How to File For a Temporary Custody Order in Jacksonville

June 26, 2024by Adam Sacks

A Temporary Custody Order refers to a legal arrangement in which a non-parent or non-custodial parent is given the authority to care for a child and make decisions for them for a temporary period of time. There are several types of temporary custody arrangements, including emergency custody, temporary custody orders, and temporary guardianship.

Emergency custody is typically granted in situations where there is an immediate threat to the child’s safety or well-being, such as abuse or neglect. Temporary custody orders are often put in place during a divorce or separation, allowing one parent to have custody of the child until a permanent custody arrangement is determined.

Temporary guardianship may be granted to a trusted adult, such as a grandparent or family friend, when the child’s parents are unable to care for them due to illness, deployment, or other circumstances.

 

Gather, Complete, and File the Necessary Forms for a Temporary Custody Order in Jacksonville

When filing a Temporary Custody Order in Jacksonville, Florida, there are several necessary forms that need to be gathered.  The first essential form is the Petition for Temporary Custody. This form outlines the details of the custody arrangement being sought and provides information about the child and the parties involved in the case.

The Notice of Hearing form is needed. This document notifies the other party involved, typically the parent or guardian, about the date, time, and location of the hearing. It is essential to ensure that this form is properly filled out and served to the other party according to the specific county’s guidelines.

An Affidavit of Emergency is also necessary when filing for temporary custody. This affidavit explains the urgent circumstances or immediate danger that justifies the need for the temporary custody order. Be sure to provide specific details and supporting evidence to strengthen the claim.

A proposed Temporary Custody Order should be included. This document outlines the desired terms of the temporary custody arrangement, including visitation schedules, decision-making authority, and other relevant provisions.

 

Gather, Complete and File the Necessary Forms for a Temporary Custody Order in Jacksonville

 

Serve the Order to The Other Party Temporary Custody Order in Jacksonville

To serve the Temporary Custody Order to the other party in Jacksonville, there are specific steps and requirements that must be followed to ensure it is done in accordance with the law. The serving process typically begins with obtaining a certified copy of the Temporary Custody Order from the court that issued the order.

1. The party serving the order must at least 18 years old and not directly involved in the case.
The server should also have no personal interest or bias in the outcome of the custody matter. Once these requirements are met, the server can proceed with serving the order.

2. The server must personally deliver the Temporary Custody Order to the other party.
This means physically handing a copy of the order to the individual. If the other party cannot be located, the server can leave the documents with a responsible adult who resides at the same address or post the notice in a conspicuous location on the premises.

3. After the order has been served, the serving party must complete an affidavit of service, also known as a proof of service, which documents the details of when, where, and how the order was served. This affidavit needs to be signed under oath and filed with the court.

It is essential to adhere to these requirements and steps when serving a Temporary Custody Order in Jacksonville to ensure that the order is properly served and legally valid. By following these guidelines, the serving party can help ensure that the other party is informed and the custody matter can proceed accordingly.

 

Attend the Hearing for a Temporary Custody Order in Jacksonville

When seeking a temporary custody order in Jacksonville, attending the hearing is a key step in the process. This is the opportunity for the requesting party to present evidence and pleadings to support their case.

To begin the process, it is necessary to file a temporary custody order at the appropriate court in Jacksonville. Once the order is filed, a hearing date will be scheduled. It is important to be well-prepared for this hearing by gathering all relevant evidence and preparing strong pleadings.

Attending the hearing gives individuals the opportunity to present their case to the judge. This includes providing evidence that supports the need for a temporary custody order, such as documents, photos, or witness testimonies. Pleadings with detailed arguments and legal reasoning can be presented to persuade the judge to grant the temporary custody order.

During the hearing, the judge will carefully consider all evidence and arguments presented by both parties involved in the custody dispute. The judge will then make a decision based on the best interests of the child involved.

 

Attend the Hearing for a Temporary Custody Order in Jacksonville

 

If you are interested in filling for a temporary custody order, the experienced family law attorneys at Sacks & Sacks are here to help guide you through the process. Contact Sacks & Sacks today.

 

FAQs

Q. What are the eligibility requirements to file for temporary custody by an extended family member in Jacksonville?

To be eligible to file for temporary custody as an extended family member, you must be related to the child within the third degree by blood or marriage, or be the child’s stepparent currently married to the child’s parent. [1]

Q. What happens after I file the forms for temporary custody in Jacksonville?

After you file the forms, the court will schedule a hearing. You will need to serve the other party with a copy of the filed documents and the notice of the hearing. The judge will review the case and make a decision based on the best interests of the child. [2]

Q. What should I do if I need emergency temporary custody?

If you need emergency temporary custody, you can file additional documents requesting the judge to hear your case sooner. This includes filing an “Ex Parte Application for an Order Shortening Time” and preparing for an expedited hearing. [3]

 

Sources:

[1] INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.970(a) PETITION FOR TEMPORARY CUSTODY BY EXTENDED FAMILY (06/21). (n.d.). Retrieved June 12, 2024, from https://www.flcourts.gov/content/download/685938/file_pdf/970%28a%29.pdf

‌[2] Temporary Orders in Family Court: Quick Decisions on Support and Custody. (n.d.). Www.nolo.com. Retrieved June 12, 2024, from https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/temporary-orders-family-court-29642.html

[3] Interactive, P. (n.d.). Family Law Self-Help Center – Motions (and Oppositions) for Temporary Orders. Www.familylawselfhelpcenter.org. Retrieved June 12, 2024, from https://www.familylawselfhelpcenter.org/self-help/divorce/going-to-court22/32-filing-motions-for-temporary-orders

by Adam Sacks

Adam Sacks is lead Family Law Attorney at Law Offices of Sacks & Sacks, P.A. in Jacksonville, Florida. He has a BA in Psychology from 1994, and received his Juris Doctor Degree in 1999 from the Western Michigan University Cooley Law School.

Sacks and Sacks Law
1646 Emerson St. Suite B Jacksonville, FL 32207

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