Case Title: In Re: Amendments to Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure and Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.146

Citation: 

Docket Number: SC16-553

State: florida

Court: Florida Supreme Court

Date: 2017-03-23T00:00:00Z

Document:
Supreme Court of Florida 
 
 
____________ 
 
No. SC16-553 
____________ 
 
 
IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO FLORIDA RULES OF JUVENILE 
PROCEDURE AND FLORIDA RULE OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE 
9.146. 
 
[March 23, 2017] 
 
PER CURIAM. 
 
This matter is before the Court for consideration of proposed amendments to 
the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure and the Florida Rules of Appellate 
Procedure.  We have jurisdiction.  See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const. 
BACKGROUND 
In J.B. v. Florida Department of Children and Families, 170 So. 3d 780, 
794-95 (Fla. 2015), this Court provided interim procedures to be followed in 
bringing claims of ineffective assistance of counsel following the termination of 
parental rights.  In October 2015, the Chief Justice appointed the Select Committee 
on Claims of Ineffective Assistance of Counsel in Termination of Parental Rights 
Proceedings (Select Committee) and directed it to work with the Appellate Court 
Rules Committee (ACRC), and the Juvenile Court Rules Committee (JCRC) to 
 
 
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create the permanent process for raising such claims and develop proposed rules 
for adoption by the Court.  The Select Committee included four JCRC members 
and six ACRC members.  The Select Committee had members from the Florida 
Department of Children and Families; Office of the Attorney General; Legal Needs 
of Children Committee; Guardian Ad Litem; Florida Children First; Criminal 
Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel; as well as private criminal and civil 
practitioners.  Based on the decision in J.B., the Select Committee drafted rules, 
which a majority of that committee favor, that are narrowly tailored to provide an 
ineffective assistance of court-appointed counsel claim for indigent parents in 
termination of parental rights cases.  The JCRC, by a vote of 17-4-3, favored 
broader rules that would apply to all counsel for all parents in such cases.  The 
ACRC unanimously adopted the Select Committee’s proposed amendments to 
Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.146.  But, twenty-four ACRC members 
would support the broader rules favored by the JCRC.   
The Select Committee, the ACRC, and the JCRC have now filed their joint 
report offering two sets of rules for raising claims of ineffective assistance of 
counsel in termination of parental rights proceedings.  The first set is narrow in 
scope (narrow version) and applies only to court-appointed counsel for indigent 
parents.  The second set of rules is broader in scope (broad version) and applies to 
all counsel for all parents.  The narrow version is favored by the Select Committee.  
 
 
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The broad version is favored by the JCRC.  The ACRC approved both versions of 
Rule 9.146.  The Florida Bar Board of Governors approved both versions of the 
rules.  The proposed rule amendments were not published prior to being filed with 
the Court. 
After the proposals were filed, the Court published both versions for 
comment.  Six comments were received.  Some of the comments supported the 
broad version of the proposals and other comments supported the narrow version.  
In their joint response, the Select Committee, the ACRC, and the JCRC 
recommended several additional or revised rule amendments in response to the 
comments.  Oral argument was heard in this matter on December 7, 2016.   
 
Upon consideration of the joint report, the comments, and the presentations 
of the participants at oral argument, we adopt the broad version of the proposals, 
with modifications, as discussed below.   
AMENDMENTS 
Rule 8.510 (Advisory Hearing and Pretrial Status Conferences) is amended 
to require, in subdivision (a)(2)(A), that parents be advised of their right to 
effective counsel in termination of parental rights proceedings.  
Rule 8.517 (Withdrawal and Appointment of Attorney) is amended to create 
a new separate subdivision (b) specifically addressing the withdrawal of an 
attorney after entry of an order terminating parental rights.  Along with the other 
 
 
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requirements currently contained in subdivision (a), this new subdivision also 
requires that a parent’s attorney certify that the attorney has advised the parent of 
the right to make a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel before the court 
allows the attorney to withdraw.  New subdivision (c) is also added in order to 
address the appointment of appellate counsel.   
Rule 8.525 (Adjudicatory Hearings) is amended to require the court to 
advise a parent, both orally and in the order terminating parental rights, that he or 
she has a right to appeal the order terminating parental rights and a right to file a 
claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.  The court must also include in the order 
terminating parental rights a brief explanation of the procedure for filing a claim of 
ineffective assistance of counsel.  
New Rule 8.530 (Parent’s Motion Claiming Ineffective Assistance of 
Counsel Following Order Terminating Parental Rights) sets forth the procedure for 
a parent to file a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel in a termination of 
parental rights proceeding.  Subdivision (a) requires the court to advise a parent of 
his or her right to appeal and to file a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel. 
Subdivision (b) requires trial counsel to advise the parent of his or her right to 
appeal, determine whether the parent elects to appeal, inquire whether the parent 
intends to file a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, and if the parent intends 
to do so, immediately seek to withdraw.  Subdivision (c) states that a parent’s 
 
 
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motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel should be filed in the circuit 
court and that the trial court continues to have jurisdiction to consider a motion 
claiming ineffective assistance of counsel in a proceeding terminating parental 
rights even if a notice of appeal has been filed. 
Subdivision (d)(1) states that an indigent parent is not entitled to a court-
appointed attorney to assist with a motion claiming ineffective assistance of 
counsel.  Subdivision (d)(2) provides that an indigent parent is entitled to 
appointed counsel in both the trial and appellate court in termination of parental 
rights proceedings and on appellate review of an order on a motion for ineffective 
assistance of trial counsel.  Subdivision (e) requires a motion claiming ineffective 
assistance of counsel to be filed within twenty days of the date the court entered 
the written order terminating parental rights.  Subdivision (f) provides that the 
timely filing of a motion claiming ineffective assistance tolls rendition of the order 
terminating parental rights until the court enters an order on the motion or for fifty 
days, whichever occurs first.   
Subdivisions (g)(1)–(g)(4) set forth the requirements for the motion claiming 
ineffective assistance of counsel.  Subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)(2) require that the 
motion be in writing and under oath and contain the case name, case number, and 
the date the written order terminating parental rights was entered.  Subdivision 
(g)(3) requires that the motion contain the current mailing address, any e-mail 
 
 
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address, and the phone number of the parent filing the motion for the purposes of 
receiving notices and orders.   
Subdivision (g)(4) sets forth the required allegations pertaining to the 
attorney’s alleged ineffectiveness.  As proposed, this subdivision would have 
required the movant to “identify specific acts or omissions in the attorney’s 
representation of the parent during the termination of parental rights proceedings 
that constituted a failure to provide reasonable, professional assistance and explain 
how the acts or omissions prejudiced the parent’s case to such an extent that the 
result would have been different absent the deficient performance.”  Comments 
pertaining to this subdivision suggested that it should be modified to more 
accurately reflect the standard for granting relief on an ineffective assistance of 
counsel claim that was adopted in J.B.—i.e., that “but for counsel’s deficient 
representation the parent’s rights would not have been terminated.”  J.B., 170 So. 
3d at 792.  We agree and adopt this subdivision modified accordingly.1 
Subdivision (h) allows a parent to amend a timely-filed motion within 
twenty days from the date of the order terminating parental rights without court 
permission and also allows the court to order a parent to file an amended motion 
                                          
 
 
1.  This modification is also made in subdivisions (l)(2), (n)(4), and 
(n)(5)(A) and (B).  Similar modifications are made in Forms 8.983, 8.9832, and 
8.984.     
 
 
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“as provided in this rule.”  Subdivision (i) requires the clerk to immediately 
provide these types of motions and the court file to the judge who entered the order 
terminating parental rights.  Subdivision (j) explains that no answer or responsive 
pleading is required from any other party in the proceeding.  Subdivision (k) 
requires the parent to serve the motion on all parties to the termination of parental 
rights proceeding as well as the attorney the parent claims provided ineffective 
assistance.   
Subdivision (l) governs summary denial of a motion.  Subdivision (l)(1) 
requires summary denial within five days of any motion filed after the twenty-day 
time limit and states that the order is final for purposes of appeal.  Subdivision 
(l)(2) addresses the summary denial of legally insufficient motions.  It permits 
denial of the motion as legally insufficient within five days of filing, defines legal 
insufficiency, requires the court to set forth in the order the basis for the conclusion 
that the motion is legally insufficient, and states that if the court does not direct the 
filing of an amended motion, the order is final for purposes of appeal.  Subdivision 
(m) permits the court to enter an order authorizing the filing of an amended 
motion.   
Subdivision (n) governs evidentiary hearings.  Under proposed subdivision 
(n)(1), if a motion is timely and sufficient, the court is required to conduct an 
evidentiary hearing as expeditiously as possible.  Subdivision (n)(2) requires that 
 
 
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notice be given to the parties and participants in the termination of parental rights 
proceeding and to the attorney who is alleged to have provided ineffective 
assistance.  The notice is required to state the issues to be determined and that the 
moving parent is required to present evidence at the hearing.  Subdivision (n)(3) 
addresses the record of the adjudicatory hearing in the termination of parental 
rights proceeding.  It allows the court to order an expedited record for review and 
allows for an electronic recording to be substituted for a transcript of the 
adjudicatory hearing.  This subdivision also requires that if the judge conducting 
the motion hearing is different than the judge who presided at the termination of 
parental rights adjudicatory hearing, the expedited record must be ordered.  
Subdivision (n)(4) explains that the moving parent has the burden of presenting 
evidence and the burden of proof and allows other parties to present evidence 
regarding the claims raised in the motion claiming ineffective assistance of 
counsel.  Subdivision (n)(5) requires the court to enter an order on the motion 
within five days after an evidentiary hearing.  Subdivision (n)(5)(A) provides that 
if the motion is granted, the court must enter an order stating the reasons for 
granting the motion and vacating the order terminating parental rights without 
prejudice.  The court must also schedule an adjudicatory hearing on the petition for 
termination of parental rights to take place no later than forty-five days from the 
date of the order granting the motion and appoint an attorney for the parent, as 
 
 
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provided by law.  Subdivision (n)(5)(B) states that if the motion is denied, the 
court must enter an order stating the reasons for the denial, and that the order is the 
final order for purposes of appeal. 
Subdivision (o) states that if the court does not enter a written order on the 
motion within fifty days from the date the court entered the written order 
terminating parental rights, the motion is deemed denied with prejudice.  
Subdivision (p) requires that the order be served on the parties, including the 
moving parent, within forty-eight hours of rendition of the order, and the order 
must include a dated certificate of service.  Subdivision (q) prohibits the filing of a 
second or successive motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel.  
Subdivision (r) states that any appeals of an order claiming ineffective assistance 
of counsel in a termination of parental rights proceeding will be governed by 
Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.146 (Appeal Proceedings in Juvenile 
Dependency and Termination of Parental Rights Cases and Cases Involving 
Families and Children in Need of Services). 
Form 8.983 is amended to change the title of the form to “Order 
Involuntarily Terminating Parental Rights” to make it clear that it should be used 
only for involuntary termination of parental rights.  In addition, the notice 
provisions in the order are amended to advise parents that they have a right to 
make a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.  The notice provision gives an 
 
 
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overview of the requirements and process for making a claim of ineffective 
assistance of counsel.  
New Form 8.9831 (Motion Claiming Ineffective Assistance of Counsel 
After Order Terminating Parental Rights) is adopted.  This form provides a format 
for the moving parent to follow when drafting a motion claiming ineffective 
assistance of counsel in a termination of parental rights proceeding.  It is meant to 
ensure that the format and language of the motions are consistent and 
comprehensible, assist the parent in setting forth the factual basis for making the 
claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, and expedite the resolution of the 
motion.   
New Form 8.9832 (Order on Motion Claiming Ineffective Assistance of 
Counsel After Order Terminating Parental Rights) is adopted.  The form provides a 
format for a judge to follow when drafting an order on a motion claiming 
ineffective assistance of counsel in a termination of parental rights proceeding. 
The form includes alternative findings and rulings based on the circumstances of 
the case.  In accordance with Rule 8.530 (Parent’s Motion Claiming Ineffective 
Assistance of Counsel Following Order Terminating Parental Rights), the form 
allows the trial court to make findings that a motion is untimely, sufficient or 
insufficient, or whether the evidence presented at a hearing supports the court 
 
 
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vacating the order terminating parental rights due to ineffective assistance of 
counsel. 
Form 8.984 is amended to change the title to “Order Terminating Parental 
Rights (Voluntary),” for consistency with the other rules and forms, and add 
language in the notice provisions of the form to advise parents that they have a 
right to make a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.  The notice provision 
gives an overview of the requirements and process for making a claim of 
ineffective assistance of counsel.   
Rule 9.146 (Appeal Proceedings in Juvenile Dependency and Termination of 
Parental Rights Cases and Cases Involving Families and Children in Need of 
Services) is amended to add new subdivisions (i)(1)–(i)(4) governing appeals from 
orders involving claims of ineffective assistance of counsel in termination of 
parental rights proceedings.  These new subdivisions (1) acknowledge that a 
motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel tolls rendition of an order 
terminating parental rights; (2) provide, consistent with J.B., that an appeal from an 
order denying a motion alleging ineffective assistance of counsel must be raised 
and addressed in the appeal from the order terminating parental rights; (3) require 
the filing of notice of a timely-filed motion claiming ineffective assistance of 
counsel in the termination of parental rights proceedings and provide that such 
notice automatically stays the appeal until the disposition of the motion; (4) require 
 
 
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preparation of a supplemental record of the hearing on the motion claiming 
ineffective assistance of counsel within twenty days; and (5) require the clerk to 
automatically supplement the record on appeal with the motion, the order, and the 
transcript from the hearing within five days of the order ruling on the motion or 
within five days of the filing of the transcript, whichever is later.   
These amendments are meant to recognize the priority and expediency given 
to appeals under Rule 9.146 and this Court’s admonishment in J.B. that ineffective 
assistance of counsel claims need to be timely processed.  Current subdivisions 
(g)(2)(B) and (g)(2)(C) of the rule require the court reporter to provide a transcript 
within twenty days of service of the designation to the reporter and require the 
clerk to transmit the record within five days of the filing of the transcript.  Thus, 
the record of the proceedings prior to the filing of a motion alleging ineffective 
assistance is likely to be prepared and transmitted to the appellate court prior to 
expiration of the time limitation within which the trial court must act on the 
motion.  Because the appeal from an order denying a motion alleging the 
ineffective assistance of counsel must be raised in the appeal from the order 
terminating parental rights, it will be necessary to supplement the already-prepared 
record with the proceedings related to the ineffective assistance of counsel motion.  
Subdivisions (i)(4)(B)–(i)(4)(C) provide the mechanisms to supplement the record 
with the necessary filings to enable appellate review of the trial court’s ruling on 
 
 
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the motion alleging ineffective assistance of counsel, while ensuring that the 
appeal is timely processed. 
CONCLUSION 
 
Accordingly, the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure and forms and the 
Florida Appellate Rules of Procedure are hereby amended as set forth in the 
appendix to this opinion.  New language is indicated by underscoring.  Deleted 
language is shown in struck-through type.  The committee notes are offered for 
explanation only and are not adopted as an official part of the rules.  The 
amendments shall become effective immediately upon release of this opinion.   
It is so ordered. 
LABARGA, C.J., and LEWIS, QUINCE, and CANADY, JJ., concur. 
PARIENTE, J., concurs in part and dissents in part with an opinion, in which 
POLSTON, J., concurs. 
LAWSON, J., did not participate. 
 
THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE 
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS. 
 
PARIENTE, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part. 
 
I concur in the adoption of the rules for ineffective assistance of counsel 
claims in termination of parental rights (“TPR”) proceedings for indigent parents, 
but I dissent because I would not adopt the broader version of the rule applying to 
claims of ineffective assistance of counsel for both court-appointed counsel and 
privately retained counsel.  Our narrowly tailored opinion in J.B. v. Department of 
 
 
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Children and Families, 170 So. 3d 780 (Fla. 2015), dealt only with the right of 
indigent parents to effective assistance of counsel.  Id. at 790 (“we now expressly 
hold what was only implicit in our prior decisions: the right of indigent parents to 
counsel under the Florida Constitution in TPR proceedings necessarily includes the 
constitutional right to the effective assistance of counsel” (emphasis added)).   
We emphasized in J.B. that an indigent parent’s right to effective counsel in 
TPR proceedings emanates not from the Sixth Amendment to the United States 
Constitution but from the Due Process Clause of the Florida Constitution.  Id. at 
799; see art. I, § 9, Fla. Const.  While a similar legal analysis would likely 
conclude that a parent with privately retained counsel shares this constitutional 
right based on the fundamental liberty interest in being a parent to a child, this 
Court did not have that case before it in J.B. and, therefore, did not rule on it.  
Extending the right recognized in J.B. to parents with privately-retained counsel is 
a substantive matter that is appropriately decided in the context of an actual case or 
controversy.  In my view, determining whether the right to effective assistance of 
counsel in TPR proceedings applies broadly to parents with privately retained 
counsel in addition to parents with court-appointed counsel is not properly resolved 
in a rulemaking proceeding.2     
                                          
 
 
2.  There are legitimate arguments in support of both the broader rule and 
narrower rule.  Both viewpoints merit thorough briefing and consideration in the 
 
 
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No matter what carefully crafted procedures are implemented, I have no 
doubt that this rule will have unintended consequences, including the potential 
proliferation of ineffective assistance of counsel claims in TPR proceedings.3  
Additionally, there will be added costs—in time and money—to an already 
overburdened system.  One example of such costs is having to provide a different 
set of court-appointed attorneys to address the ineffective assistance of counsel 
claims for indigent parents during appeals.  Even more troubling is the potential 
delay in the finality of TPR proceedings and thus the ultimate permanency 
determination for the children, when it is the children’s best interests that are 
paramount.  J.B., 170 So. 3d at 792 (“[T]he interest in finality is substantially 
heightened in the TPR context by the very important consideration that must be 
given to the child’s interest in reaching permanency and to the harm that results 
when permanency is unduly delayed.”); see also S.M. v. Fla. Dep’t of Children & 
Families, 202 So. 3d 769, 782 (Fla. 2016) (“The ‘right’ of a parent to a bond with 
                                          
 
form of a case or controversy rather than through a nonadversarial rules 
proceeding. 
 
3.  The full impact of adopting the broader view of these rules is largely 
unknown.  Even the Select Committee admits that key data regarding TPR 
proceedings—the percentage of parents with court-appointed counsel and the 
number of cases appealed—is purely anecdotal. 
 
 
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the child is important, but ultimately the health, welfare, and safety of the child 
must be paramount.”). 
I reiterate what I stated in my concurring opinion in J.B. regarding the effect 
of these claims on the child’s right to permanency: 
I concur in the Court’s opinion but with trepidation because 
providing a mechanism to vindicate ineffective assistance of counsel 
claims in termination of parental rights (TPR) proceedings should not 
unintentionally cause negative consequences in the life of the child as 
a result of further delay.  I therefore emphasize the important reality 
articulated by the Court—that “[t]imely disposition of TPR ineffective 
assistance of counsel claims is essential in light of the harm to the 
child that results when permanency is unduly delayed.” 
 
170 So. 3d at 797 (Pariente, J., concurring) (quoting In re S.M., 614 A.2d 
312, 316 (Pa. 1992)).   
We should also heed this comment from attorney Jeanne Tate, a board 
certified adoption attorney, who has practiced in the adoption arena for over thirty 
years and who filed formal comments in this case: “There are already 
indeterminable delays for children in foster care and the floodgates should not be 
opened to provide greater uncertainty about permanency options.”  She notes that a 
similar right to counsel exists for indigent parents who are the subject of private 
TPR actions under chapter 63, Florida Statutes; therefore, this rulemaking case 
could have implications beyond the scope of dependency cases.  
My concern is that, at the least, the majority’s opinion thwarts the resolution 
of this issue of substantive law via a case or controversy because it is difficult to 
 
 
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understand who will challenge the application of the rule once it is in place, when a 
litigant with privately retained counsel files a motion pursuant to this rule.  At the 
worst, the majority’s opinion threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of rights 
intertwined in TPR proceedings by opening the floodgates to ineffective assistance 
of counsel claims.  Either result is a disservice to the vulnerable children whose 
interests are at the crux of these rules, so I respectfully concur in the adoption of 
the rules for ineffective assistance of counsel claims in TPR proceedings except to 
the extent that they adopt the broader version granting the constitutional right of 
effective assistance of counsel to parents with privately retained attorneys. 
In either event, I urge the Commission on District Court of Appeal 
Performance and Accountability (DCAP&A) and the Commission on Trial Court 
Performance and Accountability (TCP&A) to continue monitoring any delays that 
arise in bringing TPR cases to final resolution for the best interests of the child.4   
POLSTON, J., concurs.  
                                          
 
 
4.  In the joint report entitled “Performance Study: Dependency and 
Termination of Parental Rights Appeal,” the DCAP&A and TCPA&A looked into 
reasons that the appellate courts were not meeting the overall goal of 165 days 
from Notice of Appeal to Disposition, pointing out that delay in document receipt, 
which includes receipt of the record and the briefs of parties, was a consistent 
problem across all districts.  My new concern is whether the insertion of an 
additional issue on appeal, regarding ineffective assistance of counsel, will cause 
further delay.  As the Report states, and all agree, “each reduction in time on 
appeal is a direct benefit to the child in the time to permanency.” 
 
 
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Original Proceeding – Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure and Florida Rules of 
Appellate Procedure 
 
Judge Sandra Sue Robbins, Chair, Select Committee on Claims of Ineffective 
Assistance of Counsel in Termination of Parental Rights Proceedings, Ocala, 
Florida; Thomasina Moore, Select Committee on Claims of Ineffective Assistance 
of Counsel in Termination of Parental Rights Proceedings, Orlando, Florida; Ward 
Lee Metzger, Chair, and Robert William Mason, Past Chair, Juvenile Court Rules 
Committee, Jacksonville, Florida; Jeffrey D. Deen, Vice Chair, Juvenile Court 
Rules Committee, Casselberry, Florida; Kristin A. Norse, Chair, Appellate Court 
Rules Committee, Tampa, Florida; Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II, Past Chair, 
Appellate Court Rules Committee, Tallahassee, Florida; and John F. Harkness, Jr., 
Executive Director, Heather Savage Telfer, and Krys Godwin, Bar Staff Liaisons, 
The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, Florida, 
 
 
for Petitioners 
 
Ryan Thomas Truskoski of Ryan Thomas Truskoski, P.A., Orlando, Florida; 
Whitney M. Untiedt of Akerman LLP, Miami, Florida, on behalf of the Public 
Interest Law Section of The Florida Bar; Robin L. Rosenberg, Deputy Director, 
Florida’s Children First, Tampa, Florida, on behalf of Florida’s Children First and 
the University of Miami Children and Youth Law Clinic; Jeanne T. Tate of Jeanne 
T. Tate P.A., Tampa, Florida; Kristin A. Norse of Kynes, Markman & Felman, 
P.A., Tampa, Florida; Chris W. Altenbernd of Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, P.A., 
Tampa, Florida; Thomas D. Hall of The Mills Firm, P.A., Tallahassee, Florida; and 
Alan Abramowitz, Executive Director, and Dennis W. Moore, General Counsel, 
Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office, Tallahassee, Florida, 
 
 
Responding with Comments 
 
 
 
 
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APPENDIX 
RULE 8.510. 
ADVISORY HEARING AND PRETRIAL STATUS 
CONFERENCES 
(a) 
Advisory Hearing. 
(1) 
An advisory hearing on the petition to terminate parental rights 
must be held as soon as possible after service of process can be effected, but no 
less than 72 hours following service of process. Personal appearance of any person 
at the advisory hearing eliminates the time requirement for serving process on that 
person. 
(2) 
The court must: 
(A) 
advise the parents of their right to counsel including the 
right to an effective attorney and appoint counselan attorney in accordance with 
legal requirements; 
(B) 
advise the parents of the availability of private placement 
of the child with an adoption entity, as defined in chapter 63, Florida Statutes; 
(C) 
determine whether an admission, consent, or denial to the 
petition shall be entered; and 
(D) 
appoint a guardian ad litem if one has not already been 
appointed. 
(3) 
If a parent served with notice fails to personally appear at the 
advisory hearing, the court shall enter a consent to the termination of parental 
rights petition for the parent who failed to personally appear. 
(4) 
If an admission or consent is entered by all parents for a named 
child included in the petition for termination of parental rights and the court finds 
that termination of parental rights is in the best interest of the child, the court shall 
proceed to disposition alternatives as provided by law. 
(5) 
If a denial is entered, the court shall set an adjudicatory hearing 
within the period of time provided by law or grant a continuance until the parties 
have sufficient time to proceed to an adjudicatory hearing. 
 
 
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(b) – (c) [no change] 
RULE 8.517. 
WITHDRAWAL AND APPOINTMENT OF 
COUNSELATTORNEY 
(a) 
Withdrawal of Attorney after Order Adjudicating Child 
Dependent or Terminating Parental Rights. After an order of adjudication of 
dependency, or an order of dependency disposition, or an order terminating 
parental rights has been entered, the counselattorney of record for a parent or legal 
custodian in a dependency proceeding or a parent in a termination of parental 
rights proceeding shall not be permitted to withdraw as counsel of recordthe 
attorney until the following have occurred: 
(1) 
The attorney certifies that the attorney has discussed appellate 
remedies with the parent or legal custodian. 
(A)(1) 
The attorney certifies that after discussing appellate remedies 
with the parent or legal custodian, the parent or legal custodian does not wantelects 
not to appeal the order; or 
(B)(2) 
The attorney certifies that after discussing appellate remedies 
with the parent or legal custodian, the parent or legal custodian wantselects to 
appeal the order, and 
(i)(A) a notice of appeal containing the signatures of counselthe 
attorney and the parent or legal custodian has been filed or a notice of appeal 
containing the signature only of the attorney has been filed if the parent or legal 
custodian elects to appeal but is unable to personally timely sign the notice and that 
an amended notice of appeal containing the parent’s or legal custodian’s signature 
will be filed; 
(ii)(B) directions to clerk, if necessary, have been filed; 
(iii)(C) a motion to transcribe the requisite proceedings has 
been filed; 
(iv)(D) a designation to the court reporter specifying the 
proceedings that must be transcribed in order to obtain review of the issues on 
appeal and designating the parties to receive a copy of the transcripts has been 
filed; and 
 
 
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(v)(E) an order appointing appellate counsel, if any, has been 
entered. 
Conformed copies of each of these documents shall be attached to the motion to 
withdraw. 
(2)(3) If the attorney has beenis unable to contact the parent or legal 
custodian regarding appellate remedies, the attorney certifies and describes the 
efforts made to contact the parent or legal custodian. 
(b) 
Withdrawal of Attorney after Order Terminating Parental 
Rights. After an order terminating parental rights has been entered, the attorney of 
record for a parent in a termination of parental rights proceeding shall not be 
permitted to withdraw as attorney until the following have occurred: 
(1) 
Discussion of Appeal. 
(A) 
The attorney certifies that after discussing appellate 
remedies with the parent, the parent elects not to appeal the order terminating 
parental rights; or 
(B) 
The attorney certifies that after discussing appellate 
remedies with the parent, the parent elects to appeal the order terminating parental 
rights; and 
(i) 
a notice of appeal containing the signatures of the 
attorney and the parent has been filed or a notice of appeal containing the signature 
only of the attorney has been filed if the parent elects to appeal but is unable to 
personally timely sign the notice and that an amended notice of appeal containing 
the parent’s signature will be filed; 
(ii) 
directions to clerk, if necessary, have been filed; 
(iii) 
a motion to transcribe the requisite proceedings 
has been filed; 
(iv) 
a designation to the court reporter specifying the 
proceedings that must be transcribed in order to obtain review of the issues on 
appeal and designating the parties to receive a copy of the transcripts has been 
filed; and 
 
 
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(v) 
an order appointing appellate counsel, if any, has 
been entered. 
Conformed copies of each of these documents shall be attached to the motion to 
withdraw. 
(2) 
Discussion of Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Claim. 
(A) 
The attorney certifies that after discussing the right of a 
parent to file a motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel, the parent elects 
not to file the motion, or 
(B) 
The attorney certifies that after discussing the right of the 
parent to file a motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel, the parent elects 
to file a motion. Consequently, the attorney must immediately seek to withdraw 
from representation of the parent. 
(3) 
Inability to Discuss Remedies. If the attorney is unable to 
contact the parent regarding appellate remedies and the right to file a motion 
claiming ineffective assistance of counsel, the attorney certifies and describes the 
efforts made to contact the parent. 
(c) 
Appointment of Appellate Counsel. If the court permits the attorney 
to withdraw, the court must expeditiously appoint appellate counsel for indigent 
parents pursuant to law. The indigent parent is not entitled to a court-appointed 
attorney in any trial court proceeding regarding a motion claiming ineffective 
assistance of counsel. However, a parent may independently retain an attorney to 
assist in any trial court proceeding regarding a motion claiming ineffective 
assistance of counsel. 
(d) 
Service of Order Appointing CounselAttorney. Following rendition 
of an order appointing appellate counsel, the court shallmust serve a copy of the 
order on the appointed appellate counsel and the clerk of the appellate court. 
Committee Note 
Amendment 2017. Significant amendments were made to create a process 
for claiming ineffective assistance of counsel in termination of parental rights 
proceedings. J.B., etc. v. Florida Department of Children and Families, 170 So. 3d 
780 (Fla. 2015). A parent’s right to appointed counsel is governed by sections 
39.013(9)a. and 27.511, Florida Statutes.  
 
 
 
- 23 - 
RULE 8.525 
ADJUDICATORY HEARINGS 
(a) – (h) [no change] 
 
(i) 
Advisement of Right to Appeal and File Ineffective Assistance of 
Counsel Motion. At the conclusion of the adjudicatory hearing, the court must 
orally inform the parents of the right to appeal any order terminating parental rights 
to the district court of appeal and the right to file a motion in the circuit court 
claiming that counsel provided ineffective assistance. 
(j) 
Final JudgmentOrder. 
(1) 
Terminating Parental Rights. 
(A) 
If the court finds after all of the evidence has been 
presented that the elements and one of the grounds for termination of parental 
rights have been established by clear and convincing evidence, the court shall enter 
a final judgmentwritten order terminating parental rights and proceed with 
dispositional alternatives as provided by law. 
(B) 
The order must contain the findings of fact and 
conclusions of law on which the decision was based. The court shall include the 
dates of the adjudicatory hearing in the order. 
(C) 
The order must include a brief statement informing the 
parents of the right to appeal the order to the district court of appeal and the right to 
file a motion in the circuit court alleging that counsel provided ineffective 
assistance and a brief explanation of the procedure for filing such a claim. 
(D) 
The parties may stipulate, or the court may order, that 
parents or relatives of the parent whose rights are terminated be allowed to 
maintain some contact with the child. If the court orders continued contact, the 
nature and frequency of this contact must be stated in a written order. The 
visitation order may be reviewed on motion of any party, including a prospective 
adoptive parent, and must be reviewed by the court at the time the child is placed 
for adoption. 
(2) – (3) [no change] 
 
 
 
- 24 - 
RULE 8.530. 
PARENT’S MOTION CLAIMING INEFFECTIVE 
ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL FOLLOWING ORDER 
TERMINATING PARENTAL RIGHTS 
(a) 
Duty of the Court to Advise. At the conclusion of the termination of 
parental rights adjudicatory hearing, the court must orally inform the parents who 
are represented by an attorney of the right to appeal an order terminating parental 
rights to the district court of appeal and the right to file a motion in the circuit court 
claiming that an attorney provided ineffective assistance if the court enters an order 
terminating parental rights. In addition, the written order terminating parental 
rights must include a brief statement informing the parents of the right to file a 
motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel and a brief explanation of the 
procedure for filing the motion. 
(b) 
Duty of Attorney to Advise. After entry of an order terminating 
parental rights, an attorney must discuss appellate remedies with the parent and 
determine whether the parent elects to appeal the order terminating parental rights. 
The attorney must also inquire whether the parent intends to file a motion claiming 
ineffective assistance of counsel. If the parent states an intention to file a motion 
claiming ineffective assistance of counsel, then the attorney must immediately seek 
withdrawal pursuant to these rules.  
(c) 
Motion and Jurisdiction. After the court has entered a written order 
terminating parental rights, a parent may file a motion in the circuit court claiming 
that the parent’s attorney provided ineffective assistance. If a notice of appeal of 
the order terminating parental rights is filed, the trial court continues to have 
jurisdiction to consider a motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel. 
(d) 
Court-Appointed Attorney. 
(1) 
An indigent parent is not entitled to a court-appointed attorney 
to assist the parent in preparing, filing, or litigating a motion claiming ineffective 
assistance of counsel. However, the parent may independently obtain an attorney to 
represent the parent in pursuing the motion. 
(2) 
An indigent parent is otherwise entitled to a court-appointed 
attorney as provided by law in both the trial and appellate court in a termination of 
parental rights proceeding, and is entitled to a court-appointed attorney concerning 
appellate review of the trial court’s order on the motion for ineffective assistance 
of counsel. 
 
 
- 25 - 
(e) 
Time Limitations. A motion claiming ineffective assistance of 
counsel must be filed within 20 days of the date the court entered the written order 
terminating parental rights.  
(f) 
Toll of Time for Appeal. The timely filing of a motion claiming 
ineffective assistance of counsel tolls rendition of the order terminating parental 
rights for purposes of appeal until the circuit court enters an order on the motion or 
for 50 days from the date the court entered the written order terminating parental 
rights, whichever occurs first. 
(g) 
Contents of Motion.  
(1) 
The motion must be in writing and under oath stating that all of 
the facts stated are true and correct. 
(2) 
The motion must contain the case name and number and 
identify the date the written order terminating parental rights was entered. 
(3) 
The motion must contain the current mailing address and e-mail 
address, if any, and the phone number(s) of the parent filing the motion for the 
purpose of receiving notices and orders.  
(4) 
The motion must identify specific acts or omissions in the 
attorney’s representation of the parent during the termination of parental rights 
proceedings that constituted a failure to provide reasonable, professional assistance 
and explain how the acts or omissions prejudiced the parent’s case to such an 
extent that but for counsel’s deficient performance the parent’s rights would not 
have been terminated.  
(h) 
Amendments to Motion. If the motion claiming ineffective 
assistance of counsel is timely filed, the parent may file amended motions without 
permission of the court within 20 days from the date the court entered the written 
order terminating parental rights. The court may order the moving parent to file an 
amended motion as provided in this rule.  
(i) 
Delivery of Motion to Judge. On filing of the motion, the clerk of 
court must immediately provide the motion and court file to the judge who entered 
the order terminating parental rights.  
(j) 
Response to Motion. No answer or responsive pleading is required 
from any other party to the termination of parental rights proceeding. 
 
 
- 26 - 
(k) 
Service of the Motion. The parent claiming ineffective assistance of 
counsel must serve the motion on all parties to the termination of parental rights 
proceeding and to the attorney the parent claims provided ineffective assistance. 
(l) 
Summary Denial of Motion. 
(1) 
Untimely Motion. The court must enter an order within 5 days 
from the date the motion or amended motion was filed summarily denying with 
prejudice any motion filed after the 20-day limitation for filing. The order shall be 
considered the final order for purposes of appeal. 
(2) 
Insufficient Motion. If the motion or amended motion is 
legally insufficient as alleged, the court may enter an order summarily denying the 
motion within 5 days from the date the motion or amended motion was filed. A 
motion is legally insufficient when the allegations of ineffective assistance of 
counsel during the termination of parental rights proceedings, if taken as true, did 
not prejudice the parent’s case to such an extent that but for counsel’s deficient 
performance the parent’s rights would not have been terminated. The order 
denying a motion as legally insufficient must set forth the basis for the conclusion 
the motion is legally insufficient. The court must not summarily deny a motion as 
insufficient for reasons other than legally insufficient allegations claiming 
ineffective assistance of counsel. If the court denies the motion as legally 
insufficient and does not direct the filing of an amended motion, then the order 
shall be considered the final order for purposes of appeal. 
(m) 
Order for Amended Motion. If the motion or amended motion is 
legally insufficient as alleged, the court may enter an order within 5 days from the 
date the motion, or amended motion, was filed authorizing the moving parent to 
file an amended motion within 10 days of the date of the written order permitting 
amendment. 
(n) 
Evidentiary Hearing on Motion. 
(1) 
Scheduling of Hearing. If the motion is timely and, in the 
court’s opinion, contains sufficient allegations, the court must conduct an 
evidentiary hearing as expeditiously as possible in light of the other time 
limitations in this rule. 
(2) 
Notice of Hearing. The court must issue a notice of the hearing 
on the motion to the parties and participants of the termination of parental rights 
proceeding and to the attorney who the parent claimed provided ineffective 
 
 
- 27 - 
assistance. The notice must state the issues to be determined and that the moving 
parent is required to present evidence at the hearing on the motion. 
(3) 
Record of Termination of Parental Rights Adjudicatory 
Hearing. If necessary, the court may order an expedited record for review, which 
may include an electronic recording in lieu of a transcript, of the termination of 
parental rights adjudicatory hearing. If the judge conducting the motion hearing is 
different from the judge who presided at the termination of parental rights 
adjudicatory hearing, the court must order an expedited record for review, which 
may include an electronic recording in lieu of a transcript, of the termination of 
parental rights adjudicatory hearing. 
(4) 
Burden to Present Evidence and Proof. At the evidentiary 
hearing, the moving parent has the burden of presenting evidence and the burden 
of proving specific acts or omissions of an attorney’s representation of the parent 
during the termination of parental rights proceedings that constituted a failure to 
provide reasonable, professional assistance, and how the errors or omissions 
prejudiced the parent’s case to such an extent that but for counsel’s deficient 
performance the parent’s rights would not have been terminated. All other parties 
may present evidence regarding the claims raised. 
(5) 
Order from Evidentiary Hearing. At the conclusion of the 
hearing on the motion, the court must enter an order granting or denying the 
motion within 5 days from the evidentiary hearing. 
(A) 
Grant of Motion. If the court determines that the 
attorney during the termination of parental rights proceedings failed to provide 
reasonable, professional assistance and that the errors or omissions prejudiced the 
parent’s case to such an extent that but for counsel’s deficient performance the 
parent’s rights would not have been terminated, the court must enter an order 
granting the motion stating the reasons for granting the motion and vacating the 
order terminating parental rights without prejudice. In the order, the court must 
schedule an adjudicatory hearing on the petition for termination of parental rights 
to take place no later than 45 days from the order granting the motion. The court 
must then appoint an attorney to represent the parent in further proceedings, as 
provided by law. 
(B) 
Denial of Motion. If the court determines that the 
attorney during the termination of parental rights proceedings provided reasonable, 
professional assistance or determines that no errors or omissions prejudiced the 
 
 
- 28 - 
parent’s case in the termination proceedings to such an extent that but for counsel’s 
deficient performance the parent’s rights would not have been terminated, the court 
must enter an order denying the motion, stating the reasons for denial. The order 
resolves all the claims raised in the motion and shall be considered the final order 
for purposes of appeal. 
(o) 
Failure to Enter Order. If the court does not enter an order granting 
or denying the motion within 50 days from the date the court entered the written 
order terminating parental rights, the motion shall be deemed denied with 
prejudice.  
(p) 
Service of Order. The clerk of the court must serve any order entered 
under this rule on the parties, including to the moving parent at the parent’s address 
on file with the clerk, within 48 hours from the rendition of the order indicating the 
date of service by an appropriate certificate of service. 
(q) 
Successive Motions. No second or successive motion claiming 
ineffective assistance of counsel shall be allowed except as provided in this rule. 
No motion for rehearing shall be allowed in response to the court’s ruling on the 
motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel. 
(r) 
Appeals. Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.146 applies to the 
appeal of an order on a motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel in 
termination of parental rights proceedings. 
 
 
 
 
- 29 - 
FORM 8.983. 
ADJUDICATION ORDER AND JUDGMENT OF 
INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION OFORDER 
INVOLUNTARILY TERMINATING PARENTAL 
RIGHTS 
ORDER OF ADJUDICATION AND JUDGMENT OF INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION 
OFINVOLUNTARILY TERMINATING PARENTAL RIGHTS 
THIS CAUSE came before this court on .......... (all dates of the adjudicatory hearing) 
.......... for an adjudicatory hearing on the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights filed by 
.......... (name) .......... Present before the court were: 
..... 
..........(Name) .........., Petitioner 
..... 
..........(Name) .........., Attorney for the petitioner 
..... 
..........(Name) .........., Attorney for the department 
..... 
..........(Name) .........., Department caseworker 
..... 
..........(Name) .........., Child 
..... 
..........(Name) .........., Attorney for Child 
..... 
..........(Name) .........., Mother 
..... 
..........(Name) .........., Attorney for mother 
..... 
..........(Name) .........., Father of .......... (child).......... 
..... 
..........(Name) .........., Attorney for father 
..... 
..........(Name) .........., Guardian ad litem 
..... 
..........(Name) .........., Attorney for guardian ad litem 
..... 
..........(Name) .........., Legal custodian 
..... 
..........(Name) .........., Attorney for legal custodian 
..... 
..........(Name) .........., Other: .......... 
The court has carefully considered and weighed the testimony of all witnesses. The court 
has received and reviewed all exhibits. 
COMMENT: Add the following only if necessary. 
The petitioner has sought termination of the parental rights of .......... (parent(s)) who 
is/are subject of petition).......... 
The court finds that the parent(s), .......... (name(s)) .........., has/have .......... (list grounds 
proved) .........., under chapter 39, Florida Statutes. The grounds were proved by clear and 
convincing evidence. Further, the court finds that termination of parental rights of the parent(s), 
.......... (name(s)) .........., is clearly in the manifest best interests of the child(ren). The findings of 
fact and conclusions of law supporting this decision are as follows: 
1. 
At all stages of these proceedings the parent(s) was/were advised of his/her/their 
right to legal counsel, or was/were in fact represented by counsel. 
 
 
- 30 - 
2. 
On or about .......... (date(s)) .........., the following occurred: .......... (acts which 
were basis for dependency or TPR, if filed directly).......... 
3. 
The mother has .......... (grounds for TPR) .......... the minor child(ren) within the 
meaning and intent of section 39.806, Florida Statutes, in that: .......... (findings that form the 
statutory basis for grounds).......... 
4. 
The father has .......... (grounds for TPR) .......... the minor child(ren) within the 
meaning and intent of section 39.806, Florida Statutes, in that: .......... (findings that form the 
statutory basis for grounds).......... 
5. 
The minor child(ren) to whom .......... (parent’s(s’) name(s)) .......... parental rights 
are being terminated are at substantial risk of significant harm. Termination of parental rights is 
the least restrictive means to protect the child(ren) from harm. 
6. 
Under the provisions of sections 39.810(1)–(11), Florida Statutes, it is in the 
manifest best interests of the child(ren) for parental rights of .......... (name(s)) .......... to be 
terminated for the reasons below. The court has considered all relevant factors and finds as 
follows: 
(a) 
Regarding any suitable permanent custody arrangement with a relative of 
the child(ren), the court finds ........... 
(b) 
Regarding the ability and disposition of the parent or parents to provide 
the child(ren) with food, clothing, medical care, or other remedial care recognized and permitted 
under state law instead of medical care, and other material needs of the child(ren), the court finds 
........... 
(c) 
Regarding the capacity of the parent or parents to care for the child(ren) to 
the extent that the child(ren)’s safety, well-being, and physical, mental, and emotional health will 
not be endangered upon the child(ren)’s return home, the court finds ........... 
(d) 
Regarding the present mental and physical health needs of the child(ren) 
and such future needs of the child(ren) to the extent that such future needs can be ascertained 
based on the present condition of the child(ren), the court finds ........... 
(e) 
Regarding the love, affection, and other emotional ties existing between 
the child(ren) and the child(ren)’s parent or parents, siblings, and other relatives, and the degree 
of harm to the child(ren) that would arise from the termination of parental rights and duties, the 
court finds ........... 
(f) 
Regarding the likelihood of an older child remaining in long-term foster 
care upon termination of parental rights, due to emotional or behavioral problems or any special 
needs of the child(ren), the court finds ........... 
 
 
- 31 - 
(g) 
Regarding the child(ren)’s ability to form a significant relationship with a 
parental substitute and the likelihood that the child(ren) will enter into a more stable and 
permanent family relationship as a result of permanent termination of parental rights and duties, 
the court finds ........... 
(h) 
Regarding the length of time that the child(ren) has lived in a stable, 
satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity, the court finds ........... 
(i) 
Regarding the depth of the relationship existing between the child(ren) and 
present custodian, the court finds ........... 
(j) 
Regarding the reasonable preferences and wishes of the child(ren), if the 
court deems the child(ren) to be of sufficient intelligence, understanding, and experience to 
express a preference, the court finds ........... 
(k) 
Regarding the recommendations for the child(ren) provided by the 
child(ren)’s guardian ad litem or the legal representative, the court finds ........... 
(l) 
Regarding other relevant factors including .........., the court finds ........... 
COMMENT: Add items 7, 8, and 9 as applicable. 
7. 
Under section 39.811(6)( .......... ), Florida Statutes, the court terminates the 
parental rights of only .......... (parent whose rights are being terminated) .......... as to the minor 
child(ren), .......... (child(ren)’s name(s)) .......... Specifically, the court finds that .......... (specific 
findings of fact under section 39.811(6), Florida Statutes).......... 
8. 
Under sections 39.509(5) and 39.811(7)(a), Florida Statutes, the court finds that 
continued grandparental visitation is not in the best interests of the child(ren) or that such 
visitation would interfere with the permanency goals for the child(ren) for the following reasons 
........... 
9. 
Under section 39.811(7)(b), Florida Statutes, the court finds that although parental 
rights are being terminated, the best interests of .......... (names of child(ren) to which this 
provision applies) .......... support continued communication or contact by .......... (names of 
parents, siblings, or relatives of the parent whose rights are terminated and to which this 
provision applies) .......... except as provided above. The nature and frequency of the 
communication or contact shall be as follows ........... It may be reviewed on motion of any party 
or an identified prospective adoptive parent. 
THEREFORE, after weighing the credibility of the witnesses, weighing all statutory 
factors, and based on the findings of fact and conclusions of law above, the court hereby 
ORDERS AND ADJUDGES THAT: 
1. 
The petition filed by .......... (name) .......... is granted as to the parent(s), 
.......... (name(s)).......... 
 
 
- 32 - 
2. 
The parental rights of the father, .......... (name) .........., and of the mother, 
.......... (name) .........., to the child, .......... (name) .........., are hereby terminated under section 
39.806( .......... ), Florida Statutes. 
COMMENT: Repeat the above for each child and parent, as necessary. 
3. 
Under sections 39.811(2) and (5), Florida Statutes, the child(ren), 
.......... (name(s)) .........., are placed in the custody of .......... (agency) .......... for the purpose of 
subsequent adoption. 
4. 
The 30-day permanency plan required by section 39.811(8), Florida Statutes, shall 
be filed and heard at .......... (time) .......... on .......... (date) .......... in .......... (location).......... 
DONE AND ORDERED on .......... (date) .........., in .......... (city and county) .........., 
Florida. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Circuit Judge 
NOTICE 
Under section 39.815, Florida Statutes, any child, any parent, guardian ad litem, or legal 
custodian of any child, any other party to the proceeding who is affected by an order of the 
court, or the department may appeal to the appropriate District Court of Appeal within the 
time and in the manner prescribed by the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure, which is 
30 days from the date this order is rendered (signed and filed). A parent may have the right 
to a court-appointed attorney as provided by law. 
Under Florida Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.530, a parent, who had an attorney in the 
termination of parental rights proceeding, shall have 20 days after this order terminating 
parental rights is entered to file a motion in the trial court claiming ineffective assistance of 
counsel. A parent does not have the right to a court-appointed attorney to assist the parent 
with a motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel, but the parent may independently 
obtain an attorney to represent the parent in the motion. The motion must contain the case 
name, case number, and identify the date the written order terminating parental rights was 
entered. The motion must also contain the current mailing address and e-mail address, if 
any, and the phone number(s) of the parent filing the motion for the purpose of receiving 
notices and orders. In the motion, the parent must identify specific acts or omissions in the 
attorney’s representation of the parent during the termination proceedings that the parent 
claims constituted a failure to provide reasonable, professional assistance, and the parent 
must explain how the errors or omissions prejudiced the parent’s case to such an extent 
that but for counsel’s deficient performance the rights of the parent would not have been 
terminated. 
Copies to: __________ 
 
 
- 33 - 
FORM 8.9831. 
MOTION CLAIMING INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF 
COUNSEL AFTER ORDER TERMINATING 
PARENTAL RIGHTS 
MOTION CLAIMING INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL AFTER ORDER 
TERMINATING PARENTAL RIGHTS 
Moving parent, .....(name)....., .....(address)....., .....(e-mail address)....., .....(phone 
number)....., requests this court to vacate the order terminating parental rights pursuant to Florida 
Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.530. 
1. 
 I was the parent of .....(name(s) of child(ren))..... at the time the court entered an 
order terminating my parental rights on .....(date)..... in .....(case number and case name)...... 
2. 
My attorney failed to provide me with reasonable, professional assistance by 
doing or not doing the following actions during the termination of parental rights proceedings: 
(use whatever space is necessary to explain your claims) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comment: The phrase “termination of parental rights proceedings” is not limited to the 
termination of parental rights trial. 
3. 
My attorney’s actions or inactions prejudiced my case to such an extent that my 
parental rights would not have been terminated because: (use whatever space is necessary to 
explain your claims) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WHEREFORE, I request that the court enter an order granting this motion, vacating the 
order terminating parental rights, and providing any other relief the court deems proper. 
I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the claims 
made in this verified motion and that punishment for knowingly making a false statement 
includes fines and/or imprisonment. 
 
 
- 34 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Your signature) 
I certify that a copy of this document was .....(mailed, faxed and mailed, hand delivered, 
or e-mailed)..... to the person(s) listed below on .....(date)..... or was not delivered to the person(s) 
listed below because ........... 
List each party or the party’s attorney who you served: 
 
Name: .......... 
Address: .......... 
Telephone Number: .......... 
Fax Number: .......... 
E-mail Address: .......... 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Your signature) 
 
 
 
 
- 35 - 
FORM 8.9832. 
ORDER ON MOTION CLAIMING INEFFECTIVE 
ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL AFTER ORDER 
TERMINATING PARENTAL RIGHTS 
ORDER ON MOTION CLAIMING INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL AFTER 
ORDER TERMINATING PARENTAL RIGHTS 
THIS CAUSE came before this court on .....(date)..... on the Motion Claiming Ineffective 
Assistance of Counsel after Order Terminating Parental Rights filed by .....(name)...... Present 
before the court were: 
..... 
.....(Name)....., Moving Parent 
..... 
.....(Name)....., Attorney for Moving Parent 
..... 
.....(Name)....., Trial Attorney for Moving Parent 
..... 
.....(Name)....., Attorney for the department 
..... 
.....(Name)....., Department caseworker 
..... 
.....(Name)....., Child 
..... 
.....(Name)....., Attorney for Child 
..... 
.....(Name)....., Mother 
..... 
.....(Name)....., Attorney for mother 
..... 
.....(Name)....., Father of .....(child)..... 
..... 
.....(Name)....., Attorney for father 
..... 
.....(Name)....., Guardian ad litem 
..... 
.....(Name)....., Attorney for guardian ad litem 
..... 
.....(Name)....., Legal custodian 
..... 
.....(Name)....., Attorney for legal custodian 
..... 
.....(Name)....., Other .......... 
Comment: Complete the following section if the court denies the motion without a hearing. 
The court has carefully considered the motion and reviewed all necessary documents. 
The court finds that the motion should be denied without a hearing because: 
..... 
The motion is untimely. 
1. 
The order terminating parental rights was entered on .....(date)...... 
2. 
The moving parent filed the motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel on 
.....(date)...... 
3. 
Therefore, the moving parent filed the motion past the 20-day time limitation. 
..... 
The motion is insufficient as alleged. The court finds that the moving parent failed to 
allege specific facts that, if taken as true, would support a finding that the attorney during 
the termination of parental rights proceedings failed to provide reasonable, professional 
 
 
- 36 - 
assistance, and that any errors or omissions prejudiced the parent’s case to such an extent 
that but for counsel’s deficient performance the rights of the parent would not have been 
terminated. Specifically the court finds: .....(findings)...... 
Comment: Complete the following section if the court finds that the motion is insufficient and 
directs the moving parent to file an amended motion. 
The court has carefully considered the motion and reviewed all necessary documents.  
..... 
The motion is insufficient as alleged. The court finds that the moving parent failed to 
allege specific facts that would support a finding that the attorney during the termination 
of parental rights proceedings failed to provide reasonable, professional assistance, and 
that any errors or omissions prejudiced the parent’s case to such an extent that but for 
counsel’s deficient performance the rights of the parent would not have been terminated. 
Specifically the court finds: .....(findings)..... However, the court finds that the moving 
parent should be provided the opportunity to file an amended motion. 
Comment: Complete the following section if the court previously found that the motion was 
insufficient, directed the moving parent to file an amended motion, and the parent failed to file 
an amended motion within the time permitted. 
The court previously carefully considered the motion and reviewed all necessary 
documents.  
..... 
On .....(date)....., the court found the motion is insufficient as alleged. The court found 
that the moving parent failed to allege specific facts that would support a finding that the 
attorney during the termination of parental rights proceedings failed to provide 
reasonable, professional assistance, and that any errors or omissions prejudiced the 
parent’s case to such an extent that but for counsel’s deficient performance the rights of 
the parent would not have been terminated. Specifically the court found: .....(findings)...... 
..... 
On .....(date)....., the court entered a written order providing the parent an opportunity to 
file an amended motion. The parent did not file an amended motion within 10 days of the 
date of the written order permitting amendment. 
Comment: Complete the following section if the court hearing was conducted: 
The court has carefully considered the motion, reviewed all necessary documents, and 
having heard argument of counsel and testimony, the court finds: 
..... 
The motion is granted because the attorney during the termination of parental rights 
proceedings failed to provide reasonable, professional assistance, and the errors or 
omissions prejudiced the parent’s case to such an extent that but for counsel’s deficient 
performance the rights of the parent would not have been terminated. Specifically the 
court finds: .....(findings)...... 
 
 
- 37 - 
..... 
The motion is denied because the attorney during the termination of parental rights 
proceedings did not fail to provide reasonable, professional assistance, or any errors or 
omissions that were made did not prejudice the moving parent’s case to such an extent 
that but for counsel’s deficient performance the rights of the parent would not have been 
terminated. Specifically, the court finds: .....(findings)...... 
THEREFORE, the court hereby ORDERS AND ADJUDGES THAT: 
..... 
The motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel is denied with prejudice. 
..... 
The motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel is insufficient as alleged. The 
moving parent may file an amended motion. Any amended motion shall be filed within 
10 days of the date of this order or the court may summarily deny the motion. 
..... 
The motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel is granted. The order terminating 
parental rights entered on .....(date)..... is hereby vacated and set aside as to .....(name of 
moving parent)...... An adjudicatory hearing is hereby scheduled for .....(date (no later 
than 45 days from this order))....., and, as the court finds the parent is indigent, .....(name 
of counsel)..... is hereby appointed to represent .....(name of moving parent)..... in the 
termination of parental rights proceedings. 
DONE AND ORDERED on .....(date)....., in .....(city and county)....., Florida. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Circuit Judge 
Copies to: 
 
 
- 38 - 
FORM 8.984. 
JUDGMENT OF VOLUNTARY TERMINATION 
OFORDER TERMINATING PARENTAL RIGHTS 
(VOLUNTARY) 
ADJUDICATORY ORDER AND FINAL JUDGMENT OF TERMINATION OFORDER 
TERMINATING PARENTAL RIGHTS AND GUARDIANSHIP(VOLUNTARY) 
THIS CAUSE came before this court on .......... (all dates of the adjudicatory 
hearing) .......... for an adjudicatory hearing on the petition for termination of parental rights filed 
by .......... (name).......... Present before the court were:  
..... 
.......... (Name) .........., Petitioner 
..... 
.......... (Name) .........., Attorney for the petitioner 
..... 
.......... (Name) .........., Attorney for the department 
..... 
.......... (Name) .........., Department/agency caseworker 
..... 
.......... (Name) .........., Child 
..... 
.......... (Name) .........., Attorney/Attorney ad litem for Child 
..... 
.......... (Name) .........., Mother 
..... 
.......... (Name) .........., Attorney for mother 
..... 
.......... (Name) .........., Father of .......... (child) .......... 
..... 
.......... (Name) .........., Attorney for father 
..... 
.......... (Name) .........., Guardian ad litem 
..... 
.......... (Name) .........., Attorney for guardian ad litem 
..... 
.......... (Name) .........., Legal custodian 
..... 
.......... (Name) .........., Attorney for legal custodian 
..... 
.......... (Name) .........., Other: .......... 
__..... The mother, .......... (name) .........., executed a voluntary surrender of her parental 
rights for the minor child(ren), .......... (name(s)) .........., which is accepted by the court without 
objection. 
COMMENT: Repeat the following as necessary. 
__..... The father, .......... (name) .........., executed a voluntary surrender of his parental 
rights for the minor child(ren), .......... (name(s)) .........., which is accepted by the court without 
objection. 
The court has carefully considered the testimony of witnesses, reviewed the exhibits, 
reviewed the file, heard argument of counsel, and considered recommendations and arguments of 
all parties. The court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the parents, .......... 
(names) .........., have surrendered their parental rights to the minor child(ren) under section 
39.806(1)(a), Florida Statutes, and that termination of parental rights is in the manifest best 
interests of the child(ren). The specific facts and findings supporting this decision are as follows: 
1. 
That the mother, .......... (name) .........., .......... was .......... was not personally 
served with the summons and the petition. 
 
 
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COMMENT: Service is not required if surrender was signed before filing of petition. 
2. 
That the father, .......... (name) .........., .......... was .......... was not personally served 
with the summons and the petition. 
COMMENT: Service is not required if surrender was signed before filing of petition. 
3. 
That the parents were advised of their right to counsel in all prior dependency 
court proceedings which they attended. The mother has been represented by legal counsel, 
..........  (name) .........., starting on or about .......... (date).......... The father has been represented by 
legal counsel, .......... (name) .........., starting on or about .......... (date).......... 
4. 
The mother, .......... (name) .........., freely, knowingly, voluntarily, and .......... with 
.......... without advice of legal counsel executed an affidavit and acknowledgment of surrender, 
consent, and waiver of notice on .......... (date) .........., for termination of her parental rights to the 
minor child(ren), under section 39.806(1)(a), Florida Statutes. 
5. 
The father, .......... (name) .........., freely, knowingly, voluntarily, and .......... with 
.......... without advice of legal counsel executed an affidavit and acknowledgment of surrender, 
consent, and waiver of notice on .......... (date) .........., for termination of his parental rights to the 
minor child(ren), under section 39.806(1)(a), Florida Statutes. 
6. 
That at all times relevant to this action the interests of this/these child(ren) 
has/have been represented by a guardian ad litem. The guardian ad litem, .......... (name) .........., 
.......... agrees .......... does not agree that it is in the best interests of the child(ren) for parental 
rights to be terminated in this cause. 
COMMENT: Guardian ad litem not required in voluntary surrender. 
7. 
Under the provisions of sections 39.810(1)–(11), Florida Statutes, it is in the 
manifest best interests of the child(ren) for parental rights to be terminated for the following 
reasons:  
(a) 
Regarding any suitable permanency custody arrangement with a relative 
of the child(ren), the court finds ........... 
(b) 
Regarding the ability and disposition of the parent or parents to provide 
the child(ren) with food, clothing, medical care or other remedial care recognized and permitted 
under state law instead of medical care, and other materials needs of the child(ren), the court 
finds ........... 
(c) 
Regarding the capacity of the parent or parents to care for the child(ren) to 
the extent that the child(ren)’s safety, well-being, and physical, mental, and emotional health will 
not be endangered upon the child(ren)’s return home, the court finds ........... 
 
 
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(d) 
Regarding the present mental and physical health needs of the child(ren) 
and such future needs of the child(ren) to the extent that such future needs can be ascertained 
based on the present condition of the child(ren), the court finds ........... 
(e) 
Regarding the love, affection, and other emotional ties existing between 
the child(ren) and the child(ren)’s parent or parents, siblings, and other relatives, and the degree 
of harm to the child(ren) that would arise from the termination of parental rights and duties, the 
court finds ........... 
(f) 
Regarding the likelihood of an older child remaining in long-term foster 
care upon termination of parental rights, due to emotional or behavioral problems or any special 
needs of the child(ren), the court finds ........... 
(g) 
Regarding the child(ren)’s ability to form a significant relationship with a 
parental substitute and the likelihood that the child(ren) will enter into a more stable and 
permanent family relationship as a result of permanent termination of parental rights and duties, 
the court finds ........... 
(h) 
Regarding the length of time that the child(ren) has lived in a stable, 
satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity, the court finds ........... 
(i) 
Regarding the depth of the relationship existing between the child(ren) and 
present custodian, the court finds ........... 
(j) 
Regarding the reasonable preferences and wishes of the child(ren), if the 
court deems the child(ren) to be of sufficient intelligence, understanding, and experience to 
express a preference, the court finds ........... 
(k) 
Regarding the recommendations for the child(ren) provided by the 
child(ren)’s guardian ad litem or the legal representative, the court finds ........... 
(l) Regarding other relevant factors including .........., the court finds ........... 
THEREFORE, it is ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that: 
1. 
The petition for termination of parental rights is GRANTED. 
2. 
The parental rights of the father, .......... (name) .........., and of the mother, 
......... (name) .........., to the child(ren), .......... (name(s)) .........., are hereby terminated under 
section 39.806( .......... ), Florida Statutes. 
COMMENT: Repeat the above for each child and parent on petition. 
3. 
The child(ren), .......... (name(s)) .........., is/are hereby placed in the permanent 
care and custody of .......... (agency name) .......... for subsequent adoption. 
 
 
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4. 
A hearing for the department to provide a plan for permanency for the child(ren) 
shall be held on .......... (date) .........., within 30 days of rendering of order, at .......... (time).......... 
DONE AND ORDERED on .......... (date) .........., in .......... County, Florida. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Circuit Judge 
 
Copies furnished to:  ______ 
NOTICE 
Under section 39.815, Florida Statutes, any child, any parent, guardian ad litem, or legal 
custodian of any child, any other party to the proceeding who is affected by an order of the 
court, or the department may appeal to the appropriate District Court of Appeal within the 
time and in the manner prescribed by the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure, which is 
30 days from the date this order is rendered (signed and filed). A parent may have the right 
to a court-appointed attorney as provided by law. 
Under Florida Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.530, a parent, who had an attorney in the 
termination of parental rights proceeding, shall have 20 days after this order terminating 
parental rights is entered to file a motion in the trial court claiming ineffective assistance of 
counsel. A parent does not have the right to a court-appointed attorney to assist the parent 
with a motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel, but the parent may independently 
obtain an attorney to represent the parent in the motion. The motion must contain the case 
name, case number, and identify the date the written order terminating parental rights was 
entered. The motion must also contain the current mailing address and e-mail address, if 
any, and the phone number(s) of the parent filing the motion for the purpose of receiving 
notices and orders. In the motion, the parent must identify specific acts or omissions in the 
attorney’s representation of the parent during the termination proceedings that the parent 
claims constituted a failure to provide reasonable, professional assistance, and the parent 
must explain how the errors or omissions prejudiced the parent’s case to such an extent 
that but for counsel’s deficient performance the rights of the parent would not have been 
terminated. 
 
 
 
 
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RULE 9.146. 
APPEAL PROCEEDINGS IN JUVENILE DEPENDENCY 
AND TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS CASES 
AND CASES INVOLVING FAMILIES AND CHILDREN 
IN NEED OF SERVICES 
(a) – (b) 
[no change] 
(c) 
Stay of Proceedings. 
(1) 
Application. Except as provided by general law and in 
subdivision (c)(2) of this rule, a party seeking to stay a final or non-finalnonfinal 
order pending review shall file a motion in the lower tribunal, which shall have 
continuing jurisdiction, in its discretion, to grant, modify, or deny such relief, after 
considering the welfare and best interest of the child. 
(2) 
Termination of Parental Rights. The taking of an appeal shall 
not operate as a stay in any case unless pursuant to an order of the court or the 
lower tribunal, except that a termination of parental rights order with placement of 
the child with a licensed child-placing agency or the Department of Children and 
Families for subsequent adoption shall be suspended while the appeal is pending, 
but the child shall continue in custody under the order until the appeal is decided. 
(d) – (h) 
[no change] 
(i) 
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel for Parents Claims—Special 
Procedures and Time Limitations Applicable to Appeals of Orders in 
Termination of Parental Rights Proceedings Involving Ineffective Assistance 
of Counsel Claims. 
(1) 
Applicability. Subdivision (i) applies only to appeals to the 
district courts of appeal of orders in termination of parental rights proceedings 
involving a parent’s claims of ineffective assistance of counsel.  
(2) 
Rendition. A motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel 
filed in accordance with Florida Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.530 shall toll 
rendition of the order terminating parental rights under Florida Rule of Appellate 
Procedure 9.020 until the lower tribunal files a signed written order on the motion, 
except as provided by Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure 8.530.  
 
 
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(3) 
Scope of Review. Any appeal from an order denying a motion 
alleging the ineffective assistance of counsel must be raised and addressed within 
an appeal from the order terminating parental rights. 
(4) 
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Motion Filed After 
Commencement of Appeal. If an appeal is pending, a parent may file a motion 
claiming ineffective assistance of counsel pursuant to Florida Rule of Juvenile 
Procedure 8.530 if the filing occurs within 20 days of rendition of the order 
terminating parental rights.  
(A) 
Stay of Appellate Proceeding. A parent or counsel 
appointed pursuant to Florida Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.530 shall file a notice 
of a timely-filed, pending motion claiming ineffective assistance of counsel. The 
notice automatically stays the appeal until the lower tribunal renders an order 
disposing of the motion. 
(B) 
Supplemental Record; Transcripts of Proceedings. 
The appellant shall file a second designation to the court reporter, including the 
name(s) of the individual court reporter(s). The appellant shall serve the 
designation on the court reporter on the date of filing and shall state that the appeal 
is from an order of termination of parental rights, and that the court reporter shall 
provide the transcript of the hearing on the motion claiming ineffective assistance 
of counsel within 20 days of the date of service. Within 20 days of the date of 
service of the designation, the court reporter shall transcribe and file with the clerk 
of the lower tribunal the transcript and sufficient copies for all parties exempt from 
service by e-mail as set forth in the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. If 
extraordinary reasons prevent the reporter from preparing the transcript within the 
20 days, the reporter shall request an extension of time, state the number of 
additional days requested, and state the extraordinary reasons that would justify the 
extension. 
(C) 
Duties of the Clerk, Preparation and Transmittal of 
Supplemental Record. If the clerk of circuit court has already transmitted the 
record on appeal of the order terminating parental rights, the clerk shall 
automatically supplement the record on appeal with any motion pursuant to Florida 
Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.530, the resulting order, and the transcript from the 
hearing on the motion. The clerk shall electronically transmit the supplement to the 
court and serve the parties within 5 days of the filing of the order ruling on the 
motion, or within 5 days of filing of the transcript from the hearing on the motion 
by the designated court reporter, whichever is later. 
 
 
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Committee Notes 
[no change]