Notices
Public legal notices and court announcements
Appeals
Appeals | Nassau County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller, FL Skip to Main Content Home Departments Criminal Department Appeals Appeals IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL FILERS: The Florida Supreme Court recently entered Administrative Order 2023-1401 which amends several rules of the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration effective July 1, 2025. The order substantially revises Rule 2.525 regarding Electronic Filing. Of particular interest to filers is the revision of part (f) defining the reasons for a filing to be sent to the corrections queue. Beginning on July 1, except for the limited number of reasons articulated in the revised Rule, the Clerk is obligated by the Supreme Court to make all filings a part of the court docket. The Clerk’s Office encourages filers to review AOSC 2023-1401 for the specifics of all changes made in the revised Rules. The Appeals Department processes Appeals for both criminal and civil cases. This includes handling the communications between the various courts that may be involved in an Appeal: the County and Circuit Courts of Nassau County, the Fifth District Court of Appeal, and the Florida Supreme Court. While the Appeals Department can provide general information regarding the appellate process and assists in the filing of appellate documents, the Clerk’s Office cannot provide legal advice. Those needing legal assistance may wish to speak to an attorney. What is an Appeal? An Appeal is a legal process in which a ruling by a lower court is reviewed by a higher court to decide whether the lower court’s ruling should stand or be reversed. In other words, if you don’t agree with a court’s ruling, you can ask a higher court to review that ruling and perhaps change it. If you file an appeal, you are known as the appellant. The party against whom the appeal is filed is known as the appellee. Notice of Appeal A Notice of Appeal is a document that begins the appellate process. If you wish to appeal a court order or ruling, this document must be filed within 30 days of the date that the sentence was imposed in a criminal case or the final judgment was entered in a civil case. How to File a Notice of Appeal The Notice of Appeal must be filed with the Clerk department that corresponds with the court order or sentence being appealed. For example, if you are appealing a sentence in your felony case, you would need to file the Notice of Appeal with the Clerk’s felony department. The Notice of Appeal should be composed as shown in Rule 9.900 of the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure. When filing a Notice of Appeal, it must contain a Certificate of Service indicating that a copy has been served on the opposite party. For civil cases, you should also attach a copy of the court order that you are appealing. In criminal cases, this order is needed only if the court requests it. Effect on Proceedings It’s important to understand that when a Notice of Appeal is filed, the proceedings in lower court are not automatically put on hold. To stay the lower court’s proceedings, the appellant must file a Motion to Stay with the lower court, and an Order to Stay must then be entered by the lower court. Fees Current fees for Clerk services can be found by visting the Clerk's fee schedule page at the link below. Fee Schedule Notice of appeal to higher court (Money Order or Business Check Only) $100.00 District Court of Appeals / Florida Supreme Court (Paid Directly to Appellate Court) $300.00 Certiorari and Administrative Appeals to Circuit Court $401.00 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How Long do I have to file a Notice of Appeal A Notice of Appeal has to be filed within 30 days of the original court’s final ruling. For civil cases,you must file the original Notice of Appeal as well as two identical copies of it. A copy of the court order being appealed has to be attached to the original Notice and to each of the two copies being filed ( one for the filer, one to serve on the adverse party). How Do I File an appeals case without an Attorney? As a self-represented litigant (“pro se”), you may file an appeals case without an attorney. Note that the Duval County Clerk of Court cannot offer legal advice and you are still required to comply with the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure and all orders of the court. In order to assist pro se filers, the Appellate Practice Section of the Florida Bar has created the Pro Se Handbook for your reference. What court has jurisdiction in the appeal process? All appeals from county courts will go to the 5th District Court of Appeals. Please see Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure Rule 9.030 to determine to which court you must file your Notice of Appeal. You may also reference the “Know Your Court” graphic above. Rule 9.900. Forms - Rules for Florida Appellate Procedure If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordinator at 904-548-4600 press 0, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon reading this information if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Government Websites by CivicPlus® Loading Loading Do Not Show Again Close Arrow Left Arrow Right [] Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow
Circuit Civil
Circuit Civil IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL FILERS: The Florida Supreme Court recently entered Administrative Order 2023-1401 which amends several rules of the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration effective July 1, 2025. The order substantially revises Rule 2.525 regarding Electronic Filing. Of particular interest to filers is the revision of part (f) defining the reasons for a filing to be sent to the corrections queue. Beginning on July 1, except for the limited number of reasons articulated in the revised Rule, the Clerk is obligated by the Supreme Court to make all filings a part of the court docket. The Clerk’s Office encourages filers to review AOSC 2023-1401 for the specifics of all changes made in the revised Rules. EFFECTIVE AUGUST 20, 2022, as a result of the recent order in Courthouse News Service v. Brenda D. Forman, et al., Case No.: 4:22cv106-MW/MAF, ALL FILERS USING THE E-PORTAL to file electronically are required to designate whether case-initiating documents contain confidential information when filing in Circuit Civil (CA), County Civil (CC) and Small Claims (SC) cases. Filers will be prompted to select one of three options on the Documents page to denote the filing as containing no confidential information, is accompanied by a Notice of Confidential Information, or is accompanied by a Motion to Determine Confidentiality. For more information, please contact the E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com. General Information The Circuit Civil Department processes civil cases for disputes involving sums of money that exceed $50,000. Below are some of the types of cases that are filed in Circuit Civil. Auto Negligence Other Negligence Professional Malpractice Product Liability Condominium Contracts and Indebtedness Real Property/Mortgage Foreclosure Eminent Domain Please refer to the Civil Coversheet for a full list of Circuit Civil case types. Working with the Circuit Civil Department Please understand that Florida prohibits the Clerk’s Office from giving any legal advice. If you need legal advice, you may want to consider consulting a qualified attorney. The Clerk’s Office is unable to provide any forms related to circuit civil case types. Filing Documents with the Clerk’s Office Electronic filing (e-Filing) is required for all attorneys filing in the State of Florida. For more information about e-filing, please visit the E-filing Portal. Those who choose to represent themselves in legal matters can also file documents electronically using the statewide e-filing portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com. The portal is available for your convenience 24 hours a day, seven days a week. E-filing is not required for self-represented litigants and the Clerk’s Office will accept paper filings, either in person or by mail to the address below. Viewing Case Information Online For your convenience, you can view the case information online Plaintiff or Defendant name will be needed to search and locate the case. Defendant Information If you are a defendant in a civil case, you are not required to have an attorney to file a case or case documents in the Circuit Civil Department. Please understand that the Clerk’s Office cannot by law offer any legal advice or assistance. Served a Summons A Summons and Complaint are legal documents that start a legal action. A Summons is served on a person involved in a legal proceeding to inform the individual that he or she must answer the Complaint. Someone who is served with these documents and accused in the Complaint of violating civil laws is called the Defendant in the case. The party who files a Complaint claiming to have suffered loss or injury is called the Plaintiff in the case. Cases can often have multiple Plaintiffs and Defendants. Answering the Complaint The Defendant in the case must file an Answer to the Complaint. This must be done within 20 calendar days of the day he or she was served with the Summons and Complaint. The original Answer must be filed with the Clerk’s Office, and a copy should be mailed to the Plaintiff or the Plaintiff’s attorney. If a Defendant fails to do this, a default will be entered against that Defendant. When a default is entered, the Defendant is accepting all of the allegations in the Complaint as being true. Information for Defendants in a Foreclosure case can be found on the Foreclosure Department page. Plaintiff Information Initial filing The required items to begin a new case are: Filing fee Summons Complaint Civil Cover Sheet (Form 1.997 found in the Documents and Publications below) Foreign Judgment As its name suggests, a Foreign Judgment is a judgment that comes from a court outside of Florida. To file a Foreign Judgment in Nassau County, the following is required: Certified Copy of the Judgment rendered from the applicable state Original Affidavit that has been notarized and identifies the debtor and creditors If filed by an attorney, all documents must be e-filed Motions When any Motion is filed, it must be followed with a proposed order to be signed by the judge. When a motion is e-filed, it is the attorney’s responsibility to send a copy of the motion and order to the judge. Please accompany the motion and order with envelopes directly to the judge’s office. To determine the assigned judge for a particular division and the contact information for their chambers, please visit our Judicial Page. Writ of Possession A Writ of Possession orders one party to give up ownership of property so another party can take possession it. The Clerk’s Office can issue a Writ of Possession ONLY if there is an order or judgment that specifically states that it be issued. There is a $7.00 fee for the Clerk’s Office to issue the Writ. For more information, please see Florida Statute 78.19(2). Writ of Execution A Writ of Execution puts in force a court judgment that orders a party to take or be in possession of property. The Clerk’s Office may issue a Writ of Execution ONLY if there is an order or judgment that specifically states that it be issued. There is a $7.00 fee for the Clerk’s Office to issue the Writ. For more information, please see Florida Statute 56.021 and Florida Statute 56.031. Writ of Replevin Please refer to Florida Statute 78.01 for the meaning of a replevin. The Clerk’s Office may issue a Writ of Replevin ONLY if there is an order or judgment that specifically states that it be issued. There is an $85.00 fee for the Clerk’s Office to issue a Writ of Replevin. For more information about issuing a Writ of Replevin, please see Florida Statute 78.045. Medical Malpractice – 90-Day Extension In Medical Malpractice cases, an automatic 90-day extension of the statute limitations will be granted to allow the reasonable investigation required by Florida Statute 766.104(2).
Impact Fees
Impact Fees New Impact Fees implementation effective date April 14th, 2025. The Mayor and Council of the City of North Miami on November 26, 2024, at its regularly scheduled meeting adopted Ordinance No. 1531, an Ordinance amending and restating the City of North Miami Development Impact Fee Act established under Ordinance No. 1302, for purposes of, among other items, adopting an updated Impact Fee Study, and imposing revised rates for new development within the incorporated area of the City of North Miami that results in increased demand for system improvements for Parks and Recreation (including Library) facilities, General Government (including Police) facilities, Stormwater facilities, and new development within its water and sewer service areas that generates an increased demand for Water and Sewer facilities. The fees shall be collected by the City contemporaneously with the issuance of a building permit. A copy of Ordinance No. 1531 (November 26, 2024) can be obtained here Version OptionsImpact FeesHeadline or by requesting a copy from the City Clerk’s Office by calling 305-895-9817. The resulting Impact Fee Study Report, including the proposed new fee schedule, is linked below. Understanding Impact Fees in Our City What Are Impact Fees? Impact fees are charges imposed on new developments to cover a fair share of the costs associated with expanding infrastructure to accommodate growth. Unlike traditional negotiated developer contributions, impact fees are calculated using a standardized formula based on objective factors like the number and type of new housing units. These fees are paid once, up-front, at the time of building permit issuance, ensuring that each new project contributes its fair share to the community’s infrastructure needs. Background on Our Impact Fees The City introduced impact fees in 2010 to support infrastructure in several key areas: transportation, parks and recreation, library services, general government, police, water, and sewer facilities. Initially, these fees were set at 50% of the maximum amount calculated in a 2007 study for most categories, and at 100% of the amount calculated in a 2010 study for water and sewer facilities. Since then, these fees have not been updated. What’s Changing? We’re currently updating our impact fees to better reflect current needs and costs. This update will be effective April 14, 2025, and includes: New Stormwater Impact Fee: To address the growing need for improved stormwater management. Replacement of the Transportation Fee: Introducing a new mobility fee to better support our evolving transportation infrastructure. To assist in this process, we've engaged two consulting firms: Duncan and Associates for impact fees and NUE Urban Concepts for the mobility fee. What did the changes Involve? Comprehensive Study: A revision of our impact fees for various services and a new fee structure for stormwater facilities. Ordinance Amendments: Updated the legal framework to implement the revised fees. Extraordinary Needs: Identified and documented cases where exceptional circumstances justify exceeding usual limits on fee increases. Ensuring Legal Compliance Our revised fees will adhere to the Florida Impact Fee Act and relevant case law. This ensures that: Fees are proportional to the impact of the development. Service levels for new developments do not exceed those provided to existing developments. New developments do not end up paying more than necessary for the same level of service. These regulations ensure that fee increases are gradual and equitable across different land uses. Simplified and Consolidated Fee Structures Our update will also aim to simplify fee schedules by: Reducing the number of land use categories for easier administration. Combining related fee types, such as merging police facilities with general government fees and combining parks with library services. This consolidation will provide greater flexibility in allocating funds to address the most pressing needs across different service areas. Restrictions on Fee Increases Recent changes to Florida law impose restrictions on increasing impact fees: Increases of up to 25% must be phased in over two years. Increases between 25% and 50% must be phased in over four years. Fees can only be adjusted once every four years. Stay Informed We’re committed to keeping you informed throughout this process. For more details on the impact fee update, including timelines and public engagement opportunities, please check our website regularly. Your feedback is essential as we work to ensure that our city continues to grow in a sustainable and equitable manner. Links for supporting documentation Impact Fee Study Report (PDF) Notice of Imposition of Impact Fees (PDF) Impact Fee Schedule (PDF)
Unlawful Detainer
Unlawful Detainer: a county court lawsuit requesting that a person be ordered to leave another person’s property. It is similar to an eviction, except there is no landlord/tenant relationship between the parties and there is no agreement to pay rent, either verbal or in writing. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordinator at 904-548-4600 press 0, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon reading this information if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.
Sealed & Expunged Records
Sealed & Expunged Records | Nassau County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller, FL Skip to Main Content Home Departments Criminal Department Sealed & Expunged Records Sealed & Expunged Records Criminal case files are available to the public for viewing unless the case has been sealed or expunged by order of the court. A court file that has been sealed requires a court order to unseal the file before viewing contents. How do I seal/expunge my record? There are very strict criteria for sealing or expunging court records. Some of the requirements are: You were charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense but were not convicted or adjudication was withheld The State Attorney declined to prosecuite your case You have not had any other court record sealed or expunged in the State of Florida You may be eligible to have court records about your case sealed or expunged. However, by Florida law, there are certain charges that cannot be sealed or expunged regardless of whether adjudication was withheld. What are the differences between a sealed record and an expunged record? A sealed record can be opened only in certain ways, including: By order of the court For inspection by the Judiciary By the defendant By an attorney of record By a criminal-justice agency Please seek advice from an attorney for more information on having criminal court records sealed. On the other hand, if a record is expunged, it will no longer exist. The case and any references to the case are destroyed. However, as governed by Florida Rule 3.692, there are some instances in which a case cannot be expunged until 10 years after the record of arrest has been sealed. Please seek advice from an attorney for more information about having criminal court records expunged. The packet containing instructions and forms needed to file a petition to seal or expunge a case can be obtained from the Criminal Customer Service Department. For further information, please call 904-548-4613. The information may also be obtained by visiting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website. Sealed Expunged FAQ If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordinator at 904-548-4600 press 0, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon reading this information if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Government Websites by CivicPlus® Loading Loading Do Not Show Again Close Arrow Left Arrow Right [] Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow
Mental Health
Mental Health Baker Act Procedures Ex Parte procedures for Baker Act cases consist of a layperson, such as a family member, filing a petition with the court to have someone taken into a mental health facility for evaluation and treatment. The person for whom treatment is being sought is referred to as the “respondent.” The clerk will complete an “Order for Emergency Admission” or an “Ex Parte Order for Involuntary Assessment and Stabilization,” and submit it to the judge for his or her review and signature. Once the judge has signed the order, certified copies are taken to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office for service on the respondent, and for their office to deliver said respondent to the appropriate facility for treatment. Substance Abuse Case Procedures Ex Parte procedures for Substance Abuse cases consist of a layperson, such as a family member or at least three (3) nonrelatives, filing a Petition with the court. The Petition is submitted to the Court for review. Once the judge has signed the Order and set the court date for appearance by the respondent, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office will serve the respondent with said Order. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordinator at 904-548-4600 press 0, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon reading this information if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.
CaseAccess
CaseAccess makes statewide case research more convenient for frequent professional users while maintaining the Clerks' role as the source of the official court record. CaseAccess is an optional, subscription-based research service available through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (E-Filing Portal). It is designed for private attorneys, legal professionals and public researchers who regularly need to search case information across multiple Florida counties. CaseAccess brings Clerk-sourced case information together in one secure, streamlined statewide search platform. The service allows users to search case information from all 67 Florida counties through the Comprehensive Case Information System (CCIS). How can a private attorney, legal professional, or public researcher subscribe? To subscribe, visit the Florida Courts E-Filing Authority homepage and select the "Enter the Portal" button. Sign in to your active E-Filing Portal account, then select CaseAccess Subscription from the command ribbon to manage your subscription settings. If you do not already have an account, you must create one before subscribing. There is no cost to register for an E-Filing account. How much does it cost? CaseAccess is available for: $20 per month $200 per year Subscription fees support the technology, processing, security, daily updates, maintenance, and customer service necessary to operate the statewide research platform. The subscription fee is for the enhanced search experience and related services. Users are not purchasing or acquiring ownership of public court information. Is public court information still available for free? Yes. Public case information remains available through the existing public-access channels provided by individual Clerks. CaseAccess is an optional service for users who want the convenience of a statewide search platform, particularly those who frequently conduct research across multiple jurisdictions. Is CaseAccess the official court record? No. CaseAccess is a research tool and is not the official court record. Users who need the official and most current record, document or case status should consult the appropriate Clerk’s office. Clerks remain the source of the official court record. If someone asks, "Am I paying for public records?" No. The subscription fee is for an enhanced statewide search experience and related services. Users are not purchasing or acquiring ownership of public court information. Public case information continues to be available through existing public-access channels provided by individual Clerks.
Name Change
The Name Change process is used when an individual or a family wants to ask the court to change their name. If one parent asks for a name change of a minor child(ren), the process must be served on the other parent and proof of service on the other parent must be filed with the court. See Florida Statute 68.07 for legal authority for Name Change. All name change petitions, except where a former name is being restored, must include a copy of the petitioner's fingerprints taken by a law enforcement agency, including children ages 5 and older. Fingerprint cards may be obtained at the Escambia County Sheriff's Office.
Hope Card
Hope Card Pursuant to §741.311, a person who has been issued a final judgment on injunction for protection under s. 741.30, s. 784.046, s. 784.0485, or s. 825.1035 may request a Hope Card from the clerk of the court of the circuit in which the order for an injunction for protection was entered. A person may request a Hope Card at the time the final judgment on injunction for protection is issued or at any other time before the expiration of the order for protection. The clerk will issue an electronic Hope Card within 3 business days after the request is submitted. A Hope Card is valid for 2 years after the date of issuance of the final order OR the expiration date of the injunction, whichever is earlier. A Hope Card may be renewed after the 2-year period if the injunction is still in effect. Request a Hope Card through our online portal. Please note: A person who, having actual knowledge that he or she is not protected by an injunction that is currently in force and effect, knowingly and willfully presents to another person a Hope Card or other document purporting to be a Hope Card for the purpose of evidencing the existence of an injunction, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
File
E-Filing Under a new rule of court, effective July 1, 2025, filings through the Florida Court’s E-Filing Portal may only be placed into a correction queue and not docketed on a case if the document: is filed after a case number is assigned and lacks a correct case number and the correct case number cannot be reliably and easily identified lacks a case style or has the wrong case style (i.e. lacks or has the wrong plaintiff or defendant) consists of multiple documents filed as 1 document consists of a multi-page document filed as separate documents is a proposed order, unless the proposed order is filed under a notice of filing for purposes of preserving a record is illegible, corrupt, or blank is barred by order of court or is otherwise incapable of being filed in the clerk’s case maintenance system If one of the seven reasons above applies and a document is placed in the correction queue it will be held by the E-Filing Portal for 30 days. Within those 30 days, three options may be selected by the filer. First, the filer may elect to file a new document to remedy the defect. Second, a filer may take no action thereby abandoning the document. Abandoning a document results in its deletion. Third, a filer may file a motion to review the action of the Clerk, attaching a copy of the document to the motion. The Florida Supreme Court’s opinion making these recent amendments to the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration can be found online here. Refer to page 32 of the Court’s opinion for the new rule on unsuccessful filing attempts. You may also find the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration, with the updates incorporated, online here. Refer to subdivision (f) of rule 2.525 to see the changes fully incorporated into the existing rulebook.
Divorce / Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
Divorce / Simplified Dissolution of Marriage You may file a Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage in Florida at the Clerk's Office if all of the following are true: You and/or your spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before filing for a dissolution You and your spouse agree that the marriage cannot be saved You and your spouse have no minor or dependent child(ren) together and the wife is not now pregnant You and your spouse have worked out how the two of you will divide the things that you both own (your assets) and who will pay what part of the money you both owe (your liabilities), and you are both satisfied with this division. You are not seeking support (alimony) from your spouse, and vice versa Neither you nor your spouse wish to have any financial information other than that provided in the financial affidavits. You are willing to give up your right to trial and to appeal You and your spouse are both willing to go into the clerk's office to sign the petition (not necessarily together) You and your spouse are both willing to go to the final hearing (at the same time) What is a simplified divorce/simplified dissolution of marriage? Where can we file for a simplified divorce? What do we need to bring with us? View All
Adoptions & Termination of Parental Rights
Adoptions & Termination of Parental Rights | Escambia County Clerk, FL Adoptions & Termination of Parental Rights Adoption cases and Termination of Parental Rights cases can be filed with the Clerk's Family Law Division. All papers and records pertaining to adoptions, including the original birth certificate, are confidential and subject to inspection only on order of the court. The court files, records, and papers in adoptions of a minor are indexed only in the name of the petitioner. The name of the minor is not noted on any docket, index, or other record outside the court file. See Florida Statutes 63.022 and 63.162. Additional Information For information on private and international adoption agencies within Florida, please call the Florida Adoption Information Center at 800-96-ADOPT (800-962-3678 ).
Family Law Forms
Family Law Forms Family Law forms are not available on this website. Please use the resources below: Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms www.flcourts.gov First Judicial Circuit Forms and Resources www.firstjudicialcircuit.org DIY Family Law Forms www.myflcourtaccess.com Printed form packets, individual forms, and checklists are available for purchase at the Clerk’s Office. Important: Clerk’s Office staff cannot provide legal advice, explain legal rights or remedies, or assist in completing forms. For legal guidance, please consult an attorney or contact a local legal aid provider.
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Petitions Domestic Violence petitions will be accepted and processed at the Clerk's Family Law office Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Injunctions An injunction is a court order signed by a judge that can be served and or enforced by law enforcement. Injunctions for Protection Against Domestic Violence may be issued against a spouse or former spouse, a person related by blood or marriage, a person which you are presently living with or have formerly lived with, as if a family, or against someone with whom you have a child in common, regardless whether you were ever married to that person or lived with them. Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence If a person falling within one of the previous descriptions has committed a crime against you resulting in your physical injury, or that person has placed you in fear (with words or physical acts), and made you believe you would be immediately harmed by an unlawful act of violence, you may have grounds to ask the court for an Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence. Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence An Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence may be issued if someone has committed two separate acts of violence, one being within the last six months, against you. The Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence is available for those individuals not covered by the Domestic Violence Injunctions. These are sometimes filed against neighbors, friends, or co-workers. Injunctions for Protection Against Dating Violence Injunctions for Protection Against Dating Violence may be issued against an individual with whom you have or had a continuing and significant relationship of a romantic or intimate nature. It is determined by consideration of such facts as the dating relationship existed within the past six months, the nature of the relationship included an expectation of affection or sexual involvement and the frequency and type of interaction between you and the individual included involvement over time and on a continued basis. Injunctions for Protection Against Sexual Violence Injunctions for Protection Against Sexual Violence may be issued if one incident of the following acts occur regardless of whether criminal charges based on the incident were filed, reduced or dismissed by the state attorney: Sexual battery, as defined in Florida Statutes Chapter 794 A lewd or lascivious act, as defined in Florida Statutes Chapter 800, committed upon or in the presence of a person younger than 16 years of age Luring or enticing a child, as described in Florida Statutes Chapter 787 Sexual performance by a child, as described in Florida Statutes Chapter 827 Any other forcible felony wherein a sexual act is committed or attempted Filing an Injunction It is a requirement that the sexual violence be reported to a law enforcement agency and that the person filing the petition cooperate in the investigation. A petition may be filed against a respondent who was sentenced to imprisonment for the sexual violence and who has been or will be released from incarceration. A person who is the victim of sexual violence or the parent or legal guardian of a minor child who is living at home who is the victim of sexual violence has standing in the circuit court to file a sworn petition for an injunction for protection against sexual violence on his or her own behalf or on behalf of the minor child if: The person has reported the sexual violence to a law enforcement agency and is cooperating in any criminal proceedings against the respondent, regardless of whether criminal charges based on the sexual violence have been filed, reduced or dismissed by the state attorney, or the respondent who committed the sexual violence against the victim or minor child was sentenced to a term of imprisonment in state prison for the sexual violence and the respondent's term of imprisonment has expired or is due to expire within 90 days following the date the petition is filed. Protection Against Stalking Injunction for Protection Against Stalking may be issued if someone has willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows, harasses, or cyberstalks another person. "Harass" means to engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person which causes substantial emotional distress to that person and serves no legitimate purpose. "Creditable threat" means a verbal or nonverbal threat, or a combination of the two, including threats delivered by electronic communication or implied by a pattern of conduct, which places the person who is the target of the threat in reasonable fear for his or her safety or the safety of his or her family members or individuals closely associated with the person, and which is made with the apparent ability to carry out the threat to cause such harm. "Cyberstalk" means to engage in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication, directed to a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose. No Contact If an injunction for protection against domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, sexual violence, or stalking is granted by the court, the judge may order the other party not to have contact with you and not to harm you mentally or physically. Information for Petitioners (PDF) Information for Respondents (PDF) What are the statutory requirements for filing a "Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence? What is an injunction? Where can I obtain an injunction? Is there a fee for filing an Injunction of Protection? What Information is helpful in filing a Petition for Injunction? What are other steps in the legal process? What if the respondent is outside the State of Florida? What can the injunction do for you? Can my child be a witness? How long does the injunction remain in effect? View All
Divorce / Dissolution of Marriage
A Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) is an action to terminate the contract of marriage. These matters are governed by the laws of the State of Florida (Florida Statutes) and the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure. Process In order to end a marriage, a person must obtain a final judgment from a circuit court dissolving the marriage. In that judgment, all property, support and child-related issues ordinarily will be determined. To obtain that judgment a person must file a petition to start a lawsuit, legally serve (notice) his or her spouse, provide and obtain financial information to and from his or her spouse, if children are involved, take a class, and either have an agreement and/or parenting plan prepared and brought to the court at an appropriately noticed final hearing or have a trial before a judicial officer at which evidence will be taken to allow the judicial officer to make decisions. A person is not required to have a lawyer to obtain a divorce. However, because this is a legal process with rules and procedures to be followed, it is advisable to obtain legal counsel. To obtain a divorce, there must be a legally acceptable reason. There are two legally acceptable reasons in Florida. One is that one party has been declared legally incompetent for a period in excess of three years. The other is the more common basis - that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." That means that there is nothing that the court can do (such as sending the couple to counseling) to induce the couple to reconcile. If there are children, and a person answers a petition for dissolution of marriage by denying that the marriage is irretrievably broken, then the court may order the parties to counseling and may delay the proceedings for up to three months to encourage and/or permit the parties an opportunity to reconcile. Other Party's Response Once a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed, it must be legally served upon the other party. That party must then file a written answer with the court. Forms for dissolution of marriage proceedings are available, and many courts have self-help units to assist people without lawyers in finding those forms. Family Courts There are specialized rules for procedure dealing with family courts, which are available at public libraries and law schools. Those rules require each party to provide the other with financial information within a certain number of days of the beginning of a case. Except in cases involving domestic violence, most courts will also require all couples to attend mediation sessions - which are conferences with the assistance of a trained person who try to help couples achieve a settlement between themselves. If children are involved, all parties will be required to attend parenting classes, details of which are provided when the divorce action is filed. While a divorce is pending, a trial judge may enter orders dealing with support, possession or maintenance of any individual asset, where the child or children will live, the time the child or children will spend with each parent, and attorney's fees and costs. Public Proceedings Divorce proceedings are public proceedings, and the files are available at the courthouse for public review. Under certain limited circumstances, portions of the file may be sealed by order of the court. Information Packet The Clerk's Office can provide you with an information packet to begin your divorce.
Public Notice Announcement – Legal Notices Now Available Online
In accordance with Florida Statute 50.3011, the Village of Palm Springs publishes legal advertisements and public notices on the publicly accessible website maintained by Palm Beach County. To stay informed, please visit our official website or access legal notices directly at Palm Springs Village | Palm Beach County, FL Legal Notices - Official Website. Governmental agencies that utilize a publicly accessible website for legally required advertisements and notices must inform property owners and residents that they may opt to receive such notices by first-class mail or e-mail. To do so, individuals must register their name and mailing or e-mail address with the agency. Public Notices & Legal Advertisement Registration Form The Village of Palm Springs maintains a registry of those who have submitted a written request to receive legal advertisements and public notices by mail, e-mail, or both.
Family Law Services in Chicago: Spiegel & DeMars Advocates for Your Family’s Well-being
Family Law Services in Chicago: Spiegel & DeMars Advocates for Your Family’s Well-being At Spiegel & DeMars, we are a dedicated team of legal professionals committed to providing compassionate and effective Family Law services tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals and families in Illinois. As a trusted law firm, we understand the sensitive nature of family legal matters and strive to guide you through these challenges with expertise and empathy. Why Choose Spiegel & DeMars for Family Law in Illinois? 1. Divorce and Separation: Our experienced family law attorneys specialize in handling divorce and separation cases. We navigate the legal complexities, ensuring your rights are protected and advocating for fair resolutions that prioritize your family’s well-being. 2. Child Custody and Child Support: When it comes to matters of child custody and support, Spiegel & DeMars is your trusted advocate. We work tirelessly to secure arrangements that prioritize the best interests of your children while ensuring your parental rights are upheld. 3. Adoption: Embarking on the journey of adoption is a joyous occasion, but it comes with legal intricacies. Our attorneys provide comprehensive support for adoptive parents, guiding you through the legal process and helping you build your family. 4. Spousal Support and Alimony: Whether you’re seeking or contesting spousal support, our legal team has the expertise to navigate the complexities of alimony cases. We strive for fair and equitable resolutions that reflect your unique circumstances. 5. Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: Safeguard your assets and protect your family’s future with well-crafted prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Our attorneys work closely with you to create legally sound agreements that address your specific needs and concerns. 6. Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders: If you are facing issues of domestic violence, our compassionate legal team is here to help. We assist in obtaining restraining orders and creating legal strategies to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Committed to Your Family’s Legal Well-being At Spiegel & DeMars, we understand that family legal matters can be emotionally challenging. Our goal is to provide not only legal expertise but also support and guidance during these difficult times. We approach each case with sensitivity, tailoring our services to meet the unique needs of your family. If you’re seeking dedicated and compassionate Family Law services in Illinois, Spiegel & DeMars is here to advocate for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your family legal matters with confidence.
Other Practices
Service - Spiegel & DeMars Skip to content Services Home Services Personal Injury Your Personal Injury Attorney in Chicago, fighting for your rights and well-being after an injury. Personal Injury Consult now Family Law Spiegel & DeMars Advocates for Your Family’s Well-being in Chicago, providing comprehensive family law services. Family Law Consult now Real Estate Navigating Property Matters with Spiegel & DeMars in Chicago, ensuring smooth real estate transactions. Real Estate Consult now Probate / Estate Planning Established in the heart of Chicago, offering comprehensive Estate Planning and Probate Services. Probate / Estate Planning Consult now Business Law Your Premier Illinois Business Lawyers in Chicago, guiding businesses towards success. Business Law Consult now Traffic Defending Against Traffic Violations in Chicago, ensuring fair representation and justice. Traffic Consult now Election Law Expert Election Law Services in Illinois, upholding democratic principles and ensuring fair elections. Election Law Consult now Criminal Legal Services Facing criminal charges in Cook or Lake County? You need a dedicated, experienced legal team on your side. Criminal Legal Services Consult now
Defending Against Traffic Violations in Chicago
Traffic Violation Defense in Chicago - Spiegel & DeMars Traffic Home Services Traffic Defending Against Traffic Violations in Chicago When facing a traffic violation, many individuals underestimate the potential consequences. What may seem like a minor infraction can result in hefty fines, license suspension, increased insurance premiums, and even criminal records. At Spiegel & DeMars, we understand the gravity of traffic violations and are dedicated to providing serious defense to protect your rights and driving privileges. Consequences of Traffic Violations The repercussions of moving violations can be severe, including: Hefty fines, potentially totaling hundreds or thousands of dollars Driver’s license suspension or revocation Significant increases in insurance premiums Loss of eligibility for certain job opportunities, particularly those requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL) For certain charges, a criminal record without the possibility of court supervision Comprehensive Defense Services Our firm provides defense against a wide range of Illinois traffic offenses, including: DUI/DWI charges Speeding, including misdemeanor speeding offenses Driving with a suspended or revoked license Construction zone violations CDL violations and trucking infractions Driving without a valid license or insurance Reckless driving and reckless homicide Hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident Stop sign, red light, and traffic signal violations Mechanical violations or illegal vehicle alterations Seat belt and child restraint code violations License Reinstatement Services In addition to defense against immediate penalties, we specialize in assisting individuals in reclaiming their driving privileges. Whether you’re facing license suspension or revocation, our attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of the reinstatement process and can guide you through every step with dedication and expertise. We’re Here to Help Our services extend to out-of-state drivers accused of traffic offenses in Illinois, as well as individuals whose licenses have been suspended or revoked by the Illinois Secretary of State. Contact Spiegel & DeMars today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards a robust defense against traffic violations. Call us toll-free at (312) 726-3377 or reach out online to get started.
Criminal Legal Services
Criminal Legal Services in Chicago and Surrounding Suburbs Facing Criminal Charges? We’re Here to Help. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, Will County and Kane County, you need a dedicated and experienced legal team on your side. At Spiegel Demars, we specialize in providing top-notch criminal defense services to protect your rights and secure your future. Call Us Today: 312-726-3377 Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys With years of experience and a deep understanding of the criminal justice system, Spiegel Demars is committed to delivering exceptional legal representation. Our team of skilled attorneys has a proven track record of success in defending clients against a wide range of criminal charges. Our Criminal Defense Services Include: DUI Defense: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges can carry severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Our experienced attorneys work diligently to challenge evidence, negotiate plea bargains, and provide strong representation in court to protect your driving privileges and minimize penalties. Narcotics Related Offenses: Drug-related charges, from simple possession to complex trafficking cases, require a robust defense strategy. We handle cases involving marijuana, cocaine, heroin, prescription drugs, and other controlled substances. Our team scrutinizes the details of your case, challenges unlawful searches and seizures, and fights to achieve the best possible outcome. Violent Crimes: Charges for violent crimes such as assault, battery, domestic violence, and homicide are serious and require an aggressive defense. We conduct thorough investigations, work with expert witnesses, and develop compelling defense strategies to protect your rights and freedom. Theft and Property Crimes: Accusations of burglary, robbery, retail theft, criminal damage to property, and other property crimes can have long-lasting effects on your record and future opportunities. Our attorneys are skilled in negotiating reductions or dismissals of charges and defending clients in court to achieve favorable outcomes. Unlawful Use of a Weapon (UUW): Charges related to weapons and firearms require a knowledgeable defense team. We handle cases involving illegal possession, concealed carry violations, and other weapons-related offenses with a focus on protecting your rights and freedom. Expungements: Clearing your criminal record through expungement can open up new opportunities. Our team guides you through the expungement process, ensuring your petition is thorough and persuasive to the courts. Contact Us Today Don’t face criminal charges alone. Contact Spiegel Demars for a free consultation and take the first step towards securing your future. Phone: 312-726-3377Contact Us