Prepare for your court date

Reach out to your spouse or the other parent at least once before your court date to see if you can agree.

• If an attorney is involved, reach out to the attorney instead of your spouse. 
• You can do this in person, by phone, or in writing—whatever works best for the two of you.  

If your spouse or the other parent didn't file a response

Still reach out to try to reach an agreement. If they don't file a response, they may still come to the court date.

• The judge can then decide whether to hear their side. 
• If they don't show up at the hearing, the judge will make a decision based just on what you filed.

⚠️ If you have a restraining order or you are worried about your safety, you don’t have to contact your spouse or partner.

If you both reach an agreement

• Write down everything you agree to
• Both of you sign it 
• Turn it in to the court so the judge can review and sign it

How to write an agreement

Sometimes things change, you get new information, or you want to add more to the paperwork you already filed.

• If you have new information or a document that you want the judge to consider at your court date, file it and have a copy of it served on the other side.
• If you can't get it filed and served before your court date, you can still take it (along with 2 copies), but there's a chance the judge might not be able to consider it.

Learn how to submit a document or a witness statement

• Organize the papers you plan to take to court so you can get them quickly.    
• Put the notes with what you want to say on top followed by copies of any evidence you plan to use (statement, bills, receipts, declarations from witnesses). 
• Also, take a copy of what you, your spouse or the other parent filed. 

🌐 How to ask for an interpreter

If you don't speak or understand English very well, you can ask for a court interpreter for your court date.

• Ask as soon as you find out your court date
• The court will provide an interpreter free of charge

Fill out and turn in a Request for Interpreter (Civil) (form INT-300). Some courts may have other ways to ask for an interpreter (like online). Contact your court ↗️ to see the ways you can ask for an interpreter. 

♿ How to ask for an accommodation for a disability

To ask for an accommodation, fill out a Disability Accommodation Request (form MC-410). Turn the form in to your court's ADA coordinator ↗️ at least 5 days before your court date.