| Dealing with issues in Family Court can be very | | | | their best interests. |
| stressful and confusing. Often times when issues | | | | The parties will appear on the given court date and |
| surrounding custody and visitation arise, parents and | | | | the Law Guardian, along with the Judge, will attempt |
| loved ones don't know where to turn. | | | | to help the parties come to some sort of amicable |
| When custody issues arise, the first thing a person | | | | agreement regarding their issues. If no agreement |
| should do is go to the Family Court located within the | | | | can be made, the parties may request an |
| county they or their children reside and file a petition | | | | adjournment to either seek counsel or they may |
| for custody and visitation. This is a standard "fill in the | | | | proceed forward representing themselves. The judge |
| blank" type form that can be obtained at Family | | | | will typically adjourn the matter for several weeks to |
| Court. Simply ask the clerk and the form will be | | | | allow the parties an opportunity to come to a |
| provided free of charge. The form will typically say | | | | resolution on their own. If not, the matter gets set |
| the following at the top left hand corner: | | | | down for trial. |
| PETITION FOR MODIFICATION OF CUSTODY OR | | | | As stated, custody issues can become difficult to |
| VISITATION | | | | deal with due to the inherent emotions that are |
| Check the box that applies and fill out the requested | | | | associated with them. If one is not sure about their |
| information accordingly. Once complete, hand it to the | | | | rights and how to properly proceed, they should |
| clerk and it will be put on file with the court. You, | | | | seek out an attorney that handles these matters on |
| along with the opposing parties, will receive notice in | | | | a consistent basis. If one cannot afford an attorney, |
| the mail of a court date. The initial court date given is | | | | they can apply for assigned counsel at no charge |
| identified as a "First Appearance." At this time, the | | | | when filling out the initial custody petition. Simply ask |
| child(ren) will be assigned a Law Guardian, also known | | | | the clerk for the assigned counsel forms and they will |
| as the Attorney for the Child, who will represent | | | | provide and file them accordingly. |