Following the court hearing, pertinent court documents are copied and provided for all interested parties. If the case is not resolved on the court day, MVL may set the case for a subsequent court date or assist the client in obtaining individual representation. That letter will include the date, time and place of your appointment. On the designated date, you will meet with an attorney or paralegal who will guide you through the documents necessary to file your case, and who will answer any legal questions you may have. The documents to be completed will vary slightly depending on the nature of your case, but generally include a Statement of Understanding, a Motion to Waive Filing Fees, a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or Allocation of Parental Responsibility and a service of process questionnaire.
Service of process means personal delivery of copies of the filed documents to the respondent.
You will again meet with an attorney or paralegal, but it will most likely be a different person than your first meeting. He or she will help you complete a Financial Affidavit a statement of your monthly income, expenses, debts and assets which is required by the Court and a Notice of Hearing. The letter will detail the items you need to bring to the meeting to complete the Affidavit. The attorney will assist you in completing the Decree for Dissolution of Marriage, Permanent Orders or a Separation Agreement which includes parental responsibility and parenting time determinations, and a Child Support Order, if necessary. MVL staff will send you copies of all orders signed and entered by the Court.