Steps to finish your case
To finish your parentage case, you must turn in a set of final forms that say who a child's legal parents are. The forms may also describe what the parenting schedule will be, the amount of child support the parents will pay, and any other orders the court will make.
General steps to finish your parentage case
- Fill out the final order (a Judgment) along with other forms
- Mail or bring the forms and envelopes to the court clerk
- A judge must review your forms. If everything is correct, the judge will sign
- You will receive the signed judgment in the mail or pick it up at the court
The forms you'll use will be different depending on your situation
The forms you need to fill out and some specific instructions vary a bit depending on:
- If there's a default
- If you have a written agreement
- If you had a trial
- If your final orders address child custody or child support
Parentage
How to finish a parentage case
Select the situation that applies to you to get step-by-step instructions for how to finish your parentage case.
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The other person did not respond (I have a default)
If the other parent was served more than 30-days ago and did not respond, you can ask the court to make a decision without their input.
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The other parent and I have an agreement
If you have an agreement, you can...
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A judge made a decision in a trial
If your case went to trial...