1

Step 3 - Respond

 

Your Response

 

You will learn:          

 

             1.  Which forms to file.
             2.  The terms.
             3.  How to file.

 

Picture of a court gavel infront of a family court sign.
Form list icon.

1.  Forms

 

Forms Kit

 

A packet with all the basic forms you need.

 

Individual Forms

 

1.  Response - JDF 1103

 

2.  Fee Waiver Request - JDF 205 & 206   (Optional)

 

 

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Learn More  –  Filling Out Forms

 

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2.  Terms

 

Petitioner

 

The parent who starts the case.

 

Respondent

 

The parent who responds after a case is filed.

 

Petition

 

The document that starts a Custody case.  It tells the Judge what the Petitioner wants.

 

Serve/Service

 

The term for giving a copy of your paperwork to the other parent.

 

 

Icon of filing form in court.

3.  File

 

File Where?

 

File in the District Court. 

  • The address for your District Court should be on the top left of the forms you got. 

 

  Court Finder Tool

 

File What?

 

Required

 

Optional

 

What do I Pay?

 

To Start the Case
  • $116.  Or,
  • File a Motion to Waive Fees - JDF JDF 205.
  • Note - Fees cannot be waived if E-Filing.

 

Per-Filing Fee
  • For electronic filings only.
  • $12 Convenience Fee.
  • $7.50+ Service Fee.

 

How do I File?

 

By Mail
  • Pay by check.

 

At the Courthouse
  • Pay with cash, check, or card. 
  • Check your Court for card types accepted.

 

By E-Filing
  • Set up an account.
  • Only available in some counties.
  • Pay by card.
  • You cannot waive fees if filing electronically.

 

 

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4.  Give a Copy

 

You must serve the paperwork on the other parent, by:

  • Mail,
  • Hand-delivery, or
  • E-Service. 
    • Only done if the paperwork was submitted by E-Filing

 

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Next Steps

 

Next  –     Hearing Prep

 

Back  –    Case Basics

 

Go To  –     Case Overview