1

Step 3 - Respond

Private
Public

 

Your Response

 

You will learn:          

 

             1.  Which forms to file.
             2.  The terms.
             3.  How to file.

 

Picture of a court gavel infront of a family court sign.
Form list icon.

1.  Forms

 

All Forms

 

 

Individual Forms

 

1.  Response - JDF 1315
  • PDF  |   WORD
  • Your response to the Petition

 

2.  Fee Waiver Request - JDF 205 & 206   (Optional)

 

 

Icon of lightbulb.

 

Learn More  –  Filling Out Forms

 

Icon for terms, three hexagons with weave lines off of each.

2.  Terms

 

Petitioner

 

The parent who first started the case.

 

Respondent

 

The parent who responded after the case was filed.

 

Petition

 

The document that reopens the case.  The party tells the Judge what they want to be changed.

 

Serve/Service

 

The term for giving a copy of your paperwork to the other parent.

 

 

Icon of filing form in court.

3.  File

 

File Where?

 

File in the District Court. 

  • The address for your District Court should be on the top left of the forms you got. 

 

  Court Finder Tool

 

File What?

 

Required

 

Optional

 

What do I Pay?

 

To Start the Case
  • $116.  Or,
  • File a Motion to Waive Fees - JDF JDF 205.
  • Note - Fees cannot be waived if E-Filing.

 

Per-Filing Fee
  • For electronic filings only.
  • $12 Convenience Fee.
  • $7.50+ Service Fee.

 

How do I File?

 

By Mail
  • Pay by check.

 

At the Courthouse
  • Pay with cash, check, or card. 
  • Check your Court for card types accepted.

 

By E-Filing
  • Set up an account.
  • Only available in some counties.
  • Pay by card.
  • You cannot waive fees if filing electronically.

 

 

Icon of form in mailed letter

4.  Give a Copy

 

You must serve the paperwork on the other parent, by:

  • Mail,
  • Hand-delivery, or
  • E-Service. 
    • Only done if the paperwork was submitted by E-Filing

 

Icon of boxes and arrowed lines.

Next Steps

 

Next  –     Hearing Prep

 

Back  –    Case Basics

 

Go To  –     Case Overview