This Section is intended as a brief overview, and is not intended as a guide to performing your own custody case. Because a custody case can permanently affect your rights to your child, you should consult an attorney. If you do not qualify for Legal Services representation, you may contact the Volunteer Lawyer Program or Lawyer Referral Services to find an attorney you can afford.
1. Be on time! Court starts promptly at 9:00 A.M.. Make sure you are in the right courtroom before 9:00A.M. If you are not in the courtroom when your case is called, the judge is allowed to “pass” your case. This means that your case could be dismissed and you will have to start all over again! If you are the defendant, this could mean that the plaintiff can go in front of the judge and get the orders that he/she is seeking without you getting to say anything. This means you were defaulted (the orders are granted because you didn’t show up!).