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Step 4 - Prepare

Private
Public

Forms

Forms Kit

Learn More about FIling Out Forms

Terms 

Discovery

  • Parties exchange information with each other.
  • You use this information to present your case to the Judge.

Parties: A term referring to the Petitioner and the Respondent together.

File & Serve: A phrase meaning you file the document to the court and give a copy to the other parties.

Temporary Orders Hearing

A hearing where the Judge will:

  • Make a short-term parenting plan.
  • Set the child support payment.

These orders will last until the final decision is made.

Status Conference

What is this?

At the Initial Status Conference:

  • A Court Facilitator will review the status of your case.
  • The Court may order you to go to mediation.
  • The Court may schedule a Temporary Orders Hearing at this time.

When is it?

Within 42 days from the start of the case.

Look at the Case Management Order or Notice of Initial Status Conference.  These documents will have:

  • Either the time and location of the hearing.  Or,
  • Information on how to schedule the conference.

Who goes?

  • The parties will meet with a Judge or a Family Court Facilitator.
  • Do NOT bring your kid(s) to this meeting.

What do I bring?

File & serve these forms and bring a copy to the Conference:

Video

Case Orientation and Initial Status Conference Video

  • Specific for the 18th Judicial District:
    • Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln counties.
  • General info applies to all.
  • 16 minutes.

Parenting Class

You must attend a parenting class.

When you finish, file a Certificate of Completion.

  • Note - Some classes may submit the certificate for you.

Find a Class

Go to Mediation

Find a Mediator

When you finish, file a:

Learn More about Mediation and ADR

Next Steps