The Family Division handles cases involving divorce. It also handles parenting actions between unmarried persons. Parenting actions used to be called "custody" or "visitation" actions.
Parents in divorce or parenting actions involving children under the age of 18 will attend a First Appearance session soon after their case is filed at a family division court. Information about the court process and the important role of parents in this process is presented at the First Appearance Session. At the end of the session, parents schedule the next event in their case - either a case manager conference, mediation, or a court hearing. Attendance by parents at the First Appearance session is required, unless specifically excused by the court. (To see what a First Appearance Session looks like, please click on First Appearance Session to watch a video) .
How do you file a divorce petition ?
How do you file a parenting petition ?
Checklist:
How to file for Divorce or Legal Separation without minor children checklist
How to file for Divorce or Legal Separation with minor children checklist
How to file for a Parenting Petition checklist
How to file a Petition to Change Court Order checklist
How to get a court order enforced
How to modify parental rights, child support and other court orders
Do you need a lawyer ?
How can court staff help ?