Court Proceedings in the Family Court

Civil:

A civil case is initiated with the filing of a "Petition." All petition filings require the original, plus one copy of the petition unless a specific rule or rules require the filing of additional copies. An accompanying data information sheet should be included with the documents. A filing fee is due at the time of filing (fees vary depending on petition type). After filing, the Clerk of Court shall prepare a summons and shall direct that a copy of the summons and petition be personally served upon the respondent named in the petition. Once service of process (Summons & Petition) has been made upon the respondent, the court shall schedule the matter for the appropriate hearing.

Mediation:

Mediation is a required Family Court process where persons are given an opportunity to resolve their differences and make their own agreement which, when signed by a Judge or Commissioner, becomes an Order of the Court.
View A Guide to Mediation in the Family Court. Also available in Spanish.

Your Court Hearing:

Learn what is a court hearing, tips on how to prepare for a court hearing and how to state your case at the court hearing. Tell me more...

Criminal:

Proceedings may be instituted by filing of information, petition or complaint, or as otherwise provided by the Constitution of this State; by statute or by rule. The complaint is a written statement of the essential facts constituting the offense charged. It shall be made upon oath, and may be based upon personal knowledge or upon reasonable information and belief. A complaint filed in another court may be forwarded to the Family Court, or, if appropriate, a committing magistrate may issue a warrant for the person alleged to have violated any law, within the jurisdiction of the Family Court. Tell me more...

Arbitration:

Arbitration is an informal Family Court proceeding where a specially trained hearing officer attempts to resolve certain juvenile delinquency cases.
View A Guide to Arbitration in the Family Court.

Arraignments:

An arraignment is a formal hearing at which a defendant accused of a crime is brought before the Court to plea to the charges brought against him/her. The defendant is made aware of the charges, the legal rights and at this time, may enter a plea of guilty or not guilty before the Court. View A Guide to Arraignments in the Family Court. Also available in Spanish.

FAQs/Guides:

Change of Address
Guide to Subpoenas
Review of Commissioner's Order/Re-arguments

References:

Family Court Glossary of Legal Terms

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