Custody, Visitation & Support

Individuals seeking to file for custody, visitation or support should report to the Court Service Unit, Intake Office to complete a DC-511  (Petition).  Walk in-appointments are available Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 11:30 am

Report to Clerk's Office
Report to file your petition(s).
Pay the $25 custody/visitation filing fee, and $12 Sheriff’s fee per service for spousal support or additional witnesses.
If you cannot afford the fees, you may petition the Court to waive the cost of filing your petition.

Filing to First Hearing
-    Within 2 to 4 weeks of filing, the Clerk’s Office will process your petition(s) and send out a summons as to your court date, via the Sheriff’s.
-    If your case is appropriate for mediation, you may be contacted by the Court’s Mediator.
o    If an agreement can be reached through mediation, you will not need to appear in court, the Clerk’s Office will mail you your final order.

-    At the first hearing,
o    At that time, you may leave with a final order.
o    If there are circumstances which require an additional hearing, your case will be continued to a contested hearing on the Court’s docket.
o    Other events which may occur at the first hearing
o    A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) may be appointed for a child or a party◦Note: You may be financially obligated to pay.
    Re-referral to mediation
    Order to attend a mandatory parent education seminar
    Psychological evaluation
    Substance abuse screening