Custody

The next step in the custody process is to have “preliminary” court dates. Preliminary means introductory or preparatory. These might have a different name in your state, such as “first appearance,” “status conference,” or something else. They are when certain issues can be dealt with in the early stages of the case. Some of the issues that might be dealt with are:

• problems with service of process;
• referrals to mediation;
• temporary orders about allocation of parental responsibilities (custody) and parenting time (visitation); and
• pretrial motions.

During this stage, the judge will often give temporary orders about allocation of parental responsibilities (custody) and parenting time (visitation) that last while the case continues. In some cases, the judge may assign the child a lawyer called a “legal representative.”

For more information to help you prepare for the preliminary court dates, go to The first appearance in our Before the Trial section.