Family Law Process

This page contains a flowchart beginning with filing of a divorce through judgment, and includes custody issues, parent orientation, mediation, and settlement.

Family process
  1. Petition, Summons and other required forms are filed
  2. A Request for Order, Stipulation (agreement) or DVPA action can be filed with, or after, the case is opened. Exception: You do not have to open a case to ask for Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA) restraining orders.
  3. Status or Case Resolution conferences are scheduled regularly until the case is resolved
  4. Ordered very selectively to resolve emergency issues
  5. If Dept. of Child Support Services (DCSS) is involved will be scheduled with a support Commissioner
  6. Divorce/Legal Separation/Nullity/Domestic Partner cases only
  7. For self-represented parties only
  8. Set by Judge, Settlement Officer, Self-Help Center or if a Request for Trial form is filed
  9. Must be established before custody/visitation, child support & name change orders made
  10. Contested, Family Code §2336 (Stipulated Judgment or Marital Settlement Agreement) or Default Judgment