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 appear before the Court without attorneys. Although 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 as well as all statutory and case law applicable to your case.
The Self-Represented Resource Center is available to self-represented litigants and is located on the 4th floor outside the Juvenile Clerks Office. The Self-Represented Resource Center is a resource for those litigants without attorneys. Depending on the income requirements they may be able to assist you with filling out forms and preparing documents. They are also available to answer procedural questions.
The Clerk of Court and the Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court staff and personnel cannot give legal advice to any litigant.
Often litigants 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 any children to Court with you unless instructed to do so by the Magistrate or Judge.
3. DO bring the parents of the children subject to the case, and/or the child or children's current legal custodian.
4. CHECK IN WITH THE BAILIFF/COURT OFFICER upon your arrival to Court.
5. There are only two ways your case can be decided:
a. If everyone agrees, the matter will be resolved by a hearing or the parties will be required to prepare final documents consistent with the parties' agreement depending on the type of agreement.
OR
b. The matter will be resolved by having a full trial on all matters in dispute. This will include the presentation of witnesses, documents, and any other appropriate evidence. The Magistrate or Judge will issue a final Decision in the matter.
6. If the parents, or current custodians of the child/children, appear and contest the change of custody OR the service process and notice requirements established by law have not been met, 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.