- Orders - Requesting Court Orders
- Emergency / Temporary Orders
- Responding to a Request for Order
- Child Support Advisement Video for Cases Involving the Dpartment of Child Support Services
- Court Reporters for Family Court
- Dropping or Continuing a Hearing or Trial
- Trials
- Notice of Unavailability
- Hearing and Trial Preparation Resources
- Remote Appearance and Zoom Information
Orders - Requesting Court Orders
The Request for Order form (FL-300) is used to request a hearing on most issues in a family law case.
Responding to a Request for Order
If you have been served with a Request for Order and a hearing has been scheduled, you may file a Responsive Declaration to help the judge understand what your opinion is on the issues before court. To respond, you must complete the Responsive Declaration Packet.
Court Reporters for Family Court
The Family Court does not provide a court reporter at all hearings. If you would like to have a court reporter present to record the proceedings, you must make arrangements in advance. The court employs a limited number of court reporters and you may request that one be assigned to your hearing. However, the court reserves the right to assign court reporters to the proceedings where they are most needed. If a court reporter is needed in another department at the time of your hearing, one may not be present during your hearing. The only way to ensure that a court reporter will be present at your hearing is to hire a private court reporter at your own expense. The court does not assist in the hiring of private court reporters, nor can the court recommend a particular court reporter.
Dropping or Continuing/Rescheduling a Hearing or Trial
Parties may stipulate to drop or continue a hearing, long cause trial, or trial by emailing to the court the local form Request to Drop or Continue Hearing, Long Cause Hearing or Trial by Stipulation, (FL/E-CT-031). The form must be received by the court at least two (2) business days before the hearing or trial, and must be served by fax or email before the request is made. Absent a stipulation, a motion or other request must be filed.
A party may request a continuance of/to reschedule a hearing and extend any temporary orders by submitting a Request to Continue Hearing (FL-306) and an Order on Request to Continue Hearing (FL-307) and a $20.00 filing fee. You must appear at the hearing if you do not receive a granted order continuing/rescheduling your hearing.
A party may request a continuance of/to reschedule a hearing and extend any temporary orders by submitting a motion and a $60.00 filing fee.
Trials
When a case is ready for final disposition by the Court, one or both parties may set a trial by filing a Memorandum to Set:
Notice of Unavailability
A Notice of Unavailability may be filed when a party will not be on hand for hearings or appearances concerning their family law case. This optional packet may be used for this purpose.
Hearing and Trial Preparation Resources
If you are representing yourself, the Self Help Center offers workshops to assist you in preparing for your day in court. These handouts may also help you make the most of your court experience.