Administrative Office Of The Courts
20th Judicial Circuit of Florida

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LEE COUNTY FAMILY COURT

Court proceedings involving divorce and other family law matters are often emotional and difficult times for all persons involved. It is highly advisable to consult with an attorney who will represent you and your interests.

If, however, you choose to represent yourself, Family Court Services can help you through the court process.

Family Court Services assists individuals who are representing themselves in family law matters. The program is established to provide service throughout the Twentieth Judicial Circuit which includes: Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties. The program's offices are located in Fort Myers adjacent to the Lee County Justice Center. The Family Law Self-Help Program for Charlotte County is located in the Charlotte County Justice Center in Punta Gorda. Satellite offices are located in the Hendry County Courthouse in LaBelle. The satellite offices are staffed on a part-time basis.

The Family Court Services staff provides access to the legal system, guidance in understanding court procedures, distribution of family law forms approved by the Supreme Court of Florida or the judges of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit and notary services.

Individuals are advised that the Family Court Services staff does not represent them in their case. Legal advice cannot be given.

LEE COUNTY FAMILY LAW PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES

In an effort to provide a Uniform Family Court System for all in the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida, the following changes have been implemented in Lee County for Family Law cases:

Family Court Services will conduct Case Management Conferences every Thursday morning for Family Law cases in the Lee County Justice Center (Collier County will continue to conduct Case Management Conferences for Family Law cases on Wednesdays at the Collier County Courthouse).
Family Law Attorneys and/or self-represented parties are encouraged to bring their calendars to the Case Management Conferences so that coordination of future court dates and/or mediation can be made.

AREAS AVAILABLE FOR ASSISTANCE

Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) with or without minor children/ property
Child support
Child Visitation
Response to Petitions
Subpoena for Production of Documents from non-party
Paternity
Child Custody
Child Name Changes
Motions

FAMILY COURT FORMS:

Family court forms packets are available for all of the above areas in the Family Court Office or you can download individual forms you need at either of the following websites:

PARENTING CLASSES:

A "Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course" is required for all parties in a paternity case or dissolution of marriage case in which there are children. Click below to see a list of courses in the state of Florida approved by the Department of Children and Families for this purpose. Scroll down to the 20th Judicial Circuit to see the courses available in our area with a link to the website for course signup.

www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/childwelfare/docs/ParentEducationAndFamilyStabilization.pdf