Florida Form CR6E020 is the Notice of Related Cases used in Florida family law and unified family court matters, and you fill it out by listing every pending or closed case that shares parties, children, or subject matter with your new filing, then signing under penalty of perjury and filing it through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The form ties your case to other matters so the court can consolidate, coordinate, or assign them to one judge under the unified family court concept.
Filers who skip this form or fill it out wrong risk delayed hearings, conflicting orders from different judges, and even sanctions for misrepresentation. According to the Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator’s annual statistics, Florida circuit courts handled more than 900,000 family and domestic cases in a recent reporting year, and a meaningful share of those filings involve overlapping parties or children — which is exactly why CR6E020 exists.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📝 How to complete every line of Form CR6E020 the right way the first time
- ⚖️ Which Florida statutes and rules control the form, including Rule 12.330 and Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure
- 👨👩👧 Real named examples for divorce, paternity, and modification filers across Florida
- 🚫 The 7+ most common mistakes that get your form rejected by the clerk
- ❓ Clear FAQ answers about deadlines, e-filing, perjury exposure, and amendments
What Form CR6E020 Is and Why Florida Requires It
Form CR6E020 is the official Notice of Related Cases approved by the Florida Supreme Court for use in family division filings. The form sits inside the broader family law forms library hosted on the Florida State Courts family forms page. The form’s job is to tell the clerk and the assigned judge that your new case is connected to other cases, so the court can decide whether to consolidate them or assign them to a single judge.
The legal backbone for the form is the unified family court philosophy adopted by the Florida Supreme Court in In re Report of the Family Court Steering Committee. The court directs each circuit to keep all cases involving the same family in front of one judge whenever possible. The plain-English meaning is simple: one family, one judge, one consistent set of orders.
The consequence of ignoring this rule is real. Two different judges can issue conflicting orders on timesharing, support, or injunctions, which forces parties back to court to fix the conflict. A real-world example involves a Tampa parent who filed a paternity case without disclosing a pending domestic violence injunction in the same circuit, and the two judges issued opposite contact orders within 30 days of each other. The common misconception is that “related” only means cases between the exact same two adults — but the rule sweeps in any case involving the same minor children, the same household, or the same dependency matter.
Statutory and Rule Authority Behind the Form
The form draws authority from Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.270, which governs consolidation, and from local administrative orders in each judicial circuit. Florida Statutes Chapter 61 governs dissolution of marriage and timesharing, and Chapter 39 governs dependency matters that often overlap with family cases.
The consequence of skipping the rule is that the court can strike your pleading, delay your hearing, or, in serious cases, refer the matter for sanctions. A common scenario is a filer in Orange County who lists only the divorce case but hides a separate paternity action in Seminole County, and the judge later discovers the omission during a case management conference. The misconception is that out-of-county or out-of-circuit cases do not count — they do, and you must list them.
Who Must File Form CR6E020
Any person filing a new family law case in Florida must file CR6E020 at the same time as the initial pleading, even if the answer is “no related cases.” Self-represented filers, attorneys, and guardians ad litem all share this duty under the local administrative orders of circuits like the Eleventh Judicial Circuit and the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.
The consequence of failing to file is that the clerk may reject the entire filing packet, which can blow a statute of limitations or a critical deadline like the 20-day answer window. Picture a Jacksonville petitioner whose divorce petition is rejected on day 19 of a service window because the Notice of Related Cases is missing — that filer loses precious time. The misconception is that lawyers handle this automatically; in reality, many forms are filled out by clients, and the lawyer only signs off at the end.
Step-By-Step: How to Fill Out Florida Form CR6E020
The form is short, but every field carries weight. You will work through the caption, the related case list, and the signature block, and you will file it through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal with your initial pleading. Below is each field in order, with the nuance and the consequence of getting it wrong.
Field 1: The Court Caption
The top of the form names the circuit court, the county, the case number, and the division. You must match the caption exactly to your petition. The Eighth Judicial Circuit clerk’s instructions and other county clerk pages stress that even a single wrong digit in a case number can route your filing to the wrong judge.
The plain-English explanation is: copy the caption from your petition word for word. The consequence of a mismatch is that the clerk’s docketing software cannot link your Notice to the correct file, and it sits in limbo. A real example: Maria, a Hialeah filer in the Eleventh Circuit, wrote “Family” in the division box when her case was assigned to “FC-04” — her form was returned for correction. The common misconception is that the division line is optional; it is not, because divisions drive judicial assignment.
Field 2: Petitioner and Respondent Names
You list the full legal names of both parties as they appear on the petition. Use the names from government identification, not nicknames or maiden-married hybrids. The Florida Bar’s family law section guidance underscores that name consistency across forms prevents identity mix-ups in the clerk’s index.
The consequence of inconsistent names is that the court’s case management system may treat your filing as a separate, unrelated case. For example, James Carter in Orlando filed his petition as “James A. Carter” but signed CR6E020 as “Jim Carter,” and the clerk flagged the form. The misconception is that you can use any signature variant; the rule is that the printed name must match the petition caption.
Field 3: Listing Each Related Case
This is the heart of the form. You list each related case with the case number, the court, the county, the parties, the type of case, and the current status. Related cases include any pending or closed matter involving the same children, the same parties, the same household, or the same custody, support, or domestic violence question. The statewide forms library provides the official template.
The plain-English rule is: when in doubt, list it. The consequence of leaving a case off is that the judge can later strike pleadings, vacate orders, or impose attorney’s fees as a sanction. A real-world example is Daniela Ortiz, a Tampa paternity petitioner who failed to list a closed Hillsborough domestic violence injunction; the assigned judge later required her to refile. The common misconception is that closed cases do not count — they do, because closed cases can still affect timesharing and credibility.
Field 4: Type of Relationship Between Cases
You check or describe how the cases are related — same parties, same children, same household, same dependency case, or same domestic violence matter. Florida’s unified family court approach, summarized in the Family Court Tool Kit, explains why each link matters.
The consequence of a vague description is that the judge may not consolidate, and you may litigate the same issue twice. For example, Andre Wilson in Broward listed a paternity case as “related” without specifying that the child was the same minor, and the divorce and paternity cases proceeded separately for months. The misconception is that the court will figure it out — judges rely on the form, not on guesswork.
Field 5: Signature Block and Notarization
CR6E020 is signed under penalty of perjury under Florida Statute § 837.012. Most circuits accept an unsworn declaration that follows the form’s pre-printed certification, but some local rules require a notary. Check your county clerk page, like the Pinellas Clerk family forms guide.
The consequence of a false statement is a third-degree misdemeanor charge plus possible civil sanctions in the family case. A real example: Kevin Brooks, a self-represented Pensacola filer, signed a Notice that omitted a known dependency case — opposing counsel raised § 837.012 in a motion for sanctions. The misconception is that “I forgot” is a defense; the standard is what you knew or reasonably should have known.
Field 6: Service on the Other Party
After filing, you must serve the other side under Florida Family Law Rule 12.080, usually through the E-Filing Portal’s e-service feature or by certified mail if the other side is unrepresented and unregistered.
The consequence of skipping service is that the other side can move to strike, and the judge can refuse to act on related-case relief. For example, Priscilla Gomez in Miami-Dade filed CR6E020 but never e-served the opposing party, and the judge declined to consolidate at the next case management conference. The misconception is that filing alone gives notice — it does not.
Three Real-World Scenarios With Outcomes
The three most common CR6E020 fact patterns involve divorce overlapping with paternity, modification overlapping with injunctions, and dependency overlapping with timesharing. Each pattern triggers different consolidation outcomes under the unified family court framework.
Scenario 1: Divorce With a Pending Paternity Case
| Filer Action | Court Outcome |
|---|---|
| Lists prior paternity case, same child, same county, status pending | Cases consolidated under one judge for timesharing and support |
| Omits paternity case from CR6E020 | Conflicting timesharing orders issued, motion to vacate filed |
A practical illustration: James Carter in Orange County lists his prior paternity case for the same minor child, and the judge consolidates both files within three weeks. The consequence of a clean filing is one consistent parenting plan. The misconception is that paternity is “separate” once divorce begins; in fact, paternity findings often control divorce timesharing.
Scenario 2: Modification With an Active Domestic Violence Injunction
| Filer Action | Court Outcome |
|---|---|
| Lists active injunction case, same parties, same household | Judge coordinates contact orders to avoid conflict |
| Hides injunction to “avoid bias” | Sanctions and credibility damage at evidentiary hearing |
For example, Daniela Ortiz in Hillsborough discloses an active injunction when filing her timesharing modification, and the judge crafts an exchange protocol that complies with both files. The consequence of disclosure is safer, enforceable timesharing. The misconception is that disclosure helps the other side; in reality, hiding it almost always backfires.
Scenario 3: Dependency Case Affecting a Divorce
| Filer Action | Court Outcome |
|---|---|
| Lists open Chapter 39 dependency case | Divorce stayed or coordinated until dependency resolves |
| Fails to list dependency | Dissolution judge issues orders that conflict with DCF case plan |
A useful example: Andre Wilson in Broward lists his open dependency case on CR6E020, and the dissolution judge defers timesharing until the dependency court rules. The consequence of disclosure is one coherent plan for the child. The misconception is that dependency is confidential and cannot be listed; the case number and court can be listed without revealing protected content.
Filing, Fees, and Deadlines
You file Form CR6E020 with your initial pleading or, if you learn of a related case later, by the next business day after discovery. Filing happens through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal for attorneys and most pro se filers, although counter filing is still available in most clerks’ offices.
There is no separate filing fee for CR6E020 because it is part of the petition packet. The petition itself carries a statutory filing fee set under Florida Statute § 28.241, which in 2026 is generally $408 to $409 for dissolution of marriage in most counties. Fee waivers are available under § 57.081 for indigent filers.
The consequence of late filing is that the judge may strike pleadings or refuse relief at the first hearing. For example, Kevin Brooks in Escambia County waited two weeks after learning about a related injunction to amend his CR6E020, and the judge refused to consolidate at the case management conference. The misconception is that you can wait until trial — you cannot, because consolidation decisions happen early.
E-Filing the Form Step by Step
E-filing follows a strict order on the E-Filing Portal. You select the county, the division (Family), the case type, and you upload CR6E020 as a separate PDF labeled clearly. The E-Filing Portal user guide gives screenshots for each step.
The consequence of mislabeling the upload is that the clerk’s docketing system files it under the wrong document type, and the judge’s case manager cannot find it. Maria Lopez in Miami-Dade uploaded her Notice of Related Cases as “Other,” and the judge’s chambers asked her to refile. The misconception is that the portal sorts documents automatically; it does not.
Amending the Notice After Filing
If you discover a new related case, you file an amended Notice of Related Cases. Florida Family Law Rule 12.190 on amendments applies by analogy, and most circuits accept the amendment without leave of court if filed before a case management conference.
The consequence of failing to amend is that the original Notice becomes a sworn misstatement under § 837.012. Priscilla Gomez discovered a closed paternity case three weeks into her divorce and amended within two days, which the judge accepted without comment. The misconception is that you must seek leave of court — most circuits do not require it before the first hearing.
Mistakes to Avoid
Self-represented filers and even seasoned paralegals make the same mistakes on CR6E020 over and over. Each one carries a measurable cost in time, money, or credibility, so review this list before you click “submit” on the E-Filing Portal.
- Listing only the current case when prior cases involve the same children — the judge will discover the omission and may sanction you.
- Skipping closed cases because you assume they no longer matter — closed cases shape custody and credibility analysis.
- Using nicknames or partial names that do not match the petition caption — the clerk’s index will not link your forms.
- Leaving the division line blank when the clerk has not yet assigned a division — write “to be assigned” rather than nothing.
- Forgetting to e-serve the other side through the portal — the judge can refuse to act on consolidation requests.
- Failing to amend when you learn of a new case after filing — the original Notice becomes a perjury risk.
- Mislabeling the PDF upload as “Other” or “Miscellaneous” — the form gets buried in the docket.
- Signing on behalf of a client without authority — only the party or counsel of record may sign.
- Listing out-of-state cases without identifying them as foreign — the court still wants to know, but mark them clearly.
- Treating the form as optional when no related cases exist — you must still file the form and write “none.”
Do’s and Don’ts for Form CR6E020
Following these rules keeps your filing clean and your case on track. Each do and don’t ties to a specific Florida rule or local administrative order.
- Do copy the caption exactly from your petition because mismatches break docketing.
- Do list every pending and closed related case because the rule has no statute-of-limitations cutoff.
- Do check your county clerk’s local guidance because circuits like the Ninth Judicial Circuit post extra instructions.
- Do save a stamped copy of the filed Notice because you will need it at every hearing.
- Do amend within one business day of learning new information because the judge wants current data.
- Don’t leave any field blank because the clerk treats blanks as defects.
- Don’t rely on opposing counsel to disclose related cases because the duty is yours.
- Don’t sign for someone else because that violates Bar Rule 4-8.4.
- Don’t assume confidential dependency cases cannot be listed because case numbers are still listable.
- Don’t skip e-service because the rule under 12.080 requires it.
Pros and Cons of Filing Carefully
A well-prepared CR6E020 has clear benefits and a few real costs. Weighing them helps you decide how much time to spend on the form before filing.
Pros:
- Faster consolidation under unified family court, saving months of duplicate hearings.
- Lower legal fees because one judge resolves overlapping issues in one stroke.
- Reduced risk of conflicting orders that force motions to vacate later.
- Stronger credibility with the judge at the first case management conference.
- Compliance with Rule 12.270 and circuit administrative orders.
Cons:
- Up-front time investment to track down case numbers and statuses.
- Potential disclosure of older cases the filer would rather not highlight.
- Strategic exposure when the other side learns about prior litigation.
- Possible delay if a complex dependency case forces a stay of the divorce.
- Continuing duty to amend that adds workload throughout the case.
Key People, Places, and Entities You Will Encounter
Several institutions and roles touch every CR6E020 filing. Knowing who they are makes the process less confusing and helps you direct questions to the right place.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county receives, dockets, and indexes the form, and county clerks like the Hillsborough Clerk post their own family law instructions. The Florida Courts E-Filing Authority runs the statewide portal used to submit the form. The Office of the State Courts Administrator under the Florida Supreme Court maintains the official forms library.
The assigned circuit judge in your family division reviews the Notice and decides on consolidation. The case manager in chambers tracks compliance and can flag missing or amended Notices. The Florida Bar’s Family Law Section publishes practice pointers at the Family Law Section site, and legal aid organizations like Florida Law Help help indigent filers complete the form correctly.
Court Rulings and Precedent That Shape the Form
Florida appellate courts have repeatedly enforced the unified family court rule and the duty to disclose related cases. Decisions from the district courts of appeal published on the Florida District Courts of Appeal opinions page reinforce that consolidation is favored when overlapping parties or children appear.
The plain-English takeaway is that judges have wide discretion to consolidate, and they treat nondisclosure harshly. The consequence of caselaw is that hiding a case rarely succeeds and often produces fee awards. A scenario worth noting: an appellate court remanded a Broward case because the trial judge entered timesharing orders without reviewing a related dependency file the filer had failed to list. The misconception is that appellate courts excuse paperwork errors; they often do not when those errors mislead the trial court.
Sanctions Risk Under Section 57.105
Florida Statute § 57.105 lets a judge award fees against a party who knowingly files a false or misleading paper. A false Notice of Related Cases qualifies if the omission was knowing or reckless.
The consequence is a fee award that can run into thousands of dollars. Andre Wilson faced a § 57.105 motion in Broward after omitting a dependency case, and the parties settled the fee dispute for $4,200. The misconception is that § 57.105 only applies to frivolous lawsuits; it also applies to specific false papers within an otherwise valid case.
Perjury Exposure Under Section 837.012
Section 837.012 makes a false unsworn statement in an official proceeding a first-degree misdemeanor. The CR6E020 certification language places the filer squarely under this statute.
The consequence is criminal exposure on top of civil sanctions. Kevin Brooks received a referral to the State Attorney’s Office after a knowing omission, although the office declined to prosecute. The misconception is that prosecutors never charge perjury in family court — they rarely do, but referrals alone can damage credibility before the family judge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form CR6E020 mandatory in every Florida family law case?
Yes. Every new family law petition in Florida must include a Notice of Related Cases under unified family court rules and circuit administrative orders, even when the filer has no related cases to list.
Do I have to list closed cases on Form CR6E020?
Yes. Closed cases involving the same parties, children, or household must be listed because they can still affect timesharing, support, and credibility decisions in the new matter.
Can I file Form CR6E020 by mail instead of e-filing?
Yes. Self-represented filers may file at the clerk’s counter or by mail in most counties, although the E-Filing Portal is faster and required for attorneys statewide.
Is there a filing fee for the Notice of Related Cases?
No. The Notice has no separate fee because it travels with the petition, and the petition fee under § 28.241 covers the entire packet for the initial filing.
Do I need a notary to sign Form CR6E020?
No. Most Florida circuits accept the form’s unsworn certification under § 92.525, although a few local rules ask for a notary, so check your county clerk’s posted instructions.
Can I amend the Notice if I find a new related case later?
Yes. You file an amended Notice through the E-Filing Portal as soon as you learn of the case, ideally within one business day, to avoid perjury and sanctions exposure.
Does Form CR6E020 cover out-of-state related cases?
Yes. Out-of-state cases involving the same children or parties must be listed and clearly marked as foreign, especially when the UCCJEA governs jurisdiction.
Will the judge consolidate cases automatically once I file the Notice?
No. The judge reviews the Notice and decides consolidation based on efficiency, fairness, and the unified family court goal under the Family Court Tool Kit.
Can I be sanctioned for an honest mistake on Form CR6E020?
No. Honest, non-reckless errors usually draw a correction order rather than sanctions, although § 57.105 can apply when the omission is knowing or reckless.
Do dependency cases under Chapter 39 need to be listed?
Yes. Open or closed Chapter 39 dependency cases must be listed because they directly affect timesharing and parental rights in the family case.
Can a paralegal sign Form CR6E020 for the client?
No. Only the party or counsel of record may sign because the certification is personal under § 837.012, and signing for someone else can violate Bar Rule 4-8.4.
Does Form CR6E020 apply to domestic violence injunction petitions?
Yes. Injunction petitioners must disclose related family or criminal cases involving the same parties to help the court coordinate contact and exchange orders safely.
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