Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller

FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE - CHANGE OF LOCATION EFFECTIVE AUGUST 18, 2008

A Brief Explanation of the Civil Court System

Civil cases are lawsuits that fall into one of two court jurisdictions, depending on the dollar amount involved in the case. Small Claims Court, a division of County Civil, handles cases that do not exceed $5,000.00. Cases exceeding $5,000.00 but not exceeding $15,000.00 are under the jurisdiction of County Civil. Cases exceeding $15,000.00 and all family law cases, which include divorces, adoptions, name changes, etc., are under the jurisdiction of Civil Court.

GENERAL CIVIL

The civil division of the Circuit Court has jurisdiction over general law cases such as foreclosures, real property disputes, condominium disputes, eminent domain, auto negligence, personal negligence, professional malpractice, products liability, and contracts and indebtedness, all with a claim value over $15,000.00.

DIVORCE/FAMILY LAW

If a couple decides to get a divorce, also referred to as "dissolution of marriage," the Supreme Court of Florida and Florida Family Law have created general information packets regarding divorces for your reference and use. These packets are for couples who wish to represent themselves in their divorce proceedings. As in all matters involving the law, if you do not feel fully comfortable or qualified to represent yourself, you may want to consider obtaining the services of a competent lawyer. In order to file for divorce in Florida, one of the party must be a Florida resident for at least six (6) months prior to the date the divorce petition is filed.

Divorces are a matter of family law. Other family law cases include child and spousal support, adoptions, paternity, change of name, child custody, separate maintenance, and annulment.

Self-help Packets

These self-help packets are for people who wish to represent themselves in the following civil proceedings. These packets are available for purchase at the Cashiering station in the Courthouse.

Packet Number	Packet Name	Cost	Filing Fee
1	Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage	$10.06	$397.50
2	Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Children Or Property	$13.90	$397.50
3	Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Property but No Dependent or Minor Children	$15.34	$397.50
4	Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Children	$19.50	$397.50
5	Petition for Change of Name(Adult)	$4.31	$300.00
6	Petition for Change of Name (Minor Child)	$11.02	$300.00
7	Joint Petition for Adoption by a Stepparent	$12.30	$300.00
8	Supplemental Petition to Modify Custody or Visitation and Other Relief	$16.14	$50.00
9	Supplemental Petition for Modification of Child Support	$16.14	$50.00
10	Petition to Determine Paternity and for Related Relief	$14.70	$300.00
11	Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement	$3.99	$50.00
12	Motion to Contest Impending Judgment	$0.96	$50.00
13	Petition for support unconnected with dissolution of marriage with dependent or minor children	$8.95	$300.00
14	Petition for support unconnected with dissolution of marriage with no dependent or minor children	$6.23	$300.00
15	Supplemental petition for modification of alimony	$5.91	$50.00
Use of these forms does not constitute representation by Courthouse Personnel. The Clerk of Court CANNOT give you legal advice nor can they help you complete these forms. As a PRO SE litigant, you are representing yourself and you alone are responsible for the correct selection and completion of these forms. The best way to insure that you are receiving all the benefits that the law allows is to retain a competent attorney. * Please be prepared to pay the filing fee at the time of filing. The Clerk will accept cash, credit, or checks payable to the Manatee County Clerk of Court. Also, be sure you make copies of all documents being filed. Copies can be made by the Clerk after filing at $1.00 per page, as allowed by Florida Statute.

FORECLOSURES

Judicial sales on foreclosed property are set by the Court and conducted by the Clerk's Office in accordance with the Final Judgment. All foreclosure sales are held in the lobby of the Courthouse, main floor, at 11:00 a.m. Anyone wishing to bid at a foreclosure sale should review the policy set forth by the Clerk's Office. A listing of foreclosed properties can be obtained on-line or in person at the Circuit Civil counter in the Courthouse.