Fill Out Your Family Law Financial Affidavit 12 902 B Form

What is the purpose of the Family Law Financial Affidavit 12 902 B form?

The Family Law Financial Affidavit 12 902 B form is used in family law cases to provide a clear picture of your financial situation when your individual gross income is under $50,000 per year. It is required for matters such as divorce, child support, and other financial disputes to help the court understand your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.

Who is required to use this form?

This form should be used by individuals involved in family law cases with a gross annual income below $50,000. However, there are exceptions: if both parties have agreed to waive the affidavit in a simplified dissolution, if there are no minor children involved, or if the court lacks jurisdiction over financial issues, this form is not necessary.

How should I complete the form?

The form must be filled out using monthly income and expense figures. You should convert any non-monthly amounts to a monthly basis for consistency. Use the instructions provided in the form for converting different pay schedules (hourly, daily, weekly, etc.) to determine your monthly income and expenses accurately.

What steps should I take after completing the affidavit?

Once you have filled out the form, you must sign it in front of a notary public or a deputy clerk. After that, file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in your county. It's important to keep a copy for your records. Additionally, the completed affidavit must be served on the other party within 45 days of being served with the petition, unless it was included with your initial papers.

What if I want to keep my address confidential?

If you are a victim of specific crimes such as domestic violence or harassment, you may want to keep your address confidential. In this case, do not list your address and instead file a Request for Confidential Filing of Address using Form 12.980(h).

Are there specific instructions for reporting my income and expenses?

Yes, you must report your income and expenses using monthly figures. For detailed categories, the form provides instructions about listing various income sources such as wages, benefits, and rental income. Remember to attach any necessary documentation, especially if you have business income or other complex financial situations.

What if I need assistance filling out this form?

If you require help completing the form and seek assistance from a nonlawyer, they are required to provide you with a Disclosure from Nonlawyer before aiding you. This document confirms their role and outlines your protections. They must also include their contact information on the form they help you complete.

Filling out the Family Law Financial Affidavit 12 902 B form requires careful attention to detail. One common mistake individuals make is failing to accurately convert their income and expenses to a monthly basis. Many people work on schedules that do not align with a monthly time frame, such as bi-weekly or semi-monthly. If these individuals do not convert their figures correctly, they may misrepresent their financial situation, which could have significant consequences in a family law case.

Another frequent error involves neglecting to include all sources of income. The affidavit requires a comprehensive look at financial resources, including bonuses, commissions, and any side business income. Omitting these can lead to an incomplete picture of a person's financial status, which might affect child support or alimony calculations.

Individuals often overlook the need to provide detailed documentation for specific income types, such as self-employment or rental income. The form requests that people attach additional sheets itemizing these earnings and relevant expenses. Failing to do so not only weakens the affidavit but may also raise questions about transparency and credibility in court.

A common mistake involves inaccuracies in deductions. Some individuals mistakenly include deductions that are not allowed under Florida law, such as non-mandatory expenses. This misinterpretation can lead to an inflated net income figure, potentially skewing the court's understanding of the financial landscape.

Moreover, another recurring issue is the incorrect representation of household and personal expenses. Many people might guess their expenses instead of using accurate and recent data. Estimating without justification can lead to discrepancies, and as such, the courts may not view these figures as reliable.

Some filers also forget to consider ongoing obligations, such as child support or alimony payments from prior relationships. It is critical to list these accurately on the affidavit. Missing these financial commitments can falsely indicate a steadier financial position than actually exists, which can lead to unfavorable rulings by the court.

Lastly, clarity in the form is essential. Individuals frequently rush through the completion process, resulting in vague descriptions or incomplete sections. The affidavit must be clear and thorough to enhance its effectiveness. A well-prepared affidavit not only reflects conscientiousness but also aids the court in making informed decisions regarding financial matters.

The Family Law Financial Affidavit is an important document used in family law cases in Florida. It provides a clear picture of a person's financial situation and is paired with several other forms during legal proceedings. Below are some other common documents you may encounter alongside the Family Law Financial Affidavit 12 902 B form.

• Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) 12.902(a): This affidavit should be used if your individual gross income exceeds $50,000 and provides a detailed overview of income, expenses, and assets.
• Request for Confidential Filing of Address 12.980(h): If you need to keep your address confidential due to domestic violence or other safety concerns, this form must be filed.
• Notice of Hearing: This document informs the parties involved of the scheduled dates and times for hearings related to the case.
• Parenting Plan: If children are involved, a comprehensive parenting plan must be filed, outlining custody arrangements and parenting responsibilities.
• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet: This is used to determine the amount of child support based on income and expenses, ensuring that all factors are considered.
• Marital Settlement Agreement: If the parties come to an agreement regarding the division of assets and liabilities, this document outlines the terms and conditions.
• Financial Disclosure Form: This additional form provides a more in-depth look at the financial assets and liabilities of the parties involved.
• Affidavit of Financial Disclosure: Parties may need to submit this sworn statement to confirm that all financial information provided has been disclosed.
• Summons: This document officially initiates the case, notifying the respondent that they have been summoned to court.
• Qualifications for Attorney Fees and Costs: This form helps determine eligibility for waiving court costs or requesting attorney fees based on financial need.

Each of these documents plays a significant role in the legal process. Understanding their purpose helps to create a smooth experience for everyone involved. Being prepared and organized can contribute to a more efficient resolution of family law matters.

The Family Law Financial Affidavit Form 12.902 B is comparable to several other documents used in family law and financial matters. Below are four documents that are similar in nature, each serving a specific purpose related to financial disclosures.

• Family Law Financial Affidavit Form 12.902(a): This longer version of the financial affidavit is used when an individual’s gross income exceeds $50,000 per year. It requires a more detailed financial breakdown compared to the short form.
• Affidavit of Support (USCIS Form I-864): This document is required for sponsoring a family member to immigrate to the United States. It includes proof of the sponsor's financial ability to support the immigrant, somewhat similar to the financial disclosures in the family law affidavit.
• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet: This worksheet is used in family law cases to calculate child support obligations. It includes the parties’ income and expenses, akin to the financial information required in Form 12.902 B.
• Financial Disclosure Statement: Common in various types of legal proceedings, this statement requires disclosure of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. It serves a similar purpose in revealing a party's financial situation during legal matters.

When filling out the Family Law Financial Affidavit 12 902 B form, it is crucial to approach the process with care and diligence. Here are five key do's and don'ts to consider:

• Do use the form when your gross income is UNDER $50,000 per year, as specified in the instructions.
• Do ensure that all income and expenses are reported on a monthly basis, converting amounts if necessary.
• Do provide clear details of your income sources, including any bonuses or commissions.
• Do sign the affidavit in front of a notary public or deputy clerk before submission.
• Do file the form with the clerk of the circuit court, and keep a copy for your records.

• Don't omit any income or expense; all values should be transparent and accurate.
• Don't forget to serve a copy of the affidavit to the other party within 45 days of receiving the petition.
• Don't enter your address or phone information if you require confidentiality due to safety concerns; use the appropriate confidential filing request instead.
• Don't use colored ink or handwriting; the form should be typed or printed in black ink only.
• Don't leave any sections blank; if not applicable, indicate this clearly instead of skipping the information.

When it comes to filling out the Family Law Financial Affidavit 12 902 B form, misconceptions often arise. Understanding the realities can streamline the process and reduce stress. Below are six common misconceptions and clarifications regarding this important document:

• This form is only for those with low income. Many people believe that the Family Law Financial Affidavit applies exclusively to individuals with a low income. In reality, it is required for any individual whose gross annual income is under $50,000 and involved in certain family law cases.
• It's optional if you're going through a simplified dissolution of marriage. Some people assume that they can bypass the affidavit if they are filing a simplified dissolution of marriage. However, this form is only waived if both parties agree to it in writing.
• You can complete it at any time. Many think they can fill out the financial affidavit whenever they wish. In fact, a copy of the form must be served on the other party within 45 days of being served with the initial petition.
• You do not need a notary for the affidavit. Some individuals believe that signing the form is sufficient. However, you must sign in front of a notary public or a deputy clerk for the affidavit to be valid.
• Only your salary needs to be reported. It's a common misconception that you only need to include your salary. The form requires a full disclosure of various income sources, such as bonuses, rental income, and disability benefits. Failing to report all income can lead to legal repercussions.
• Expenses do not require detailed calculations. Some assume that they can estimate their monthly expenses broadly. It is essential to provide accurate monthly figures for all expenses, as underreporting can affect court decisions on financial matters.

By informing yourself about these misconceptions, you can approach the Family Law Financial Affidavit process with greater confidence and comprehension. Remember that accurate and honest reporting is crucial for the resolution of family law matters.

Understanding the Family Law Financial Affidavit Form 12.902 B is crucial for anyone involved in family law cases in Florida. Here are the key takeaways to remember:

• Eligibility Criteria: Use this form only if your annual gross income is under $50,000 unless specific conditions apply, such as waiving the financial affidavit or having no financial disputes.
• Correct Documentation: Ensure the form is filled out accurately using monthly income and expenses. If your payment schedule is different, convert amounts accordingly.
• Submission and Service: After signing the form in front of a notary, file it with the circuit court and serve a copy to the other party within 45 days of receiving the petition.
• Confidentiality Options: If you have safety concerns due to domestic violence or similar issues, file a Request for Confidential Filing of Address instead of revealing your address on the affidavit.

These steps are essential for ensuring compliance and safeguarding your interests throughout the legal process.