Need Temporary Custody of a Child in Florida? We Can Help.
If you’re a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or adult sibling caring for a child whose parents are unable to provide stable care, you may be eligible to obtain temporary legal custody through the Florida courts. At Court Source, Inc., we prepare the required court-approved legal documents to help you petition for Temporary Custody by Extended Family—quickly, accurately, and affordably.
We assist individuals and families throughout Ocala (Marion County), Volusia County, Citrus County, Lake County, and all surrounding Florida counties.
What Is Temporary Custody by Extended Family?
Under Florida Statute § 751.01, a qualified relative may petition the court for temporary legal custody of a minor child when the child’s parents are:
Unable to care for the child due to illness, incarceration, drug dependency, or instability
Willing to consent to temporary custody
Absent, missing, or otherwise unavailable
This court-ordered custody allows you to:
Enroll the child in school
Consent to medical treatment
Access public assistance or government benefits
Ensure the child’s safety and stability
Temporary custody is often used as a non-permanent, practical solution for relatives helping during family hardship.
We Prepare the Following Temporary Custody Forms
At Court Source, Inc., we handle the complete preparation of:
Verified Petition for Temporary Custody by Extended Family Member (Form 12.970(a))
Consent of Parents (Form 12.970(b))
UCCJEA Affidavit (Form 12.902(d))
Notice of Related Cases
Motion and Order Waiving Parental Consent (if applicable)
Final Judgment Granting Temporary Custody (Form 12.970(e))
Affidavits of Service or Diligent Search (if needed)
Instructions for Filing and Notarization Guidance
We ensure the forms meet all Florida statutory requirements and are clear, complete, and ready for use in medical settings.
Who Can File for Temporary Custody?
Florida Small Claims Court handles civil cases where the amount in dispute is $8,000 or less, excluding court costs, interest, and attorney fees. Common small claims cases include:
The petitioner must have physical custody of the child or show the need to assume custody in the child’s best interest.
Grandparents
Adult siblings
Aunts or uncles
Great-grandparents
First cousins
Step-parents (in some cases)
Why Choose Court Source, Inc.?
Affordable, Flat-Rate Pricing
Fast Turnaround – Same-Week Filing Available
Remote or In-Person Assistance
Experienced in Florida Family Law Document Preparation
Over a Decade Serving Central Florida Families
We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice—but we help ensure your custody documents are legally compliant and ready for court.
Areas We Serve
We prepare Temporary Custody by Extended Family documents for residents of:
Marion County – Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellon, Silver Springs
Volusia County – DeLand, Daytona Beach, Deltona
Citrus County – Inverness, Crystal River, Homosassa
Lake County – Clermont, Tavares, Mount Dora, Eustis
Plus all nearby cities and counties across Central Florida
Disclaimer
Court Source, Inc. is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. We are non-lawyer document preparers authorized to assist with legal forms based solely on information provided by you. No attorney-client relationship is formed, and nothing on this site should be considered legal advice. For legal guidance, please consult a licensed Florida attorney. Our services comply with Florida Bar Rules, including Rule 10-2.1(b) and Opinion SC00-984.