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Blank Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) PDF Form

The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is a crucial document used in family law cases to provide a snapshot of an individual’s financial situation. This form helps ensure transparency during legal proceedings, particularly in divorce or child support matters. Understanding how to accurately complete this form is essential for anyone navigating the Florida legal system.

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Blank Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) PDF Form

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The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form plays a crucial role in family law proceedings, particularly in divorce cases where financial disclosures are necessary. This form is designed to provide a concise overview of an individual's financial situation, capturing essential details such as income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. By requiring parties to disclose their financial status, the form aims to promote transparency and fairness during legal proceedings. It is particularly useful for those with simpler financial situations, as it streamlines the process of financial reporting. The form includes sections for reporting monthly income from various sources, detailing necessary living expenses, and listing any debts or obligations. Completing this affidavit accurately is vital, as it can significantly influence decisions regarding alimony, child support, and asset division. Understanding the implications of this form is essential for individuals navigating the complexities of family law in Florida.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE

FORM 12.902(b)

FAMILY LAW FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT (SHORT FORM)

(10/21)

When should this form be used?

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 unless:

(1)You are filing a simplified dissolution of marriage under rule 12.105 and both parties have waived the filing of a financial affidavit;

(2)You have no minor children, no support issues, and have filed a written settlement agreement disposing of all financial issues; or

(3)The court lacks jurisdiction to determine any financial issues.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You should file this document with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records.

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be filed with the court and served on the other party or his or her attorney in your case within 45 days of being served with the petition, if it is not served on him or her with your initial papers. The copy you are serving to the other party must be either mailed, e-mailed, or hand-delivered to the opposing party or his or her attorney on the same day indicated on the certificate of service. If it is mailed, it must be postmarked on the date indicated in the certificate of service. Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-FILING

The Florida Rules of General Practice and 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 General Practice and 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 General Practice and 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 Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration. If you elect to participate in

Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (10/21)

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 General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516. You may find this rule at www.flcourts.org through the link to the Rules of General Practice and 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 email, 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 General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516.

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 Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285.

Special notes . . .

If you want to keep your address confidential because you have been found by a judge to be the victim of sexual battery, aggravated child abuse, aggravated stalking, harassment, aggravated battery, or domestic violence, do not enter the address, telephone, and fax information at the bottom of this form. Instead, file Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(h).

The affidavit must be completed using monthly income and expense amounts. If you are paid or your bills are due on a schedule which is not monthly, you must convert those amounts. Hints are provided below for making these conversions.

Hourly - If you are paid by the hour, you may convert your income to monthly as follows:

Hourly amount	x	Hours worked per week =		Weekly amount
Weekly amount	x	52 Weeks per year	=	Yearly amount
Yearly amount	÷	12 Months per year	=	Monthly Amount

Daily - If you are paid by the day, you may convert your income to monthly as follows:

Daily amount	x	Days worked per week	=	Weekly amount
Weekly amount	x	52 Weeks per year	=	Yearly amount
Yearly amount	÷	12 Months per year	=	Monthly Amount

Weekly - If you are paid by the week, you may convert your income to monthly as follows:

Weekly amount

52 Weeks per year

Yearly amount

Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (10/21)

Yearly amount ÷ 12 Months per year = Monthly Amount

Bi-weekly - If you are paid every two weeks, you may convert your income to monthly as follows:

Bi-weekly amount	x	26	=	Yearly amount
Yearly amount	÷	12 Months per year	=	Monthly Amount

Semi-monthly - If you are paid twice per month, you may convert your income to monthly as follows:

Semi-monthly amount x

Monthly Amount

Expenses may be converted in the same manner.

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.

Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (10/21)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE	JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR	COUNTY, FLORIDA
	Case No.:
,	Division:
,
Petitioner,
and
,
Respondent.

FAMILY LAW FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT (SHORT FORM)

(Under $50,000 Individual Gross Annual Income)

I, {full legal name}		, being sworn, certify that the following
information is true:
My Occupation:		Employed by: ___________________________
Business Address: _______________________________________________________________
Pay rate: $	( ) every week (	) every other week ( ) twice a month ( ) monthly
( ) other: ____________

___ Check here if unemployed and explain on a separate sheet your efforts to find employment.

SECTION I. PRESENT MONTHLY GROSS INCOME:

All amounts must be MONTHLY. See the instructions with this form to figure out money amounts for anything that is NOT paid monthly. Attach more paper, if needed. Items included under “other” should be listed separately with separate dollar amounts.

1.$______ Monthly gross salary or wages

2.______ Monthly bonuses, commissions, allowances, overtime, tips, and similar payments

3._______ Monthly business income from sources such as self-employment, partnerships, close corporations, and/or independent contracts (gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary expenses required to produce income) (Attach sheet itemizing such income and expenses.)

4._______ Monthly disability benefits/SSI

5._______ Monthly Workers’ Compensation

6._______ Monthly Unemployment Compensation

7._______ Monthly pension, retirement, or annuity payments

8._______ Monthly Social Security benefits

9._______ Monthly alimony actually received (Add 9a and 9b)

9a. From this case: $ _______

9b. From other case(s): $ _______

Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (10/21)

10._______ Monthly interest and dividends

11._______ Monthly rental income (gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary expenses required to produce income) (Attach sheet itemizing such income and expense items.)

12._______ Monthly income from royalties, trusts, or estates

13._______ Monthly reimbursed expenses and in-kind payments to the extent that they

reduce personal living expenses

14._______ Monthly gains derived from dealing in property (not including nonrecurring gains)

15._______ Any other income of a recurring nature (list source) _________________________

16.__________________________________________________________________________

17.$ _______ TOTAL PRESENT MONTHLY GROSS INCOME (Add lines 1–16)

PRESENT MONTHLY DEDUCTIONS:

18.$______ Monthly federal, state, and local income tax (corrected for filing status and allowable dependents and income tax liabilities)

a.Filing Status ____________

b.Number of dependents claimed _______

19._______ Monthly FICA or self-employment taxes

20._______ Monthly Medicare payments

21._______ Monthly mandatory union dues

22._______ Monthly mandatory retirement payments

23._______ Monthly health insurance payments (including dental insurance), excluding portion paid for any minor children of this relationship

24._______ Monthly court-ordered child support actually paid for children from another relationship

25._______ Monthly court-ordered alimony actually paid (Add 25a and 25b)

25a. from this case: $ _______

25b. from other case(s): $ _______

26.$_______ TOTAL DEDUCTIONS ALLOWABLE UNDER SECTION 61.30, FLORIDA STATUTES (Add lines 18 through 25)

27.$_______ PRESENT NET MONTHLY INCOME (Subtract line 26 from line 17)

Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (10/21)

SECTION II. AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENSES

Proposed/Estimated Expenses. If this is a dissolution of marriage case and your expenses as listed below do not reflect what you actually pay currently, you should write “estimate” next to each amount that is estimated.

A. HOUSEHOLD:			E. OTHER EXPENSES NOT LISTED ABOVE
Mortgage or rent	$	_	Clothing	$	_
Property taxes	$	_	Medical/Dental (uninsured)	$	_
Utilities	$	_	Grooming	$	_
Telephone	$	_	Entertainment	$	_
Food	$	_	Gifts	$	_
Meals outside home	$	_	Religious organizations	$	_
Maintenance/Repairs	$	_	Miscellaneous	$	_
Other: __________	$	_	Other: ______________	$	_
			____________________	$	_
B. AUTOMOBILE			____________________	$	_
Gasoline	$	_	____________________	$	_
Repairs	$	_	____________________	$	_
Insurance	$	_	____________________	$	_
C. CHILD(REN)’S EXPENSES		_	F. PAYMENTS TO CREDITORS
Day care	$	_	F. PAYMENTS TO CREDITORS
Lunch money	$	_	CREDITOR:	MONTHLY
Clothing	$	_		PAYMENT
Grooming	$	_	____________________	$	_
Gifts for holidays	$	_	____________________	$	_
Medical/Dental (uninsured)	$	_	____________________	$ _	_
Other: ______________	$	_	____________________	$	_
			____________________	$	_
D. INSURANCE			____________________	$	_
Medical/Dental (if not listed on			____________________	$	_
lines 23 or 45)	$	_	____________________	$	_
Child(ren)’s medical/dental	$	_	____________________	$	_
Life	$	_	____________________	$	_
Other:	$	_	____________________	$	_

Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (10/21)

28. $_______ TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES (add ALL monthly amounts in A through F above)

SUMMARY

29.$_______ TOTAL PRESENT MONTHLY NET INCOME (from line 27 of SECTION I. INCOME)

30.$_______ TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES (from line 28 above)

31.$_______ SURPLUS (If line 29 is more than line 30, subtract line 30 from line 29. This is the amount of your surplus. Enter that amount here.)

32.($_______) (DEFICIT) (If line 30 is more than line 29, subtract line 29 from line 30. This is the amount of your deficit. Enter that amount here.)

SECTION III. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Use the nonmarital column only if this is a petition for dissolution of marriage and you believe an item is “nonmarital,” meaning it belongs to only one of you and should not be divided. You should indicate to whom you believe the item(s) or debt belongs. (Typically, you will only use this column if property/debt was owned/owed by one spouse before the marriage. See the “General Information for Self- Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms and section 61.075(1), Florida Statutes, for definitions of “marital” and “nonmarital” assets and liabilities.)

A. ASSETS:

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM(S). List a description of each separate item owned by you (and/or your spouse, if this is a petition for dissolution of marriage). LIST ONLY LAST 4 DIGITS OF ACCOUNT NUMBERS. Check the line next to any asset(s) which you are requesting the judge award to you.

Cash (on hand)

Cash (in banks or credit unions)

Stocks, Bonds, Notes

Real estate: (Home)

(Other)

Automobiles

Other personal property

Retirement plans (Profit Sharing, Pension, IRA, 401(k)s, etc.) Other

Nonmarital

Current (check correct column) Fair

Market

Value Petitioner Respondent $

____Check here if additional pages are attached.
Total Assets (add next column)	$

Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (10/21)

B. LIABILITIES:

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM(S). List a description of each separate debt owed by you (and/or your spouse, if this is a petition for dissolution of marriage). LIST ONLY LAST 4 DIGITS OF ACCOUNT NUMBERS. Check the line next to any debt(s) for which you believe you should be responsible.

Mortgages on real estate: First mortgage on home

Second mortgage on home

Other mortgages

Auto loans

Charge/credit card accounts

Other

____Check here if additional pages are attached.

Total Debts (add next column)

Nonmarital

Current (check correct column) Amount

Owed

Petitioner Respondent

C. CONTINGENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES:

INSTRUCTIONS: If you have any POSSIBLE assets (income potential, accrued vacation or sick leave, bonus, inheritance, etc.) or POSSIBLE liabilities (possible lawsuits, future unpaid taxes, contingent tax liabilities, debts assumed by another), you must list them here.

Contingent Assets

Check the line next to any contingent asset(s) which you are requesting the judge award to you.

Total Contingent Assets

Contingent Liabilities

Check the line next to any contingent debt(s) for which you believe you should be responsible.

Nonmarital

Possible (check correct column)

Value

Petitioner Respondent

Nonmarital

Possible (check correct column)

Amount

Owed Petitioner Respondent $

Total Contingent Liabilities

Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (10/21)

SECTION IV. CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET

(Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, MUST be filed with the court at or prior to a hearing to establish or modify child support. This requirement cannot be waived by the parties.)

[Check one only]

____ A Child Support Guidelines Worksheet IS or WILL BE filed in this case. This case involves the

establishment or modification of child support.

____ A Child Support Guidelines Worksheet IS NOT being filed in this case. The establishment or

modification of child support is not an issue in this case.

I certify that a copy of this document was [check all used]: ( ) e-mailed ( ) mailed ( ) faxed

() hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} ________________________________.

Other party or his/her attorney:

Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Telephone Number:

Fax Number:

E-mail Address(es):

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read this document and the facts stated in it are true.

Dated:

Signature of Party

Printed Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Telephone Number:

Fax Number:

E-mail Address(es):

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}	.

Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (10/21)

➤ PDF File

Form Specifications

Fact Name	Description
Purpose	The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is used to disclose financial information during family law proceedings, such as divorce or child support cases.
Governing Law	This form is governed by the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, specifically Rule 12.902(b).
Required Information	Individuals must provide details about their income, expenses, assets, and liabilities to ensure transparency in financial matters.
Format	The form is designed to be concise, allowing for a straightforward presentation of financial data without overwhelming detail.
Filing Requirement	Parties involved in family law cases are typically required to file this form with the court to support their financial claims.
Signature	A signature is required at the end of the form, affirming that the information provided is true and correct to the best of the individual's knowledge.
Use in Mediation	The completed affidavit may be used during mediation sessions to facilitate discussions about financial matters between parties.
Updates	It is important to update the affidavit if there are significant changes in financial circumstances before the final hearing.

Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b): Usage Guidelines

Completing the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is an important step in the legal process. After filling out this form, it will need to be submitted to the appropriate court as part of your case. Follow the steps below to ensure accurate completion of the form.

Begin by downloading the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form from the Florida State Courts website or obtain a physical copy from the courthouse.
Enter your full name at the top of the form in the designated area.
Provide your current address, including city, state, and zip code.
Fill in your telephone number and email address, if applicable.
Indicate the date of your financial affidavit by writing the current date in the specified section.
Complete the section regarding your employment status, including the name of your employer, job title, and monthly income.
List all sources of income, including wages, bonuses, rental income, and any other income streams. Be specific about amounts and frequency.
Detail your monthly expenses, categorizing them into sections such as housing, utilities, food, transportation, and any other relevant categories.
Provide information about any debts you have, including credit cards, loans, and other financial obligations. Include the total amount owed and the monthly payment for each debt.
Sign and date the affidavit at the bottom of the form. Ensure that your signature is legible.
Review the completed form for accuracy and completeness before submitting it to the court.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form?

The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is a legal document used in family law cases, particularly in divorce or child support proceedings. It provides a summary of an individual's financial situation, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. This form helps the court understand the financial circumstances of each party involved.

Who needs to fill out the 12.902(b) form?

When should the 12.902(b) form be submitted?

What information is required on the 12.902(b) form?

Is there a difference between the short form and the long form?

Can I make changes to the 12.902(b) form after submitting it?

Do I need to provide supporting documents with the 12.902(b) form?

What happens if I do not complete the 12.902(b) form?

Where can I obtain the 12.902(b) form?

Is legal assistance recommended when completing the 12.902(b) form?

Common mistakes

Not including all sources of income: Many individuals forget to list every source of income, such as side jobs, freelance work, or rental income. It's important to provide a complete picture of your financial situation.
Incorrectly estimating expenses: Some people guess their monthly expenses instead of calculating them accurately. This can lead to discrepancies that may affect the outcome of your case.
Failing to update the affidavit: If your financial situation changes after you submit the affidavit, you must update it. Ignoring changes can result in legal complications.
Omitting debts: Some individuals do not list all their debts, which can misrepresent their financial health. Be honest about what you owe to avoid issues later on.
Not signing the affidavit: A common oversight is forgetting to sign the form. Without a signature, the affidavit is not valid and cannot be considered by the court.
Providing incomplete information: Leaving out details or failing to explain certain entries can lead to misunderstandings. Always provide as much information as possible to ensure clarity.

Documents used along the form

The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is an essential document used in family law cases, particularly during divorce proceedings. When filling out this form, you may also need to consider several other documents that can support your financial disclosures and help streamline the legal process. Here’s a list of related forms and documents that are often used alongside the financial affidavit.

Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.901(b): This is a petition for dissolution of marriage. It initiates the divorce process and outlines the reasons for the divorce.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(a): This is the long version of the financial affidavit. It provides a more detailed account of your financial situation and may be required in certain cases.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.940(a): This is a motion for temporary relief. It requests immediate assistance regarding child support, alimony, or other financial matters while the divorce is pending.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.951: This is a notice of hearing form. It is used to schedule a court hearing regarding any motions or petitions filed in your case.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c): This is a child support guidelines worksheet. It helps calculate the appropriate amount of child support based on both parents' financial situations.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.940(b): This is a motion for contempt. It is filed when one party believes the other is not complying with court orders related to support or custody.
Financial Disclosure Form: This form is often used to provide additional financial information that may not be captured in the affidavit, such as tax returns or pay stubs.

Understanding these forms can help you navigate the complexities of family law in Florida. Having the right documents ready can facilitate smoother proceedings and ensure that all financial matters are addressed appropriately.

Similar forms

The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is designed to provide a snapshot of an individual's financial situation during legal proceedings, particularly in family law cases. Several other documents serve similar purposes, focusing on financial disclosure and assessment. Here are nine documents that share similarities with the Florida Financial Affidavit Short:

Florida Financial Affidavit Long 12.902(a) - This form is more detailed than the Short version, requiring comprehensive financial information, including assets, liabilities, and income sources.
Income and Expense Declaration - Common in family law cases, this document outlines a party's monthly income and expenses, similar to the financial affidavit's purpose of revealing financial health.
Financial Disclosure Statement - Often used in divorce proceedings, this statement provides a complete overview of a person's financial status, akin to the information required in the Florida Financial Affidavit.
Statement of Net Worth - This document summarizes an individual's assets and liabilities to calculate their net worth, paralleling the financial assessment in the affidavit.
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet - This worksheet incorporates financial data to determine child support obligations, reflecting the financial circumstances of both parents.
Affidavit of Support - Used primarily in immigration cases, this affidavit verifies financial capability to support an immigrant, similar to demonstrating financial stability in family law.
Spousal Support Worksheet - This document outlines financial information relevant to spousal support calculations, serving a purpose akin to the financial affidavit.
Bankruptcy Schedules - These schedules provide a detailed account of a debtor's financial situation, reflecting similarities in financial disclosure requirements.
Asset and Liability Statement - This statement lists all assets and debts, providing a clear picture of financial standing, much like the financial affidavit.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form, it is essential to approach the process with care. The following guidelines outline key actions to take and avoid to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Do read the instructions carefully before starting.
Do provide accurate and honest information about your finances.
Do include all sources of income, including wages, benefits, and any side jobs.
Do update the form if your financial situation changes after submission.
Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

Don't leave any sections blank; fill in all required fields.
Don't underestimate or overestimate your expenses.
Don't provide false information, as this can lead to serious consequences.
Don't ignore deadlines for submission; ensure timely filing.

By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can better navigate the completion of the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form, contributing to a smoother process in their financial disclosures.

Misconceptions

The Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is often misunderstood. Here are six common misconceptions about this important document:

It is only for divorce cases. Many believe this form is exclusive to divorce proceedings. In reality, it can be used in various family law matters, including child custody and support cases.
Only high-income individuals need to complete it. Some think that only those with significant income or assets must fill out the form. However, anyone involved in a family law case may need to disclose their financial situation, regardless of income level.
It's optional to submit the form. Many assume that providing a financial affidavit is not mandatory. In truth, submitting this form is often required by the court to ensure fair assessments of financial circumstances.
It doesn't need to be updated. A common belief is that once the form is submitted, it remains valid indefinitely. In fact, if there are changes in financial circumstances, the affidavit should be updated to reflect those changes.
Completing the form is straightforward and quick. While the form may seem simple, accurately reporting financial information can be complex and time-consuming. Careful attention to detail is essential to avoid errors.
Legal representation is not necessary. Some people think they can complete the form without any legal guidance. However, having a lawyer can help ensure that the affidavit is filled out correctly and meets all legal requirements.

Understanding these misconceptions can help individuals navigate the financial disclosure process more effectively. Being informed is key to making sound decisions in family law matters.

Key takeaways

Filling out the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form is an important step in various legal proceedings, particularly in family law cases. Understanding the nuances of this form can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here are some key takeaways to consider:

Purpose of the Form: This affidavit provides a snapshot of your financial situation, detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
Accuracy is Key: Ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date. Inaccuracies can lead to complications or even legal consequences.
Required Information: Be prepared to disclose your monthly income, including wages, bonuses, and any other sources of revenue.
Detail Your Expenses: List all monthly expenses, such as housing costs, utilities, and other necessary expenditures. This helps in assessing your financial needs.
Assets and Liabilities: Clearly outline your assets (like property, vehicles, and bank accounts) and liabilities (such as loans and credit card debts).
Signature and Notarization: The affidavit must be signed and notarized to be considered valid. This adds a layer of authenticity to your claims.
Use of the Affidavit: The completed form is often used in court to determine issues like alimony, child support, or division of assets.
Consultation is Advisable: If you have questions or concerns about filling out the form, consider seeking guidance from a legal professional.

By keeping these points in mind, individuals can navigate the process of completing the Florida Financial Affidavit Short 12.902(b) form with greater confidence and clarity.