Child Custody Legal Forms
There are many factors to consider in filing child custody papers. You can file it yourself (in pro per) or you may choose to retain a family law attorney to represent you and file the child custody papers on your behalf. There may be local rules and procedures for filing your documents that you must adhere to. If you choose to represent yourself you will be taking on the responsibility of knowing the procedures and timelines related to your paperwork and court appearances.
Child custody papers and forms can usually be obtained at your local family court and many times can be downloaded from the local family court website. Some courthouses provide assistance or services to help you retrieve and complete the paperwork and forms. Your child custody papers can usually be filed in person or via mail. In some areas, there are fax filing agencies that have been approved by the court if you are unable to appear and wish to submit your papers via fax. Generally, the court will not set hearings over the phone. Child custody documents submitted through the mail will often be assigned a hearing date according to the statute requirements.

