Search Results for: Family

The local Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office will be responsible for:

• initially setting up the child support case
• maintaining a written record of all court hearings
• tracking payment history
• maintaining records on arrearages.

A copy of the payment history can be obtained in the Family Law Department of the Clerk’s Office. Child support related forms approved by the Florida Bar are also available for purchase. Some are available online from the Florida Courts Website. All written requests for information are processed in the Family Law Department, and requests should be forwarded to Attn: Child Support, Washington County Clerk of Court, 1293 Jackson Avenue, Suite 101, Chipley, FL 32428. Service charges established by Florida Statutes may be applicable to requested information.

If you have a change in name or address or any other personal information which may affect your child support payments or the child support record, you are responsible for notifying the Clerk’s Office. Your changes should be put in writing, signed and mailed with proof of the name change to:

The Clerk of the Circuit Court
Attn: Child Support
Post Office Box 647
Chipley, FL  32428

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What determines the amount of child support ordered by the court?

A: Child support is defined as money paid from one parent to the other for the benefit of their dependent or minor child(ren). (Family Law Rules, Florida Rules of Court 2000) In Florida, the amount of child support is governed by the guidelines established by Florida Statutes.

A Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, available from the State Court’s Website or in the Clerk’s Office as part of a pro se package of forms, will show you and the court how the facts you relate to Florida’s Child Support Law. The worksheet is based on monthly income and debt.

The child support guidelines establish the basic child support obligation for parents whose combined net income is between $7,800 and $120,000 annually. If the parents’ combined income is more than $120,000 annually, a formula is provided for the court to establish support beyond the guidelines amount. If the combined parents’ income is below $7,800, the court determines the amount of support on a case-by-case basis.

THE CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES ARE BASED ON:

The child support guidelines dollar amount is based on the number of children and the combined income of the parents. The child support obligation is divided between the parents in direct proportion to their income or earning capacity. The parent with whom the child lives most of the time (the “custodial” parent) is paid the established support by the other (“non-custodial”) parent.

The court, at its discretion, may increase or decrease the guidelines dollar amount by up to 5% (five percent). The child support guidelines dollar amount may be increased or decreased by more than 5% (five percent) if the court agrees with written reasons given for the change.

Q: Can the child support amount ever change?

A: Yes, child support can be modified by the court if there is a substantial change in the circumstances of the family. If there is a change of 15% (fifteen percent) or $50.00 (fifty dollars), whichever is greater, in the child support guidelines, that may be reason for modifying child support.

Q: Will the child support payments be paid directly to the custodial parent?

A: After the court has decided the dollar amount of the child support to be paid, a decision will be made by the court as to whether payments should be made directly to you or collected and disbursed to you through the State of Florida Disbursement Unit (FLSDU). The court will also order how the child support payments are to be made – through an Income Deduction Order (IDO) or direct to you.

According to Florida Statute 61.13, if the parties elect not to require that support payments be made through the depository, any party may subsequently file an affidavit with the depository alleging a default in payment of child support and stating that the party wishes to require that payments be made through the depository. The party shall provide copies of the affidavit to the court and to each other party. Fifteen days after receipt of the affidavit, the depository shall notify both parties that future payments shall be paid through the depository.

Q: What enforcement is available through the Clerk of the Court?

A: The Clerk of the Court can enforce child support in the following ways:

Notice of Delinquency resulting in Judgment by Operation of Law: Fifteen (15) days after a case becomes delinquent according to S.61.14(6)(a)1, the clerk sends the obligor (also referred to as “payor” or “respondent”) a notice of delinquency to the address of record. The obligor has fifteen (15) days to make payment in full or file a motion to contest.

1.   Payment in full must include fees listed on notice.
2.   Motion to Contest. Upon receipt of a Motion to Contest,  the clerk will schedule a hearing and send out notices for the hearing date and time to the obligor and obligee (also referred to as “payee” or “petitioner”). After the hearing an order is issued concerning delinquency.
3.   If payment or motion is not received within the fifteen (15) days, a Judgment by Operation of Law is filed. This will cause the support records to accrue interest on arrears balances. Interest is established at the rate for that year by the Florida Department of Financial Services (Office of the Chief Financial Officer of Florida).

Driver’s License Suspension for Child Support Only and Non-IV-D Cases (only for cases not enforced by the Department of Revenue Child Support).

1.   Upon written request from the obligee, the clerk will verify delinquency on account and send a Notice of Intent to Suspend to the obligor. Notice is sent by regular mail that is posted to the obligor’s last address of record with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles as provided under S.61.13016FS and S.322.245.
2.   The obligor may do one of the following:

• Make the payment of delinquency in full to the Clerk of Court, only if ordered by judge.
• Enter into a written agreement with the obligee and provide the signed, written agreement to the clerk for filing.
• File a motion/petition to contest the delinquency. In receipt of the motion and a $32.00 fee, the clerk will schedule a hearing and send notice of the hearing date and time to both parties.

Q: I have made payments direct to the petitioner, how can I obtain a credit on my support account?

A: When motion/unsigned order is received by clerk, the documents will be forwarded to the judge assigned to your case for review.

STATE OF FLORIDA DISBURSEMENT UNIT

The State of Florida Disbursement Unit (FLSDU) was established by the Title IV-D Agency to provide one central address for the collection and disbursement of child support payments in cases enforced by the Department of Revenue pursuant to Title IV-D of the Social Security Act. Support orders initially issued in Florida after January 1, 1994, in which the obligor’s child support is being paid through an Income Deduction Order (IDO),  are also collected and disbursed by the FLSDU. The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County has contracted with the FLSDU to process all court ordered child support and alimony payments.

CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS HAVE TO BE PAID THROUGH THE FLSDU, SHOULD BE SENT TO:

State of Florida Disbursement Unit
Post Office Box 8500
Tallahassee, FL  32314-8500
(877) 769-0251

The payment to the State of Florida Disbursement Unit should include:

• Your full name (first, middle and last)
• Your Social Security Number
• the case number
• the county code for the county where the court order was entered.
  The county code for Washington County is “67”.

FLSDU DISBURSES CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENT

The FLSDU is required to disburse child support payments within 48 hours of receipt. If the court has ordered child support payments to be paid through the FLSDU directly to you, you may wish to expedite receipt of the payment through the use of DIRECT DEPOSIT.

TO FIND OUT IF THE CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENT HAS BEEN RECEIVED OR SENT OUT BY THE FLSDU:

Click here to view your most recent payment or you may call toll-free (877) 769-0251, 24 hours-a-day to find out if a payment has been received or disbursed by the FLSDU. You will be required to enter your Social Security Number and case number. If you are a payor, the voice response unit provides information on the last payment received. If you are a payee, the voice response unit provides information on the last payment issued to you. Be sure to have the case number when calling this number.

FORMS

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL FORMS ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BEING UPDATED. TO ENSURE THAT YOU ARE SELECTING THE MOST CURRENT DOCUMENTS, PELASE CONTACT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE AT 850-638-6285.
• • Florida Courts Family Law Forms
  • Add/Change Information in File Form
  • Guidelines Worksheet
  • Direct Payment Options Form
  • Memorandum to Clerk
  • Direct Deposit Form
  • Direct Deposit Forms for Private Case
  • Name Change – Adult
  • Annulment of Marriage Packet
  • Adoption – Adult (Creating a Lifelong Family Bond and Legal Connection)
  • Adoption – Step Parent
  • Dissolution of – Divorce with Children
  • Dissolution – Divorce with No Property or Children
  • Dissolution – Divorce Simplified
  • Dissolution – With Property No Children
  • Name Change – Family
  • Name Change – Minor
  • Modification of Child Support
  • Modification of Parenting Plan
  • Motion for Civil Contempt Packet
  • Petition for Temporary Custody
  • Petition to Determine Paternity
  • Family Law Financial Affidavit (Income over $50,000)

 

 

The Washington County Clerk of Courts is committed to making our web site accessible to all our users so it meets or exceeds the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as well as the W3C’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines priority 1 requirements.

If you have any comments or suggestions for improvement, please contact us.

Style Sheets

Our web sites use Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) for page layout and text formatting. By using relative and adjustable font sizes, users are able to set the text size to better suit their needs. This feature is currently available on all Public pages.

Site Map

A Site Map is available in a plain text format that does not contain the graphics.

Windows Accessibility

Microsoft Accessibility Home

File Viewers

Many of our documents require software applications in order to view them. The information below will provide download links to the software.

Adobe

Adobe Acrobat PDF Files

Adobe Acrobat Viewer – Many of the documents on the Clerk’s website are in HTML or ASCII formats. These formats are generally accessible to people who use screen readers. We also have a large number of documents in PDF Format.

PDF format is used to preserve the content and layout of our hard copy publications. Publications in PDF can only be viewed and printed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4.0 or higher. You can download and get help using the Acrobat Reader at the Adobe Systems, Inc. site. The downloadable Acrobat Reader software is available at NO CHARGE from Adobe.

People using screen-reading devices generally are unable to read documents directly in PDF format unless they have an accessibility plug-in installed on their system along with the Adobe Acrobat Reader. This plug-in is available at NO CHARGE from Adobe. Adobe also has online tools that will convert PDF files to HTML on request. To get the plug-in and latest news about Adobe’s accessibility tools and services, visit the Adobe Downloads site.

Microsoft

PowerPoint Files

Microsoft Powerpoint Viewer – You can view our online publications that are in PPT format if you have any version of PowerPoint installed on your computer. For those who don’t have the software, the Microsoft Corporation offers a FREE PowerPoint file viewer. You can download and get help using the PowerPoint viewer at the Microsoft Viewers site listed below.

Word Files

Microsoft Word Viewer – You can view publications in DOC format if you have Word version 6.0 or higher installed on your computer. Word documents can also be viewed with many other word processing software programs. Additionally, Microsoft offers a FREE Word file viewer that you can download listed above.

Excel Files

Microsoft Excel Viewer – You can open, view, and print Excel workbooks, even if you don’t have Excel installed. You can also copy data from Excel Viewer to another program. However, you cannot edit data, save a workbook, or create a new workbook.

Other Viewers

Microsoft offers FREE viewers for all of their Office applications. Please visit the Microsoft Viewers page and download the viewer that you require.

Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 and later versions file formats

The Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 and later versions file formats lets you view and print Word documents on a computer that does not have Word 2007 or Word 2010 installed.

General Information 

At the Marriage License Department of the Clerk’s Office, we’re happy to serve those who plan to marry, and we hope you find this page informative.  If you have questions, please feel free to call us at (850) 638-6285.

Any couple that would like to get married in Florida may apply for a license in our office, located at 1293 Jackson Avenue, Suite 101, Chipley, Florida.

Residents of Florida who apply for a marriage license have a choice:  you can wait (3) three days for the license to become effective, or you can attend a premarital preparation course from a registered provider waiving the (3)three-day waiting period.  If you’d like to attend one of these premarital courses, a directory of course providers is available.  Please note that the Marriage License Department does not offer this course.  However, if you are getting married by a local pastor, he or she can assist you with the course.

Marriage License Requirements

There are two basic requirements for obtaining a marriage license:

• • • Both parties (spouse 1 and spouse 2) must be age 18 or over and must apply in person at the same time
    • There are two forms of identification that may be required, described below

  The first form of identification required is a valid photo identification issued by the federal or state government. The photo identification must have the correct legal name, date of birth, and signature of the applicant.

  • • • Driver’s license (U.S. state or government)
      • Passport
      • U.S. military identification
      • State identification card (U.S. state or government)
      • Alien registration card

  A second form of identification is required if the applicant has been issued a U.S. Social Security number. In accordance with Florida State Statute, any person who has been issued a Social Security number will need to provide that number. Any person who is not a citizen of the U.S. may provide either a Social Security number or an alien registration number if one has been issued. If neither has been issued, another form of identification may be required.

  Here are a few other things it will be helpful to know:

  • • • • No blood tests are required.
        • You do not need to be a resident of this county or of Florida to obtain a marriage license.
        • Marriage licenses are for use in the state within (60) sixty days of the date of issue.
        • By law, the Family Law Handbook must be read before you get a marriage license.  It is available for viewing at the bottom of this page.
        • If either applicant has been previously married, the exact date of the last divorce, death, or annulment must be provided.

  Fees

  Marriage license and application: $86.00

  Discounted marriage license and application (available after completion of a premarital preparation course by a registered counselor, with proof that the course was taken): $61.00

  Waiting Period

  The mandatory (3) three-day waiting period for Florida residents may be waived if the couple attends a premarital course from a registered provider and presents a certificate of completion when applying for a license.  There is no waiting period for non-Florida residents.

  Discounted License

  Both residents and non-residents of Florida may receive a $25.00 discount on their marriage license by completing a premarital course.  The course must be completed no more than (1) one year before the date you apply for a marriage license.  Please note that both parties must attend the course, and a certification of completion must be presented at the time of application to be eligible for the discount.

  Name Changes on Other Documents 

  If your marriage involves a change of name or address, please remember to notify the following agencies:

  • • • • Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Division of Driver Licenses
        • Local Social Security Office
        • Supervisor of Elections (voter registration)
        • Military Reserve Commanding Officer

  Requirements for Minors

  Requirements for minors 17 years old (one or both applicants):

  In addition to the requirements listed above, the following documents must be presented when one or both of the applicants are 17 years old.

  Any applicant under the age of 18 must have the consent of all parents or guardians.  If custody of the minor has been granted to one parent, original proof must be provided.  Consent forms are available from this office for your convenience.  If one parent is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate is required.  Proof of age and parents’ identity is also required.  This may be done with a certified copy of the person’s birth certificate.  If the parents’ names do not match, additional proof may be required.

  A parental consent form may be completed at the time of the application. Both parents must be present with their own identification on hand. If the parents are divorced and one parent has full custody of the minor, proof of custody must be presented, and only the consent of the custodial parent will be required in writing.  A judicial review may be required.  A previously married minor may apply without parental consent.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Who may apply for a marriage license?

  • • Any person age 18 or older
    • A minor whose parents are deceased and who has no appointed guardian
    • Minors who, under oath, swear that they are parents or expectant parents of a child can petition a judge to issue a license.
    • Pregnancy must be confirmed by a licensed physician.
    • A previously married minor
    • A person age 17 with parental or guardian consent

  Please Note:  If any person is a minor, both parents must give consent unless the parents are divorced and the custody and control of the child are placed with one parent.  All written consents must be notarized, a task that can be performed at the Clerk’s Office.  If divorced, the parent must present a certified copy of the divorce papers.

  What do I need to apply for a marriage license?

  • • If the parties applying for a license have children together that were born in Florida, they must fill out the Affirmation of Children Born in Florida form (DH743A)
    • Both parties must apply together in person
    • Each party must show a valid driver’s license, a valid state identification card, a valid passport, or valid military identification
    • Both parties must provide their Social Security numbers
    • If either party has been previously married, the party must provide the date his or her last marriage ended
    • Couples are required by law to read the Family Law Handbook supplied by the clerk and sign a statement acknowledging that they have done so before applying for the license

  What is the fee for a marriage license?

  The fee is $86.00, but it can be reduced by $25.00 if you provide proof that you took a premarital preparation course (this applies to Florida residents only).

  How can I pay for my marriage license?

  We accept the following forms of payment:

  • • • Cash, money order, or cashier’s check (payable to the Washington County Clerk of Court)
      • MasterCard, VISA, Discover, or American Express (with a 3% surcharge added)

  The Clerk’s Office does not accept personal checks.

  Is there a waiting period for a marriage license?

  Yes, for Florida residents.  Marriage license applications are issued the same day as requested as long as all requirements are met.  There is a (3) three-day waiting period to be married for couples who live in Florida but do not provide proof that they have completed a premarital preparation course.

  A couple claiming hardship can petition a judge to waive the (3)three-day waiting period.

  There is no waiting period for non-residents.

  When do I take the premarital preparation course?

  You can take it any time within (1) one year prior to applying for a license.

  Who is qualified to be a provider of a premarital preparation course?

  • • • A psychologist licensed under Chapter 490, Florida Statutes
      • A clinical social worker licensed under Chapter 491, Florida Statutes
      • A marriage and family therapist licensed under Chapter 491, Florida Statutes
      • A mental health counselor licensed under Chapter 491, Florida Statutes
      • An official representative of a religious institution that is recognized under Florida Statute 496.404(20), if the representative has relevant training
      • Any other provider designated by a judicial circuit, including but not limited to school counselors who are certified to offer such courses

  A LIST OF PREMARITAL PROVIDERS IS AVAILABLE IN OUR OFFICE.

  If you would like to be added to the approved providers list, please email your affidavit of registration as a premarital course provider and all backup documentation to: Kayla Corbitt at kcorbitt@washingtonclerk.com.

  Are blood tests and physical exams required?

  No.

  Do I need to apply for a marriage license in the county where I live or in the county where the ceremony is going to be held?

  Actually, it doesn’t matter.  You can get a marriage license in any Florida county.

  Can I use the Florida marriage license to be married in another state or country?

  No. The ceremony must be performed within the State of Florida in order to be recorded and valid.

  Where can I apply for a marriage license in Washington County?

  At the Washington County Courthouse, 1293 Jackson Avenue, Suite 101, Chipley, Florida, Monday through Friday, except holidays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

  How long is a marriage license application valid once it is issued?

  It’s valid for (60) sixty days.

  Who may perform the ceremony?

  • • • • • Ordained clergy
          • Elders in communion with a church
          • All Florida judges
          • Notaries public of the State of Florida

  The law also provides that ceremonies may be performed among Quakers or “Friends” in the manner and form used or practiced in their societies.

  Can a marriage be solemnized without a license?

  No.  Section 741.08, Florida Statutes, states that the party solemnizing the marriage must have a properly issued license before performing the ceremony.

  Who should return the license to the clerk, and when should they do it?

  A marriage cannot be officially recorded until the license is returned to the Clerk’s Office. It should be returned within (10) ten days of the wedding, and the party that performed the marriage is responsible for returning the completed license.

  Forms

  • • • • • AFFIRMATION OF COMMON CHILDREN
          • MARRIAGE LICENSE INFORMATION FILLABLE FORM
          • Family Law Handbook (2020 Revision) – In accordance with Florida Statute 741.014(4)(b), applicants for a marriage license must attest to have read or otherwise access the information found in the Family Law Handbook.

   

1293 Jackson Avenue, Suite 101, Chipley, Florida
Post Office Box 647, Chipley, FL 32428
Main Phone:  (850) 638-6285
Fax: (850) 638-6288

Administration
Phone (850) 638-6289
Court Related
kcorbitt@washingtonclerk.com
Phone (850) 481-4643
Non-Court Related
ghammack@washingtonclerk.com

Appeals
Phone (850) 638-6289
ahunt@washingtonclerk.com

Board of County Commissioners Records/Finance
Phone (850) 481-4670
jpettis@washingtonclerk.com
Phone (850) 638-6233
rbrantley@washingtonclerk.com

Circuit Civil
Phone (850) 638-6008
slollie@washingtonclerk.com

Clerk Finance
Phone (850) 481-4641
Phone (850) 481-4643
kadkison@washingtonclerk.com
ghammack@washingtonclerk.com

Collections
Phone (850) 638-6008
twetherbee@washingtonclerk.com

County Civil
Phone (850) 638-6008
slollie@washingtonclerk.com

Criminal Department/Felony
Phone (850) 638-6289
mburnham@washingtonclerk.com

Criminal Department/Misdemeanor
Phone (850) 638-6289
kodom@washingtonclerk.com

Domestic Violence
Phone (850) 638-6008
ahunt@washingtonclerk.com

Estates/Wills/Guardianships
Phone (850) 638-6008
ahunt@washingtonclerk.com

Evictions – Landlord/Tenant
Phone (850) 638-6008
slollie@washingtonclerk.com

Family Law/Divorce/Child Support
Phone (850) 638-6009
tallen@washingtonclerk.com

Foreclosures
Phone (850) 638-6289
slollie@washingtonclerk.com

Jury Duty
Phone (850) 638-6285
After 5 p.m. the day before service, call (850) 415-5088
mburnham@washingtonclerk.com

Juvenile – Delinquency/Dependency/Truancy
Phone (850) 638-6289
jhayes@washingtonclerk.com

Marchman Act/Baker Act/Mental Health
Phone (850) 638-6289
ahunt@washingtonclerk.com

Marriage License
Phone (850) 638-6285
enalls@washingtonclerk.com

Passport
Phone (850) 638-6285
enalls@washingtonclerk.com

Payroll
Phone (850) 481-4640
jcook@washingtonclerk.com

Records/Research
Phone (850) 638-6285
enalls@washingtonclerk.com

Recording
Phone (850) 638-6285
enalls@washingtonclerk.com

Tax Deeds
Phone (850) 638-6285
slollie@washingtonclerk.com

Traffic – Civil/Criminal
Phone (850) 638-6289
kodom@washingtonclerk.com

Value Adjustment
Phone (850) 638-6233
rbrantley@washingtonclerk.com

Resources

• Florida Statutes – Chapters 731 through 739 Wills & Estates
• Florida Bar – Rules of Procedure
• Florida Bar – Consumer Information on Probate in Florida
• Florida Bar – Lawyer Referral Service
• Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics Online Forms

 FORMS

• Form_A 2017-Application_for_Proposed_Guardian_Advocate
• Form_B 2017-Notice_of_Petition_for_Guardian_Advocate
• Form_C 2017-Petition_for_Guardian_Advocate PETITION
• Form_D 2017-Oath_of_Guardian_Advocate
• Form_E 2017-Order_Appointing_Guardian_Advocate
• Form_F 2017-Letters_of_Guardian_Advocacy
• Form_G 2017-Initial_Plan
• Form_H 2017-Annual_Plan
• Will on Deposit Form
• Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration (2)

Frequently Asked Questions

My spouse recently died, do I need to deposit the Will?
F.S.732.901 The custodian of a Will must deposit the Will with the Clerk of the Court having venue of the estate of the decedent within 10 days after receiving information that the person has passed away.

How do I avoid Probate?
You must see your attorney and advise him or her of your financial situation in order to preserve your assets and have them distributed, as you desire.

If I have a claim on a decedent’s estate, how do I collect?
You should file a Statement of Claim form in duplicate within three months from the date of the first publication. There is no fee for filing a claim.

Where is the proper place to probate an estate?
The Venue of Probate of all Wills and Granting Letters shall be in the state where the decedent was domiciled. (F.S. 733.101)

Can I deposit my Will with the Court?
No, a Will cannot be deposited with the court before the person’s death.

What is the cost of a certified copy?
Copies are $1.00 per page, and there is an additional $2.00 to certify the document.

I am a creditor of a person who is missing, and I understand a Conservatorship has been opened, can I file a claim?
No, you should contact the Conservator of the Property for this missing person. The same would apply to a Curator Guardianship.

What do I need to obtain a Court Order so that the money in bank accounts belonging to my deceased husband can be released to me?
First of all, the account must be the decedent’s entire estate. If you are the one who has paid the funeral bill, a copy of the paid funeral bill is required along with the Death Certificate and full information concerning the assets in question.

Why do I need a copy of the paid in full funeral bill?
The purpose of a Disposition of Personal Property without Administration is to reimburse the person who has paid the funeral bill.

Can small estates release cars?
No, as a general rule most cars are handled directly by the Motor Vehicle Department.

Can you tell me over the telephone if a Probate has been opened on a particular individual?
Yes, just call our probate department at (850) 638-6285.  The deputy clerk will be happy to assist you.

Can I do a search for a Probate Case online?
Yes, however document images for probate cases are not available via online public access.

What if I have a claim against or I am a potential beneficiary of an estate that has not been probated yet and I want to be notified when a Probate is opened?
You can file a Caveat, for which there is a filing fee of $41. When a Probate is opened for that estate, you will be notified and provided the name and address of the petitioner/personal representative and of his or her attorney.

Why do I need an attorney to be appointed as Guardianship or to Probate an estate?
Probate Rule 5.030 of Florida Rules of Court specifies “Every Guardian and every Personal Representative, unless the Personal Representative remains the sole interested person, shall be represented by an attorney admitted to practice in Florida.” Furthermore, the clerks of this office cannot answer any legal questions, nor assist in preparing legal forms, nor do we provide any legal forms, with the sole exception of the Petition for Disposition of Personal Property without Administration, discussed elsewhere.

I don’t have enough money to hire an attorney, what should I do?
Contact Legal Services of Northwest Florida. Their contact information can be found under the useful links provided under the General Information tab, above.

What do I need to obtain a Court Order so that the money in a bank account or in an Insurance Policy belonging to my deceased relative can be released to me?
If the estate in question consists only of cash assets, and you paid the funeral expenses, you may initiate a procedure called a Disposition of Personal Property without Administration. To do so, the decedent must have been domiciled in this county at the time of death, and you must provide the Death Certificate, a copy of the receipt for the funeral cost showing all expenses have been paid in full, and a copy of the most currently available bank statement or other document concerning the assets in question; you must also pay the filing fee of $231.00 in cash, cashiers check, or money order. This procedure will only release funds up to the cost of the funeral and any other related expenses as specified in Florida Statute 735.301, all of which must be verified by receipts. If the funeral expenses have not been paid, the Court Order will direct that the assets be released directly to the funeral home.

I am not the Legal Guardian, but how can I gain or prove custody of a child?
To prove custodial rights for a child, the proper documents will need to be filed through the Family Law Department. The Family Law Department is located 1293 Jackson Avenue, Suite 101, Chipley, FL 32428. The Family Law Department may be contacted for questions at (850) 638-6008.