If a lawyer helps me prepare documents but I file them myself, does anyone need to know?

Yes. If an attorney assists you in preparing a pleading or document that you will file on your own behalf, Florida rules require that this assistance be disclosed. The document must indicate that it was prepared with the assistance of counsel, so the court is not misled into believing a self-represented party received no legal help. Under Florida Family Law Rule 12.040, a party who files a document pro se with an attorney's help certifies that they received that assistance. This protects the integrity of the court process while still allowing you to keep costs down by handling the filing yourself.