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Step 4 - Prepare

Private
Public

Hearing Prep

 

You will learn:

 

             1.  Which forms you need.
             2.  About the first court meeting.
             3.  Required classes & mediation.

 

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1.  Forms

 

All Forms

 

 

Individual Forms

 

1.  Certificate of Compliance - JDF 1104
  • PDF Fillable   |   WORD
  • Let the Judge know you exchanged financial paperwork.

 

2.  Sworn Financial Statement - JDF 1111

 

3.  Financial Supporting Schedules - JDF 1111SS
  • PDF Fillable   |   WORD
  • Use as needed.
  • Support your Sworn Financial Statement.

 

4.  Separation Agreement - JDF 1256
  • PDF   |   WORD
  • Your proposed division of debt and property.

 

5.  Final Decree - JDF 1257
  • PDF   |   WORD
  • Declares the civil union void.

 

6.  Certification of Mediation Compliance - JDF 1337

 

If you have children together, also file:

 

7.  Parenting Plan - JDF 1273
  • PDF   |   WORD
  • Has the parenting time schedule and child support info.

 

8.  Child Support Order - JDF 1117
 

 

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Learn More  –  Filling Out Forms

 

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2.  Terms

 

Discovery

 

  • Parties exchange information with each other.
  • You use this information to present your case to the Judge.

 

Parties

 

A term referring to the Petitioner and the Respondent together.

 

File & Serve

 

A phrase meaning you file the document to the court and give a copy to the other parties.

 

Temporary Orders Hearing

 

A hearing where the Judge will:

  • Make any short-term plans.
  • Possibly set spousal and child support payments.

These orders will last until the final decision is made.

 

 

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3.  Status Conference

 

What is this?

 

At the Initial Status Conference:
  • A Court Facilitator will review the status of your case.
  • The Court may order you to go to mediation.
  • The Court may schedule a Temporary Orders Hearing at this time.

 

When is it?

 

Within 42 days from the start of the case.

Look at the Case Management Order or Notice of Initial Status Conference.  These documents will have:

  • Either the time and location of the meeting.  Or,
  • Information on how to schedule.

 

Who goes?

 

  • The parties will meet with a Judge or a Family Court Facilitator.
  • Do NOT bring your kid(s) to this meeting.

 

What do I bring?

 

File & serve these forms and bring a copy to the Conference:
  • Certificate of Compliance - JDF 1104.

    • Note - Do not file any of the attachments.

  • Sworn Financial Statement - JDF 1111 SC.

  • Separation Agreement - JDF1256.

    • Note - Only if it is completed by both parties.

 
If you have kids, also bring:
  • Parenting Plan - JDF 1273.

    • Note - Only if it is completed by both parties

 

 

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5.  Go to Mediation

 

  Find a Mediator

 

When you finish, file & serve:
  • Certification of Mediation Compliance - JDF 1337
  • Separation Agreement - JDF 1256

 

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Learn More  –  Mediation & ADR

 

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Next Steps

 

Next  –    Hearing

 

Back  –     FIle  or    Respond

 

Go To  –     Case Overview