During a difficult time like a divorce, getting the right child custody forms is probably the last thing that anyone needs to worry about. 
However, child custody forms are now easy to download from the Internet.  In the US, all states except for Alabama provide this service, and there are many forms available on the Internet besides the original petition for custody.  There are also joint child custody forms, unmarried child custody forms, visitation rights forms, and even child support forms.

Being able to go to the Internet to get the forms for your local jurisdiction saves the trip of going to the courthouse, and helps a lot financially.  This is because if the custody of the children is uncontested, you may not have to hire a lawyer for the initial hearing if you have the right paperwork in order.  These forms generally also come with instructions, so there are fewer mistakes to make if you fill them out yourself.

Tips on Filling out Child Custody Legal Forms

Child custody legal forms are exactly that – legal forms.  This means that they need to be filled out exactly as noted or the court will not accept them.  Since it is important to the parent who wants custody to gain a legal standing as soon as possible, it is imperative that these forms be filled out accurately and filed as soon as possible.  Remember, the initial custody hearing is very quick and may only serve to grant temporary custody until a more formal hearing is granted.

Filling out the forms accurately means that the children’s legal names must be entered as well as their full current address.  As well, there will be a space on the child custody forms where the parent seeking custody will have to fill out why they are seeking custody.  It is absolutely essential to fill out this part of the child custody legal forms correctly.  There should be no slander or insinuations against the other parent that cannot be proven as fact – any false allegations against the other parent will hurt your own case.

Legal Forms In Child Custody – What to Expect

Most legal forms in child custody are easy to fill out.  In fact, most forms are only one page long.  So if you think that child custody forms are complicated and require a lawyer to complete them, this is usually not the case.  The family court has tried to make the process as streamlined as possible, so that families who cannot afford a lawyer can still resolve their child custody cases fairly and quickly.