1.  Forms

Forms Kit

 

A packet with all the basic forms you need.

• PDF Fillable

 

Individual Forms

 

1.  Response - JDF 1420

• PDF Fillable  |   WORD
• Your response to the Petition

 

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

• Sample   |   PDF Fillable   |   WORD: 205 - 206

 

2.  Terms

Petitioner

 

The parent who starts the case.

 

Respondent

 

The parent who responds after a case is filed.

 

Petition

 

The document that starts a Custody case.  It tells the Judge what the Petitioner wants.

 

Serve/Service

 

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

 

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

• Response - JDF 1420

 

Optional

• Fee Waiver - JDF 205

 

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.

 

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