Getting Ready for Your Court Hearing

Two weeks before

Two Weeks Before

File all your documents with the Superior Court -- Sending your documents to DCSS does NOT file them with the court. Complete the court required Income and Expense Declaration form. Mail or drop off documents at the Court Business Office or e-file your documents. View or expand section below for detailed instructions.
One week before

One Week Before

Pre-Court Meeting by Phone or Video (Required by Court): Morning court hearing meetings will be between 8 AM - 12 PM one week before the court date. Afternoon court hearing meetings will be between 1 PM - 5 PM one week before the court date. Please make sure DCSS has your current phone number and email address. View or expand section below for detailed instructions.
Day of Court Hearing

Day of Court

Check your paperwork to find your court department number. Unable to appear in person? File the NOTICE OF REMOTE APPEARANCE (RA-010) form 10 court days before the hearing. View or expand section below for detailed instructions.

Two Weeks Before Court Hearing

One Week Before Court Hearing

Day of Court Hearing

Disability Assistance

Scanning Documents Using Your Mobile Phone

Process for Providing Ex Parte Notice to DCSS

Electronic Service on DCSS

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  • Pre-Court Hearing Meeting (Meet and Confer)

    Before your hearing, meet with a DCSS staff to discuss your case. If an attorney represents you, he/she must be present. At the meeting, you will:

    • Discuss the case and provide any updated information.
    • Try to reach an agreement regarding child support matters. If you reach an agreement, all parties will sign the agreement, and you will not need to go to court.
    • If a full agreement can't be reached, you will appear in court.
       
  • The Court Hearing

    The DCSS attorney presents the case to the court with each party’s position and any unresolved issues.

    The Commissioner reviews the case and calculates support based on income and visitation time with the child(ren).

    Based on the calculation and information provided, the Commissioner will make a judgment or order.

    (NOTE: If the Commissioner feels that more information is needed, the hearing will be rescheduled to allow parties to return with the required information and the court to make a decision on the issues.)
     

  • Request a Continuance

    If you will miss your hearing, contact DCSS as soon as possible. Also contact the other party to request their permission to continue the hearing.

    There is no guarantee that the hearing will be continued. The court may proceed even though you are not there.