Now What?

After the other party is served, you will have to wait and see what the other person does before you know what your next step will be. You can learn about the possible next steps in this section.

The other parent has 21 calendar days after being served with the summons and complaint to file their own papers. Your next step will depend on what the other person does.

If the Other Parent Did Not File Anything
If the Other Parent Filed an Answer (and Counterclaim)

If the Other Parent does not file anything after 21 calendar days

You have to fill out some final papers to move your case along to the end.

If you haven't yet, file the Affidavit of Service that states when and where Defendant was served. 

Affidavit of Service (pdf fillable)

First, you must ask the Court to issue a “Default,” which means that the other parent did not file anything by the 21 day deadline. If approved, a default generally stops the other party from filing their paperwork. You must fill out a Default form and bring it to the Clerk’s Office for review and approval.

Default (pdf)  Default (pdf fillable)

Second, you must file additional papers depending on what kind of case you have: 

• If you filed a custody case: Once the default is entered, you have to fill out a final set of papers to ask the judge to give you a final custody order. You will need to fill out and file a few more documents and turn them in to the judge to review. Usually you can get your final order without a hearing, but sometimes judges want you to appear at a short hearing first. See Getting the Final Decree to find all the forms needed to get your case finalized.
• If you filed a paternity case: You usually have to appear at a hearing even if you get a default. 
  • If you want a DNA test: You can file a "Motion for Paternity/DNA Testing" to set a hearing so you and the other parent can go to court and see the judge.  See Temporary Orders for more information.
  • If you do not want a DNA test: Fill out an "Uncontested Setting Slip" to set a short hearing with the judge.  Bring a Paternity Order with you to the hearing in case the judge is willing to sign it right away.

Uncontested Setting Slip (pdf fillable)

Paternity Order Packet (pdf fillable)

If the Other Parent filed an Answer

There are a number of things that will happen after the other parent files an Answer. You will have to file some additional papers, and the judge will schedule a hearing that both of you must attend.

Papers you have to file

First, look at the answer to find out if it includes a “counterclaim.” A counterclaim looks a lot like your complaint, and will tell you what the other parent wants the judge to order. If the other parent included a counterclaim, you can file a “Reply to the Counterclaim.” Your reply tells the judge what parts of the counterclaim you agree with, disagree with, or do not know enough information about. You only need to write paragraph numbers in the reply. For instance, if you agree with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd paragraphs in the counterclaim, you would write “1, 2, 3” in the reply on the line that says “Plaintiff admits the following allegations.”

Reply to Counterclaim (pdf)  Reply to Counterclaim (pdf fillable) 

Second, you have to file a Financial Disclosure Form within 30 days of when the other parent filed the answer (the other parent has to file one also). The Financial Disclosure Form, or “FDF,” gives information about your employment, your income, and your expenses.  You do not need to complete the "Personal Asset and Debt" information in this form. The information on this form helps the judge determine child support and any other financial issues. If you do not fill out this form completely and accurately, the court may rule against you.  Be sure to attach your three most recent paystubs to this form.

Financial Disclosure Form (pdf)  Financial Disclosure Form - General (pdf fillable)

Wait for a Court Date

If the other parent filed an answer, the judge will set a court date in about 90 days. The hearing is called an "Early Case Evaluation," sometimes also called a “Case Management Conference.” You will receive a notice in the mail from the court with the hearing date included. Visit Case Management Conference for more information about this hearing.

Ask for a Referral to the Family Mediation Center

Whenever parents cannot agree on custody or visitation for their children, the court requires the parents to attempt mediation. You can start this process yourself rather than waiting for a judge to order you to go to mediation. See Family Mediation Center for more information.

File Motions for Temporary Orders

You might have some issues you want the judge to sort out while the case is going on. This could include where the children should live, when each parent should have time with the children, whether either person should pay temporary child support, etc.

A judge can issue temporary orders to guide the parties while the case is moving forward. Either parent can file a motion for temporary orders at any time before the final orders are granted. Please visit Motions for Temporary Orders for more information.