Yes! You can use AI to fill out Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(b), Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
This is the official Florida Supreme Court form for a respondent in a divorce case to answer the initial Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. It is used to formally admit or deny the specific allegations made by the petitioner without filing a separate counterpetition. Completing this form correctly is a critical step in the legal process, and today it can be filled out quickly and accurately using AI-powered services like Instafill.ai, which can also convert non-fillable PDF versions into interactive fillable forms.
Form 12.903(b) is part of the
family court forms, family law forms, family petition forms, florida court forms and marriage dissolution forms categories on Instafill.
Form Complexity Index
Basic
43 / 100
| Fillable fields | 38 |
| Pages | 7 |
| Fields per page | 5 |
| Sections | — |
| Conditional rules | — |
| Tables & lists | — |
| Instruction pages | — |
| Instafill Form ID | IF-FLORIDA-SUPREME-COURT-APPROVED-FAMILY-LAW-FORM-12903B-ANSWER-TO-PETITION-FOR-DISSOLUTION-OF-MARRIAGE |
Form 12.903(b) has a basic Form Complexity Index of 43/100 — 38 fillable fields across 7 pages. Instafill’s AI completes it accurately in under a minute.
Form specifications
| Form name: | Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(b), Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage |
| Number of fields: | 38 |
| Number of pages: | 1 |
| FCI: | Basic (43/100) |
| Language: | English |
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How to Fill Out Form 12.903(b) Online for Free in 2026
Are you looking to fill out a FORM 12.903(B) form online quickly and accurately? Instafill.ai offers the #1 AI-powered PDF filling software of 2026, allowing you to complete your FORM 12.903(B) form in just 37 seconds or less.
Follow these steps to fill out your FORM 12.903(B) form online using Instafill.ai:
- 1 Navigate to Instafill.ai and upload or select Form 12.903(b), Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
- 2 Provide the case information, including the judicial circuit, county, case number, and the names of the petitioner and respondent.
- 3 Carefully review the original petition and use the form to indicate which paragraphs you admit, deny, or lack sufficient information to answer.
- 4 Indicate which required accompanying documents, such as the UCCJEA Affidavit or Financial Affidavit, are being filed with the answer or will be filed later.
- 5 Review all entered information for accuracy, ensuring all sections are addressed as required.
- 6 Sign the document in the presence of a notary public or deputy clerk as required, and complete the certificate of service section.
- 7 File the original, notarized form with the clerk of the circuit court and serve a copy to the petitioner or their attorney within the legal deadline.
Our AI-powered system ensures each field is filled out correctly, reducing errors and saving you time.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Form 12.903(b)
Form 12.903(b) has a Form Complexity Index of 43 out of 100, placing it in the basic complexity tier. This score is calculated deterministically from the form’s own structure using Instafill’s published Form Complexity Index methodology, so it can be reproduced and independently verified — it is not a subjective estimate.
For Form 12.903(b) specifically, the score reflects 38 fillable fields across 7 pages. The number of fields is the largest factor in the base score (weighted 36%), followed by how difficult those fields are to complete based on their type, where free-text and signature fields count for more than simple checkboxes (26%). The number of pages that actually contain fields (15%), the amount of conditional “fill-only-if” logic (16%), and how many sections the form is divided into (7%) account for the rest of the base. On top of that base, the index adds points for tables and repeating lists, bundled instruction pages, and dense page layouts — capturing difficulty the base alone can miss.
In practical terms, a basic score means the form is relatively light, but still needs careful, accurate entry. Instafill removes that effort entirely: our AI reads your information, maps each value to the correct field — including the conditional ones — and completes Form 12.903(b) accurately in under a minute, with every field available for you to review before you download. See exactly how the Form Complexity Index is calculated.
This form is used to officially respond to a petition for dissolution of marriage in Florida. It allows you to admit or deny the allegations made in the petition without filing your own counterpetition for relief.
You should fill out this form if you are the 'Respondent' in a divorce case and have been served with a 'Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.' It serves as your formal answer to the court and your spouse.
You must file your completed Answer to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court within 20 days of the date you were officially served with the petition.
You must sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk, then file the original with the clerk of the circuit court where the petition was filed. You are also required to send a copy to your spouse or their attorney.
You may also need to file a Family Law Financial Affidavit, a Notice of Social Security Number, and, if children are involved, a UCCJEA Affidavit and a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet. Some of these can be filed within 45 days if not submitted with the answer.
In section 1, list the paragraph numbers from the petition that you agree with. In section 2, list the paragraph numbers you disagree with. Use section 3 for any allegations you cannot confirm or deny due to a lack of information.
If you deny any allegations in the petition, the case becomes 'contested.' This means the disputed issues will need to be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or ultimately by a judge at a final hearing.
No, you cannot use this form to request alimony. To ask for alimony, you must file a 'Counterpetition for Dissolution of Marriage' (Form 12.903(c)(1) or (c)(2)) instead of this simple answer form.
If you have minor children, you must file a UCCJEA Affidavit (Form 12.902(d)) and complete a mandatory parenting course. You will also need to address child support by filing financial affidavits and a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet.
This form is not used for temporary relief. You must file a separate motion, such as a 'Motion for Temporary Support and Time-Sharing with Dependent or Minor Child(ren)' (Form 12.947(a)), to ask the court for temporary orders.
Yes, your signature on the form must be sworn to or affirmed before a notary public or a deputy clerk. This is a required step to make the document legally valid for filing with the court.
Yes, services like Instafill.ai use AI to help you accurately auto-fill form fields with your information. This can save you significant time and help reduce the chance of making errors on complex legal documents.
To fill out this form online, you can upload the PDF to the Instafill.ai platform. The service will make the document interactive, allowing you to easily type your information into the correct fields before printing for signature and filing.
If you have a non-fillable or 'flat' PDF, you can use a service like Instafill.ai to convert it into an interactive, fillable form. This allows you to type your answers directly into the document on your computer, ensuring it is neat and legible.
Compliance Form 12.903(b)
Validation Checks by Instafill.ai
1
Ensures Case Number is Present and Formatted Correctly
This check verifies that the 'Case No.' field is not empty and conforms to the expected format for the specified county and judicial circuit. The case number is the primary identifier for the legal proceeding, and an incorrect or missing number will result in filing rejection. If the format is invalid, the system should prompt the user to correct it based on standard court formats.
2
Validates Respondent's Full Legal Name Consistency
This validation ensures that the 'Respondent' name entered in the case caption at the top of the form matches the 'full legal name' provided in the sworn statement section. Consistency is crucial for legal identification and to prevent ambiguity about who is filing the response. A mismatch could lead to confusion or rejection of the document by the court clerk.
3
Mandatory Completion of Case Caption Fields
This check confirms that the 'Judicial Circuit,' 'County,' 'Petitioner,' and 'Respondent' fields are all filled in. These fields constitute the case caption, which is essential for correctly identifying and docketing the document within the court system. Failure to complete this section would render the document un-fileable as it cannot be associated with a specific case.
4
Requires at Least One Response to Petition Allegations
This validation ensures that the user has provided input in at least one of the response sections (paragraphs 1, 2, or 3). An answer must admit, deny, or state a lack of knowledge about at least one allegation from the original petition. An entirely blank response section is not a valid legal answer and would be considered non-responsive.
5
Exclusive Selection for Financial Affidavit Status
In paragraph 7, the user must choose only one option regarding the 'Family Law Financial Affidavit': either that it 'is filed with this answer' or that it 'will be timely filed'. This check prevents the user from selecting both or neither option. A clear and singular choice is required to inform the court and the other party of the status of this mandatory document.
6
Exclusive Selection for Child Support Worksheet Status
Similar to the financial affidavit, this check validates that in paragraph 5, the user has selected exactly one of the two checkboxes for the 'Child Support Guidelines Worksheet'. The user must indicate if the form is filed with the answer or will be filed later. This prevents ambiguity and ensures compliance with procedural rules in cases involving children.
7
Validates Certificate of Service Method Selection
This check verifies that at least one method of service (e.g., 'mailed', 'e-mailed', 'hand delivered') has been checked in the 'Certificate of Service' section. Certifying service to the other party is a legal requirement to ensure due process. If no method is selected, the certification is incomplete and the filing may be deemed invalid.
8
Validates Certificate of Service Date
This validation ensures the 'date' in the 'Certificate of Service' section is a valid, non-future date in a proper format (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY). The date of service is legally significant as it establishes deadlines for other actions in the case. An invalid or future date would make the certification defective.
9
Requires Respondent's Contact Information
This check ensures that the Respondent's 'Printed Name,' 'Address,' and 'City, State, Zip' fields are completed in the signature block. This information is mandatory for the court and the opposing party to send official notices and correspondence. Missing contact information can delay the case and may lead to missed hearings or deadlines.
10
Validates Format of Designated E-mail Addresses
This validation checks that any email address entered in the 'Designated E-mail Address(es)' fields for either the Respondent or the other party follows a standard email format (e.g., [email protected]). With e-service being a primary method of document exchange, a valid email address is critical for proper service. An invalid format would result in failed delivery and non-compliance with service rules.
11
Ensures Completeness of Nonlawyer Assistant Information
This check is triggered if any information is entered into the 'IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU' section. If this section is used, it validates that all fields ('name of individual', 'name of business', 'address', 'city', 'state', 'zip code', 'telephone number') are completed as required by the form's instruction to '[fill in all blanks]'. This rule ensures transparency and accountability for nonlawyer assistance.
12
Validates Service Method and Contact Information Consistency
This check ensures that if a specific service method is selected, the corresponding contact information is provided for the other party. For example, if 'e-mailed' is checked, the 'Designated E-mail Address(es)' field must not be empty. This logical cross-check prevents users from certifying a method of service for which they have not provided the necessary details, ensuring the service can actually be completed.
13
Validates Respondent's Telephone Number Format
This check verifies that the 'Telephone Number' provided by the Respondent is in a valid format (e.g., 10 digits, with optional parentheses, spaces, or hyphens). A valid phone number is essential for the court or other parties to make contact regarding the case. An improperly formatted number could be unusable, hindering communication.
14
Validates 'Dated' Field in Signature Block
This check ensures the 'Dated' field, where the respondent signs, contains a valid, non-future date. This date signifies when the respondent is swearing to the truthfulness of the document's contents. An invalid or future date would call the validity of the sworn statement into question and could be grounds for rejection.
Common Mistakes in Completing Form 12.903(b)
Respondents often miscopy the Case Number, Judicial Circuit, or Division from the original petition. This can happen due to simple transcription errors or confusion about where to find the information on the served documents. An incorrect case number can lead to the clerk's office rejecting the filing or filing it under the wrong case, causing significant delays and potentially resulting in a default judgment for failure to answer on time. To avoid this, carefully double-check every digit and word in the case caption against the original 'Petition for Dissolution of Marriage' you were served.
The instructions explicitly state this form is for admitting or denying allegations, not for filing a counterpetition to seek relief like alimony or exclusive use of the marital home. A critical mistake is for a respondent to try and add their own requests into this answer form. This is legally insufficient; failing to file a proper counterpetition (like Form 12.903(c)) means you waive your right to ask the court for such relief. Always use the correct form for the legal action you wish to take.
In sections 1, 2, and 3, the form requires listing the specific paragraph numbers from the original petition being admitted or denied. A frequent error is writing a narrative response (e.g., 'I deny that I was a bad spouse') instead of simply listing the paragraph numbers ('5, 7, 8'). This creates ambiguity and can require further legal action to clarify the response. To avoid this, simply list the corresponding paragraph numbers from the original petition in the appropriate section of the answer.
The instructions clearly state the answer must be filed within 20 days of being served with the petition. Many self-represented litigants underestimate how quickly this deadline approaches while gathering information or deciding how to respond. Missing this deadline is a critical error that can allow the petitioner to request a default judgment, potentially resulting in the court granting everything the petitioner asked for without your input. Mark the date you were served on a calendar and count 20 days to ensure you file on time.
This form is a sworn statement and requires the respondent's signature to be witnessed by a notary public or deputy clerk. People often sign the document at home and then take it to be notarized, which is incorrect; you must sign it in the presence of the notary. An un-notarized or improperly notarized form will be rejected by the court clerk, invalidating the filing. Always wait to sign the document until you are physically in front of the notary or clerk.
The Certificate of Service is a sworn statement that you sent a copy of the answer to the other party. Common mistakes include forgetting to fill it out, using the wrong date, checking the wrong delivery method, or providing an incorrect address for the other party. An improper Certificate of Service can lead to legal challenges and disputes over whether the other party was properly notified, delaying the case. Always fill this section out completely and accurately on the same day you send the copy.
The instructions and the form itself list several other documents that may be required, such as a Financial Affidavit, UCCJEA Affidavit (if children are involved), and a Notice of Social Security Number. A very common mistake is to file only the Answer form without these crucial attachments. This results in an incomplete filing, which can delay the case and may lead to court sanctions. Carefully review the checklist in the instructions and the checkboxes on the form to ensure you file all necessary documents.
In sections 5 and 7, the respondent must choose between filing a document 'with this answer' or stating it 'will be timely filed.' People often get confused and either check both boxes, neither box, or the wrong box for their situation. This creates confusion for the court and opposing party. You must make a clear choice for each required document and follow through on that choice.
The instructions specify that the form should be typed or printed in black ink. Despite this, people sometimes use blue ink or their handwriting is difficult to read. Using the wrong ink can lead to rejection by the clerk, as black ink is required for official records. Illegible handwriting can cause misinterpretation of critical information, leading to errors in the court record. AI-powered tools like Instafill.ai can convert non-fillable PDFs into fillable versions, eliminating handwriting issues entirely.
The form includes a mandatory section at the very end for a nonlawyer who helps prepare the document. If a paralegal or other nonlawyer assists, they must fill in their name, business, address, and phone number. Respondents and their helpers often overlook or intentionally leave this section blank. Failure to complete this section is a violation of court rules and can have negative consequences. If you receive help from a nonlawyer, ensure they complete this section fully.
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