Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12903
What the Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12903 Is
Why this Form Matters for Family Law Cases
Using Form 12903 ensures compliance with Florida Supreme Court formatting and content expectations, reduces rejection risk, and helps the court process filings more efficiently while making party information uniform for case handling.
Who Typically Prepares and Files Form 12903
Confirm local county clerk rules and any judge-specific instructions before filing; some courts require additional attachments or redactions.
- Attorneys preparing pleading packages for divorce, custody, or support matters.
- Self-represented parties submitting required family law disclosures or motions.
- Court clerks verifying filings and docketing standardized forms.
Quick Step-by-Step: Completing Form 12903
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01Obtain Form: Download the official Florida Supreme Court family law form.
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02Complete Fields: Fill each required field clearly and accurately.
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03Attach Exhibits: Include supporting documents referenced on the form.
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04File with Clerk: Submit to the correct county clerk by the court's required method.
Digital Workflow: Core Settings for Online Completion
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Field | Set required; capture date stamp |
| Date Field | MM/DD/YYYY format enforced |
| Conditional Attachments | Show/hide exhibits based on answers |
| Routing | Sequential signer order or clerk copy |
How Online Submission Typically Works
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Upload Document: Place Form 12903 into the e-sign platform.
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Apply Fields: Add signature, date, and text fields.
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Collect Signatures: Send to parties; authenticate signers as required.
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Deliver to Clerk: File electronically or print for in-person submission.
Technology and Delivery Options for eFiling
If the court requires an original wet signature or notary, follow the clerk's instruction; otherwise retain electronic copies per retention rules.
- Accepted Formats: PDF/A or PDF, DOCX sometimes allowed
- Authentication: Email, SMS code, or court-specific login
- Integrations: Common integrations: case management or cloud storage
Key Timing Considerations and Filing Deadlines
Filing Deadline:
Follow local rule or judge scheduling order for prompt submission
Service of Process:
Serve opposing party per Florida Rule of Civil Procedure timing
Response Period:
Responding party typically has 20 days to answer after service
Temporary Relief Hearings:
Allow clerks time for hearing scheduling and notices
Document Retention:
Keep copies until case closure plus retention period
Processing Milestones from Filing to Final Disposition
Preparation
Form completed, exhibits assembled, signatures secured
Filing
Clerk accepts and assigns case number
Service
Opposing party served and proof filed
Hearing/Decision
Court schedules hearing or rules on submitted motions
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Leaving required fields blank increases rejection risk and delays.
- Entering inconsistent party names can prevent proper service and verification.
- Submitting incorrect file format may cause clerk to decline electronic filing.
- Failing to include exhibits or required certificates can result in denial.
Consequences of Incorrect or Late Filings
eSignature vendor comparison for completing and signing Form 12903
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
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| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial, no credit card required | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA available) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
Frequently Asked Questions About Form 12903
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Can I e-sign this form?
Electronic signatures are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA where adopted, but verify local court rules; some courts require original signatures or notarization for certain filings.
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Is notarization required?
Notarization depends on the form section and county practice. In Florida certain affidavits or attestations require a notary; consult the county clerk's e-filing instructions.
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What if the clerk rejects my filing?
Review the clerk's rejection notice, correct the indicated issues (formatting, missing fields, improper service), and refile promptly to avoid scheduling delays.
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How should I redact sensitive data?
Remove or redact social security numbers, bank account numbers, and similar identifiers before public filing and maintain an unredacted confidential copy for counsel and the court if required.
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Can a party sign for a minor?
A parent or legal guardian may sign where authorized; the court may require additional documentation proving guardianship or appointment of a next friend.
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Where to get local rules?
Obtain county-specific filing requirements and templates from the county clerk's office or local rule compilations before preparing the final filing.