I see the Judge before my Hearing?

Due to court rules and regulations, you can only meet with the Judge in court at the time of a scheduled hearing. If you need to schedule a hearing on an earlier date, you can contact your attorney or the Clerks of the Court.

I received a summons/pick up order. How can I quash my pick up order?

Contact Administrative Office of the Courts, Unified Family Court Operations at 305-679-1600 immediately and prior to 11:00 a.m. on the day you receive the summons. Our office will place your case on the 1:30 p.m. calendar that day to quash pick-up order.

How do I file for Chapter 397 Marchman Act?

Juvenile Marchman Acts are filed through the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts Office-Juvenile Division, 305-679-2190, Room 3300. To obtain the required paper work, visit the Clerks Office at the Miami-Dade Children’s Courthouse, Room 1136.

Can I hire a private attorney?

Yes.

Who is my Juvenile Probation officer?

The Department of Juvenile Justice - Juvenile Probation Office, 305-637-2911, can provide you with the name and contact information of the Probation Officer assigned to your case.

How can I increase the amount of child support?

Once the support order is established, it may be modified if there is a significant change in your financial situation or that of the non-custodial parent. If you request a modification, the amount will be recalculated based upon guidelines set by Florida law. Normally, a modification petition is filed with the court only if the guidelines show the amount should change by at least 15% or $50 monthly, whichever is greater. If this is an interstate case (involving another state), there may be additional restrictions. Once the process is started, we are required to pursue it to completion even if it means the non-custodial parent will pay less.

Who is to be contacted to enforce child support?

Contact the State Attorney’s Office Child Support Enforcement Office at 305-530-2600.

What is JASS?

JASS stands for Juvenile Alternative Sanctions Service. It is a diversion program that provides prevention services to non-violent misdemeanor offenders. If you would like more info on this program, contact the Juvenile State Attorney Office at 305-679-2100.

Who can I speak with to refer my case back to court and not participate in a diversion program such as JASS?

Contact the State Attorney’s Office at 305-679-2100, as they will be able to place the case on calendar.

Who is my attorney?

Delinquency Cases: Contact the Public Defender’s Office at 305-679-1899 and they will be able to inform you of the Assistant Public Defender assigned to your case. If you do not know if you have a Public Defender, contact the Clerk of Courts Office at 305-679-2190, Room 3300 and they will be able to provide you with the name of the attorney assigned to your case.

Dependency Cases: Contact the Clerk of Courts Office at 305-679-2190, Room 3300.

I want to change the name on my child’s birth certificate. How do I go about doing this?

For information and assistance regarding all name changes, contact Family Court Self-Help Program at 305-349-7800

My Child was arrested and is being detained. How can I see him/her?

Contact the Miami Dade County Regional Juvenile Detention Center at 305-637-4500.

I cannot make my court date – who do I contact?

Your attorney is best able to assist you. However if you do not have your attorney’s name you can contact the Clerks of the Court.

I do not know how to get to the courthouse?

Miami Dade Children's Courthouse

I received a summons, but do not know what courtroom I am to go to, who do I ask?

There is an information center in the 1st Floor Lobby of the courthouse, Room 1335, they can assist you in locating the courtroom.

How long do court hearings last?

It depends on type of court hearing and if all parties are present. You can confer with your attorney.

What should I bring to my court hearing?

Any supporting documentation that relates to your case that you think may be helpful.

I have had to take time off work and take my son/daughter out from school to go to the court hearing. How can I prove to work that I was here?

You can inquire with the court and the Judicial Assistant can help with a letter.

I have special needs, how do I contact disability services?

ADA

How many times will I need to go back to court?

This varies; please consult with your attorney.

I have small children and a baby, is there a place for them to play or should I bring something?

The courthouse has a drop-in child care center in partnership with the YWCA, Court Care. There are also Koala changing stations located in the public restrooms.

My son/daughter has a court hearing and they are refusing to go. What do I do?

Notify the youth’s/child’s attorney, Juvenile Probation Officer, and/or Case Manager.