Child custody is one of the things that you may decide to settle after a divorce. You must keep in mind that you need to undergo legal proceedings if you are planning to file for child custody. Although the process may vary in each state, there is a general court procedure that you can follow. If you want to know about them, then read on.
Familiarize Yourself About the Rules and Procedures
The first thing that you need to do is to familiarize yourself about the rules and procedures implemented by your state court. A clerk can explain to you specific details about a custody case. Just ask politely and you will get all the answers that you need. He/she can act as a guide when you try to navigate the custody system.
Fill Up the Forms
Make sure that you are prepared to spend a large amount of time inside the courthouse. There several forms you need to fill up and submit. In fact, it may take a whole day inside the courthouse before you become familiar with the child custody process.
Bring Some Money
Be sure that you have some money in your pocket before you leave the courthouse. You need to pay for court fees when you submit the forms you have filled up. You can determine the total amount that you should pay by asking the clerk, or by checking the official website of your state courthouse.
Don't Forget Your Index Number
Once you have submitted the forms and filed a child custody case, the clerk will give you an index number. Make sure that you don't forget it, since this will serve as your ID. You must refer to your index number anytime you want to check the progress of your case.
Notify the Other Parent
Make sure that you notify the other parent that there is a pending custody case. You are not allowed to hand the child custody papers to your former spouse, since you are a parent involved in the case. You need to ask someone who knows your former partner to deliver the papers and notify him/her about the pending case.
Know the Court Hearing Date
Once you have filed a custody case, the clerk will put the case on the court calendar. You must never forget the court hearing date and make sure that you are there when it begins. Mark the date on your calendar if you must.
Hire a Competent Lawyer
Your former spouse may fight for custody and will be given a chance to appeal to the court. If you want to make sure that the decision of the juries will be on your side, then you need to make sure that you will hire a competent lawyer to represent you in the court. You can ask for referrals or read online reviews to find a reliable lawyer.
If you are familiar with the child custody system in your state, then there is a good chance that things will go smoothly during the court proceedings.