Chapter 741.30 (2), Fla. Stat. (2003) provides that:

· The clerk of the court shall assist petitioners in seeking both injunctions for protection against domestic violence and enforcement for a violation thereof, and

· Clerks’ offices shall provide simplified petition forms including instructions for completion, and

· The sworn petition shall allege the existence of such domestic violence and shall include the specific facts and circumstance upon the basis of which relief is sought,

Further, chapter 784.046(3)(a), Fla. Stat. (2003) provides that:

· The clerk of court shall provide a copy of this section, simplified forms, and clerical assistance for the preparation and filing of such a petition for any person who is not represented by counsel,

Therefore, the following procedures are established:

· Upon arrival in the Domestic Violence Department, the petitioner shall sign in and be given a general information sheet to complete. Their information will be entered into the Domestic Violence database. *Please see special instructions for minors.

· The Petitioner will then be given a copy of the instructions for the Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms for injunctions. The petitioner will be instructed to read the cover-sheet while they wait. It will be explained that as soon as a Victim Assistance Specialist is available, the petitioner will be asked to describe the incident in their own words, including but not limited to any violence that may fall under the indicators listed in the instruction forms.

· The petitioner will meet with a Victim Assistance Specialist who will assist in filing the petition. The victim specialist will ask the questions as they appear on the Supreme Court forms, and will assist the petitioner by typing the answers in the spaces provided. The petitioner will be asked to give a brief description (in his/her own words) of the latest act of violence or threat of violence that causes the petitioner to honestly fear imminent violence by the respondent.

· If the petitioner is vague about dates or acts of violence, the victim specialist may ask for more details or for clarification.

· The victim specialist will then assist the petitioner with the remainder of the form regarding relief sought. The specialist will ask the questions and type the petitioner’s responses in the spaces provided.

· If the petitioner requests the court to determine issues regarding custody, visitation, temporary support, or confidential filing of address, the appropriate forms and assistance will also be provided.

· Upon completion, the petition will be forwarded to the judge for his review. The petitioner will be instructed that the answer will be available later in the day.

If a minor victim is 11 years of age or younger, the victim specialist will take the statement of the parent or legal guardian, and so indicate in the petition.

If the minor is 12 years of age or older, the minor will be given a form on which they will hand-write their statement. The minor’s statement will be attached to the petition. The victim specialist will fill out the remainder of the petition based on information provided by the parent or legal guardian.

Revised March 2004