How Long Does the Child Custody Process Take? 

When it comes to child custody, the length of time it takes to resolve a case will vary from state to state. However, there are several factors that will contribute to the length of a custody battle. It is important to remember that you will be required to prepare for the proceedings. Having the right information in front of you makes the process less stressful and more successful. 

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The first step is to file a petition. This is a legal document that will explain the circumstances of your divorce and ask the court to allocate parental responsibilities. Depending on your situation, the judge may assign a guardian ad litem to represent your interests. If you are filing a petition, you should contact an experienced family law attorney for advice. 

Once you file your petition, you should serve the other party with a copy of the paperwork. This can be done by yourself or through a sheriff or private process service. Before serving, you should also prepare all of the documents that you will need to file with the court. You should also include a custody agreement in the documents. 

Next, you should attend the initial court conference. These will be held at a location determined by the court. Some judges will handle these at their office, while others will use a magistrate or another type of court personnel. 

If the parties are able to agree on the matters at hand, the time it will take for the case to be concluded will be comparatively short. This is usually between 20 and 30 days. But, there are times when the court’s calendar is overrun with cases. 

In some cases, the court will send the parties to mediation to resolve the matter. The mediator is an impartial third party who will help the parties settle the issue. Mediation is often used in cases of domestic violence, but it can also be used in cases where the parents are able to come to an agreement on their own. 

If the parents are unable to come to an agreement, the next option is to file a motion for trial. At a trial, a judge will hear testimony and evidence from both parties. He or she will make a decision based on the facts presented in the case. The court will then sign a final order. Although there is always a chance that you will disagree with the decision, the court will be unable to change the custody order until certain requirements are met. 

A basic Order of Custody, however, will not take into account the needs and desires of an individual. A more sophisticated order will be crafted by a judge after reviewing the evidence. There are many other aspects of a court’s ability to make a judgment that are rarely discussed. 

One of the most interesting aspects of the court system is the fact that the most mundane details can often be resolved through alternative dispute resolution. For example, you can request a deposition, where a witness is questioned under oath. Another important feature is discovery, where the parties exchange documents, such as medical records, tax documents, and emails.