The Child Custody Office processes cases regarding custody, partial custody or visitation of children. The Child Custody Office is committed, in any resolution of dispute regarding custody of minor children, to focus on the best interests of the children. If a person cannot afford an attorney to start a custody action or change an existing Order, the Child Custody Office provides an intake worker to help people in filling out the necessary paperwork, scheduling either a mediation session or custody conference, and providing instructions in filing and serving the papers.
Mediation provides an alternative to the judicial system.
In mediation, the parents are viewed as cooperative adults who are attempting to take charge of their lives and resolve child custody issues between themselves with the assistance of an impartial mediator. The Custody Office screens those cases not suitable for mediation at the time of scheduling. If it is determined at the time of scheduling that a case is not appropriate for mediation, a conference is scheduled before a Child Custody Officer, who meets with the parties and attorneys, if any. Cases which are not resolved by mediation or conference may be scheduled for full hearing before a Judge of the Family Court Division. Attendees receive a Certificate of Attendance, a copy of which is filed with the Clerk of Courts Civil Division.