I am assigned to a “custody only” docket, where the litigants are generally never married parents or other relatives seeking a custody order. Most litigants are without attorneys. Even though you do not have an attorney, you are held to the same standard in the courtroom as an attorney. You are responsible for reviewing our local rules along with all statutory law applicable to your case.
The Self Represented Resource Center is available to the “pro se” litigants and is located on the 4th floor outside the Juvenile Clerk’s Office. People without attorneys are welcome to use the center for help in filling out forms and getting answers to some of their questions.
THE CLERK OF COURTS AND THE DOMESTIC/JUVENILE COURT STAFF AND PERSONNEL CANNOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE TO ANY LITIGANT.
Most people have never been to court and do not know what to expect. The following are some helpful guidelines to remember when coming to court:
1. Be respectful to everyone and dress appropriately.
2. DO NOT bring the child(ren) to Court with you unless instructed by the Court.
3. DO bring with you the parents, and the current custodians, if other than the parents.
4. CHECK IN WITH THE BAILIFF/COURT OFFICER upon your arrival to court.
5. There are only two ways your case can be decided:
6. If the parents, or current custodians, appear and contest the change of custody OR the service and notice requirements have not been met, then your case will be continued to another hearing date.
7.FAILURE OF THE FILING PARTY TO APPEAR FOR HEARING WILL RESULT IN DISMISSAL OF THE CASE/MOTION WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE.
Saved Successfully. Would you like to close this window?
