How to File for Child Custody
Determine which court can hear your child custody case.. Talk to an attorney who specializes in family law.. Look for forms you can use to ask the court for a custody order.
Steps
Determine which court can hear your child custody case.
Determine which court can hear your child custody case.
Talk to an attorney who specializes in family law.
Talk to an attorney who specializes in family law.
Look for forms you can use to ask the court for a custody order.
Look for forms you can use to ask the court for a custody order.
Fill out the forms you need.
Fill out the forms you need.
Get an acknowledgment of paternity if necessary.
Get an acknowledgment of paternity if necessary.
Have your forms reviewed if possible.
Have your forms reviewed if possible.
Sign your forms and make copies.
Sign your forms and make copies.
Take your forms to the court clerk's office.
Take your forms to the court clerk's office.
Pay the filing fee to get your case started.
Pay the filing fee to get your case started.
Have the other parent served with your forms.
Have the other parent served with your forms.
Return your proof of service form to the court clerk.
Return your proof of service form to the court clerk.
Wait for a response from the other parent.
Wait for a response from the other parent.
Talk to the other parent about your parenting plan.
Talk to the other parent about your parenting plan.
Try mediation if required.
Try mediation if required.
Contact an attorney for help with the hearing.
Contact an attorney for help with the hearing.
Gather evidence and witnesses to testify on your behalf.
Gather evidence and witnesses to testify on your behalf.
Show up to court at least 30 minutes before the time of your hearing.
Show up to court at least 30 minutes before the time of your hearing.
Present your side of the case to the judge.
Present your side of the case to the judge.
Listen to the testimony from the other parent.
Listen to the testimony from the other parent.
Get a copy of the judge's order.
Get a copy of the judge's order.
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