Court Process
Mediation Resources
Filing to First Hearing
- Within two to four weeks of filing, the Clerk’s Office will process your petition(s) and send out a summons as to your court date, via the Sheriff's.
- The Clerk’s Office will also notify the Court’s Mediation Coordinator.
- You will be contacted by the Court's Mediation Coordinator if your case is appropriate for mediation.
- If an agreement in mediation is reached, you will not need to appear in court, and the Clerk’s Office will mail you your final order.
- Within 30 to 90 days of filing, the Court will hold your first hearing.
- At that time, you may leave with a final order.
- If there are circumstances that require an additional hearing, your case will be continued to a contested hearing on the Court’s docket.
- Other events which may occur at the first hearing:
- A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) may be appointed for a child or a party
- Note: You may be financially obligated to pay.
- Re-referral to mediation
- Order to attend a mandatory parent education seminar (Note: In response to COVID-19, there are several parenting education seminars being offered remotely (PDF).)
- Psychological evaluation
- Substance abuse screening
- A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) may be appointed for a child or a party
Contested Cases and Appeal Process
- Within another 30 to 90 days, your matter will be heard on the Court’s contested docket.
- Once your matter has been set to this docket, continuances will rarely be granted unless good cause is shown.
- You will typically have one to two hours for your case to be heard and you should leave Court with a final order.
- If a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) was appointed, you will be asked to fill out financial paperwork to determine if you will be obligated to pay.
From the date of entry of a final order, at any stage of this process, you have 10 days to note your appeal.
Bonds may be required in Support appeals.
Please contact the Clerk’s Office
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
804-748-1379