We're working hard to bring you a new and improved website. Please report broken links or outdated information.

 
1
Gavel next to family court sign.

Step 3 - Respond

Private
Public

Forms

Forms Kit

A packet with all the basic forms you need.

Individual Forms

1.  Response - JDF 1420

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

Learn More 

Filling Out Forms

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.

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
  • What to File:
  • What to 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 to 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.

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

Next Steps