Modifying a Custody Order can be processed using the Friend of the Court policy and forms, or with the use of an attorney, or by petitioning the court using the State Court Administrator’s Forms. If a party chooses to use the Friend of the Court policy and forms, the following applies: your attendance at the Friend of the Court Orientation Program must be verified by the Friend of the Court office, a letter must be sent to the other parent outlining the changes you are seeking with the attempt to have the other parent agree to such a change. If the other parent does not agree to the change then a written request to the Friend of the Court is made for a parenting time motion packet along with a copy of the letter sent to the other parent outlining the changes you are seeking. Upon return of the completed motion packet the matter will be scheduled for a pre-trial conference before the Judge. At the pre-trial conference, the parties will meet with the Investigator to discuss the motion and attempt to reach an agreement. If an agreement is reached the Investigator will recommend the order be modified based on the findings during the interview. The Judge can accept this agreement and enter a verbal order on the record. That order is then put into a written form by the Friend of the Court and signed by the Judge. If the parties do not agree, the Judge will determine if there is enough evidence for a custody trial or if the motion should be dismissed.

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Page Last Modified: May 16, 2008 at 10:05 am