How To File For A Child Custody Case

Once you have finally decided to throw cautions into the wind and focus on your goal of getting your child under your care, then this is the best time to file for a child custody case. But, before doing so, make sure that you are knowledgeable on child custody issues so you will know what to do when you are faced with specific situations.

When you feel that you basically know the details and the process of a child custody case, then now is the time for the much awaited instance—filing for the child custody case. Basically, filing for child custody requires filling out so many forms that the local family court can provide you. Once you get hold of these forms, you can ask the court personnel to assist you in filing them.

Next, you need to get in touch with a lawyer whose expertise is on Family Law so you will have an idea about the entire process and you can also get basic information on costs as well as possible results. You might also want to ask how the lawyer plans to handle the case. Once you heard all these from the lawyer, you can decide if you choose to hire lawyer’s services or handle this on your own.

Then, you should find a copy of the State’s requirements on child custody cases. Having a copy of this book in your possession will serve as your guide all throughout the process. (TIP: Get a copy from Sourcebooks as well as in Nolo Press that regularly publish state-specific books and also visit Findlaw.com if you need more and updated pieces of information regarding the child custody laws of the state that you belong to.)

Aside from reading books and visiting online sites that offer free information on child custody cases, it would be advisable to talk to somebody—an immediate family member, a friend or a neighbor—who went through the same things. By talking to these people, you will have an idea what are the things that you should and should not do. You can also get first hand tips on what you should expect before, during and after the child custody case.

The next important step in filing for a child custody case is finding a court in the county that you are in that are fit to handle various custody cases which is the “family court.” You can find a simple list from the government guide usually listed down on the phone book. For those who still don’t know which court they should call, they may ask the county clerk's office or even the people in the local area such as the mayor’s clerk since they know which courts accept child custody cases.

Once you have found the right court to handle the child custody case, then you can call the office and inquire what the requirement for a child custody petition are. Usually the one who will answer your call will just ask you to drop by the court and pick up the forms needed for the filing.