GOING TO COURT

If it is necessary for you to go to court, there are several ways to prepare.  You can go on your own or with the help of a lawyer.  The expense of a lawyer may be discouraging, but if you can’t afford a lawyer you can contact your county’s Legal Aid Office. (You may be eligible for services.)

Your request for child support is called a complaint.  You or the child support office will file this complaint, and the Family Court will schedule the hearing and notify both parents of the date, time and place.

The issues of custody and visitation are handled by Family Court.

Usually an authorized child support hearing officer will listen to the case, but a judge may hear the case and make the decision.  All orders are signed by a judge.

In court, both parents will have to present information so that a proper decision can be made.  (You can use the list in "Locating Non-Custodial Parents" for guidance.)

You will also need to bring the following information about you and your child:

• Birth certificates for both of you.
  
  
• Your Social Security number and your child’s (if you have one for your child.
  
  
• Information about your income, such as a pay stub.