Family Law Filing

Documents pertaining to Dissolution, Nullity, Legal Separation, Child Support, Paternity, Custody/Visitation, Guardianship, Domestic Violence and Harassment are filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court. The Family Law Division is contained within the Civil Division of the Court.

Filings are accepted Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm and 8:00am to 2:00pm on Fridays. A drop box for same day filings will be available at court facilities every day until 5:00pm.

 

Ex parte hearings regarding family law issues are available so that you may ask the judge for emergency orders. Typically, these hearings are used to request Temporary Restraining Orders, immediate changes in custody or visitation where there is a grave danger or severe detriment to the child, or other urgent matters where the well being of someone is at stake.

You must let the other party know the time, place and purpose of the hearing at least 24 hours in advance, unless giving such notice would place you in danger. If granted, temporary orders will be made by the court until a full hearing can be held, usually within three weeks.

Ex parte hearings are heard Monday through Friday at 11:00am in Department F. To schedule an ex parte hearing, please contact the Clerk of the Superior Court at (707) 299-1104 for the current calendaring procedures.