13th Judicial Circuit Court Of Florida — Local services in Tampa

I don't think anybody LIKES going to downtown Tampa Circuit Court House. But we gotta do what we gotta do. I have had to administer a will through probate, small estate (thank Heaven) which allows a non-attorney to handle without employing an attorney. This is for good reason as small means literally minimal cash in the estate. The good points. All the Florida Statutes and Florida Probate Rules are on line. I am a "student type personality" and with enough interest or with enough stimulating drive, I can pretty much learn anything if given the educational materials. Thus, I have read and studied Probate Process and learned the way the System works with these family matters. My 5 stars go to the Judge who was kind enough, when citing my deficiencies on my original submission, listed the deficiencies with a statement of the exact Florida Statute and/or Florida Probate Rule along with instruction on how to correct. God Bless Her! I was able to go to the exact Statute and study the requirements needed for proof. While the Judge really knows what to tell you and also direct you, please use common sense when filing with the "clerk". All clerks are not alike in their expertise. If you get one that seems to have their personal life bleeding into their professional work ethics, just tell the clerk to put your "number" back into the pool. That you will wait for "another clerk". Bad attitude does affect your filing. Especially when the clerk wants to rearrange and/or eliminate some of your documents. "Clerk" does mean "clerk". They can really mess up your filing of documents. Trust your gut and your research when apprising the capabilities of the "clerk". There are good ones with incredible knowledge and professionalism, and then the others. I have had both and know how to get out of line and wait for one that actually knows what they are doing. Yes, I am very blunt and just speak my mind. Thank God I am in America and we have the...

Not happy with the outcome of my case. I presented evidence, and was denied a permanent protection order from domestic violence. Florida law has done nothing to protect me, and the respondent is free to continue harassment and abuse. I'm shocked and appalled. How much more proof do I need? The respondent lied and told many untruths, and got away with it. That's seriously messed up, and they wonder why the victims of abuse take the law into their own hands. It's either protect yourself by whatever means possible, or die at the hands of the abuser. It seems that the judge had already made up his mind, before the case was ever heard. That's unjustified. The respondent walked out of the court house with a smile on their face, while I walked out in tears and fear for my life. Thanks for nothing, Hillsborough County. I've decided not to appeal your decision, because if I do, I fear retaliation from...

Great place to do your civil duty! Be prepared for long lines to get parked, through the building and security, long lines to get parking validated then another long line to turn in your jury summons, best to complete before arriving for jury duty. The court room has limited seating so get there early to be at the front of the many lines. It took me 2 hours and 15 mins to get there and another hour and a half in lines only to be sent home because I wasn't needed. I should be good for another couple of years. Ih and lots of people there for jury duty that do not listen or follow instructions at all!! Before arriving and while they are there. The dress attire is business casual, not sleep wear and athletic attire. Some should be introduced to a brush, comb or pick!! They ought to be ashamed of themselves but hey, showing up for jury duty is half the...