Custody

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Child custody photo with school blocks and child's hand.

Process Overview

 

      Step 1

           Basics

                  •  What happens in a custody case.

 

       Step 2

           File

                  •  One or both parents start the case.

 

      Step 3

           Respond

                  •  If one parent starts the case, the other parent responds.
                  •  Skip if the parents file together.

 

       Step 4

           Prepare

                  •  The parents get ready for a hearing.
                  •  The parents may go to mediation.

 

      Step 5

           Hearing

                  •  The parents present information to the Judge.
                  •  The Judge makes a final decision.

 

After the Final Decision

 

Learn how and when you can:

Enforce

  • Get the other parent to follow the Final Decision.

 

Modify

  • Change the Final Decision.

 

Appeal

  • Have a higher court review the Final Decision.