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Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12983D

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM
12.983(d),
ANSWER TO COUNTERPETITION (11/15)

When should this form be used?

This form may be used by a petitioner to respond to the respondent's counterpetition in a paternity case. You may use this form to admit or deny the allegations contained in the respondent's counterpetition.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should then file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-FILING

The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or other pleadings or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file your pleadings or other documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file. The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-SERVICE ELECTION

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 (e-mail) except in certain circumstances. You must strictly comply with the format requirements set forth in the Rules of Judicial Administration. If you elect to participate in electronic service, which means serving or receiving pleadings by electronic mail (e-mail), or through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, you must review Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. You may find this rule at www.flcourts.org through the link to the Rules of Judicial Administration provided under either Family Law Forms: Getting Started, or Rules of Court in the A-Z Topical Index.

SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS MAY SERVE DOCUMENTS BY E-MAIL; HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DO SO. If a self-represented litigant elects to serve and receive documents by e-mail, the procedures must always be followed once the initial election is made.

To serve and receive documents by e-mail, you must designate your e-mail addresses by using the Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915, and you must provide your e-mail address on each form on which your signature appears. Please CAREFULLY read the rules and instructions for: Certificate of Service (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.914; Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915; and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand-delivered to the other party in your case.

If the respondent has denied that the person named in the petition is the father of the child(ren) and requested a scientific paternity test, you must now wait until the test is complete. You should then proceed according to the instructions in Petition to Determine Paternity and for Related Relief, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.983(a).

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self-Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in bold underline in these instructions are defined there. For further information, see chapter 742, Florida Statutes.

Special notes...

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.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,

IN AND FOR COUNTY, FLORIDA

Case No.:

Division:

Petitioner/Counterrespondent,

and

Respondent/Counterpetitioner.

ANSWER TO COUNTERPETITION

I, Petitioner/Counterrespondent, being sworn, certify that the following information is true:

1. I agree with Petitioner as to the allegations raised in the following numbered paragraphs in the Petition and, therefore, admit those allegations:

2. I disagree with Petitioner as to the allegations raised in the following numbered paragraphs in the Petition and, therefore, deny those issues:

3. I currently am unable to admit or deny the following paragraphs due to lack of information:

I certify that a copy of this document was ( ) mailed ( ) faxed and mailed ( ) e-mailed ( ) hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on

Respondent or his/her attorney:

Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Fax Number:

Designated E-mail Address(es):

I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the claims made in this answer and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or imprisonment.

Dated:

Signature of Party

Printed Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Telephone Number:

Fax Number:

Designated E-mail Address(es):

STATE OF FLORIDA

COUNTY OF

Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on by

NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY 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}

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What the Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12983D Is

The Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12983D is a court-approved family law form used in Florida courts for specified family-law procedures. It provides a standardized template that parties and attorneys complete to present facts, requests, or acknowledgments in family law cases under the Florida Rules of Court. The form's structure aligns with state procedural requirements and is intended for filing with a county family court clerk or submitting as directed by a judge. Users should verify local court practice and whether the form requires original signatures, notarization, or in-person filing.

Why this form matters in Florida family proceedings

Using the Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12983D ensures consistency with court expectations, reduces procedural rejection risk, and clarifies required disclosures in family proceedings. The standardized format assists counsel and self-represented parties in presenting complete information to the clerk or judge.

Why this form matters in Florida family proceedings

Who typically prepares or files Form 12983D

Common users include family law attorneys, court clerks, mediators, and litigants preparing filings for Florida family courts.

  • Family attorneys preparing pleadings and supporting affidavits in contested or uncontested matters.
  • Self-represented parties completing court-prescribed forms and assembling supporting documents without retained counsel.
  • Mediators and guardians using the form to document agreements or factual summaries.

Core parts of the Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12983D

Key components of Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12983D clarify parties, factual statements, and court requests in a structured, court-accepted layout.

Caption

Court header showing county, case number, judicial circuit, and case style; it must match the filing cover and other pleadings to avoid clerical mismatch.

Parties

Full legal names and contact information for petitioner, respondent, and counsel; use identical name formats across all court documents to prevent identity disputes.

Statement of Facts

Clear, numbered factual paragraphs summarizing relevant family-law issues (dates, events, parenting facts, financial data) with citations to attached exhibits where applicable.

Relief Requested

Concise requests for specific court orders (custody, support, timesharing, protective orders) with statutory citations where relevant to guide judicial review.

Signature Block

Signature lines for parties and attorneys including printed name, bar number for counsel, date, and space for notarization or witness information if required by Florida rules.

Attachments

Exhibit index listing supporting documents (financial affidavits, parenting plans, proposed orders) and instructions for labeling attachments when submitting to the clerk.

Essential information required on Form 12983D

Case Caption: County, case number, parties.
Full Names: Exact legal names as on ID.
Addresses: Street, city, state, ZIP.
Date Fields: Use MM/DD/YYYY format consistently.
Signatures: Handwritten or e-signature per court.
Notary: If required, include acknowledgment.

Step-by-step: how to complete and prepare Form 12983D

Follow this step-by-step process to complete and prepare Form 12983D for filing with a Florida family court clerk.

  • 01
    Gather Documents: Collect existing pleadings, financial records, and any exhibits to support statements.
  • 02
    Fill Form: Enter information in numbered fields, match caption and names.
  • 03
    Sign & Notarize: Sign in required locations; obtain notary or witnesses if needed.
  • 04
    File with Clerk: Submit original or electronic copy per county clerk rules.

How to configure an online workflow for Form 12983D

Configure an online workflow for Form 12983D to collect signatures, authenticate signers, and route the completed form to the clerk or counsel.

Field Configuration
Signer Authentication Email one-time passcode or SMS code authentication to verify signer identity.
Conditional Fields Show financial fields only when selecting financial relief.
Notary / Witness Add place for notary block or witness fields as required.
Delivery Auto-send final PDF to parties and clerk per local rules.

Delivery channels and technical considerations for submissions

Choose distribution channels that comply with county clerk rules and preserve the certified record and audit trail.

  • Email Delivery: Certified PDF attached to routing email.
  • Clerk Portal: Upload per county e-filing requirements.
  • Physical Filing: Deliver signed originals to clerk if required.

Where to file or send the completed form

Typical submission paths for completed Form 12983D include electronic filing through the county eFile portal, email to consenting parties, or physical filing at the family court clerk's office.

  • County E-Filing: Submit via the local e-filing portal following its cover sheet instructions.
  • Clerk Hand Delivery: Bring originals and required copies to the clerk during business hours.
  • Email Service: Send signed PDF to counsel and parties when permitted by local rule.
  • Certified Mail: Use certified or registered mail for proof of service where needed.

Typical timing considerations and deadlines

Timing for Form 12983D depends on case timetable, required service, and hearing schedules; follow local court calendar and service rules to avoid late filings.

Response Period:

Typically 20–30 days after service; verify county rules for exact period.

Hearing Notice:

Hearing calendars commonly require filing 20–45 days prior; check county rules.

E-Filing Cutoffs:

County portals may close at end of business day; early submission advised.

Service Proof:

File proof of service promptly to establish respondent notice for hearings.

Temporary Orders:

Emergency or temporary relief may require immediate filing and expedited hearing.

Common errors and legal risks to avoid

Filing Rejection: Incomplete form may be refused by clerk.
Delay in Relief: Missing deadlines delays hearings and orders.
Contempt Risk: False statements risk contempt and sanctions.
Invalid Electronic Submission: Certain family decrees may require original signatures.
Notary Defects: Improper acknowledgement can invalidate filings.
Privacy Exposure: Sensitive data mishandled violates HIPAA or court rules.

Practical examples showing how clear completion helps

Real-world examples illustrate common ways Form 12983D is used and how correct completion affects court processing.

Custody Agreement

A parent used Form 12983D to summarize parenting time and submit a proposed schedule before mediation.

  • Attached child's school records and schedules.
  • Because the form clearly listed timesharing, the mediator and judge reviewed identical factual statements, reducing confusion and shortening the hearing. Parties then executed a signed parenting plan using the same document references as exhibits.

Financial Disclosure

In a support dispute, counsel completed Form 12983D to present income figures and expense summaries to the court.

  • Included sworn financial affidavits and bank statements.
  • Accurate entries and numbered exhibits allowed the clerk to docket attachments properly and the judge to issue interim support orders without additional subpoenas, shortening resolution time and avoiding multiple continuances.

Best practices to reduce processing delays and clerical rejections

Follow these best practices when completing Form 12983D to reduce rejection risk and to ensure the form clearly supports judicial decision-making.

Use consistent legal names and formats
Verify that party names, birthdates, and case numbers match other filings. Inconsistent identifiers cause clerical delays and can require supplemental filings or affidavits to correct the record.
Attach a numbered exhibit index with labels
Number and label exhibits referenced in the form. Cross-reference exhibit letters or numbers within the form's paragraphs so the judge and clerk can quickly confirm supporting evidence without searching multiple folders.
Confirm signature and notarization blocks
Ensure each signature block is complete, dated, and matches printed names. If a notary or witness is required, execute acknowledgments per Florida notary rules and attach the notary certificate to avoid rejection.
Check county-specific filing rules in advance
Review county-specific e-filing or hand-delivery requirements, fees, and cover sheet templates before submission. Some counties require additional cover pages or specific PDF bookmarks for exhibits.

How Form 12983D compares to a generic family law affidavit

Compare Form 12983D with a standard family law affidavit to determine when the court expects this approved form rather than a generic pleading.

Document 12983D Family Affidavit
Purpose court template sworn statement
Required Signatures per form instructions affiant signature
Notarization may require notary commonly notarized
E-Filing Acceptance county-specific county-specific

Key milestones from drafting to court action

Typical milestones from drafting to court disposition for Form 12983D outline tasks and responsible parties at each stage.

01

Draft Complete

Assemble facts, exhibits, and counsel review.

02

Signatures Obtained

Parties sign; notary or witnesses complete acknowledgments.

03

File with Clerk

Submit per county rules, e-file or hand-delivery.

04

Hearing or Order

Judge reviews documents and issues orders or schedules hearings.

Typical eSignature vendor price and capability comparison for integrations and signing

Basic pricing and feature differences among common eSignature vendors; place signNow first as the initial column for direct feature comparison.

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HIPAA Compliant Yes 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 12983D

Frequently asked questions address signature validity, notarization, e-filing, corrections, and when to consult counsel for Form 12983D.


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