Which filings enter intake
New custody complaints, petitions for modification, and petitions for contempt enter the DRO intake process. The Custody Department schedules the Initial Intake Conference after processing the filing and sends notice to the parties
Cases already underway filed prior to November 16, 2026 (or November 2, 2026 for certain random selected filings) continue their existing path as ordered. Parties requesting relief from mandatory mediation scheduling may present a motion before their assigned Judge.
Initial Intake Conference and Online Coparenting Education Class
Parties will receive a notice from the Court requiring completion at the online co-parenting education and a virtual Initial Intake Conference. Complete the required online co-parenting education class, unless you have previously completed it, before the Initial Intake Conference. Complete and file the Criminal Record and Abuse History Verification Form (link to form) prior to the Initial Intake Conference.
The Initial Intake Conference takes place virtually through Microsoft Teams. All parties must attend. An attorney cannot solely attend in lieu of their client.
Read your scheduling order for the date, time, Teams access information, and any specific instructions. Make sure you have TEAMS downloaded onto your device and understand how to use it prior to the conference. Check your email regularly, including any junk or spam folders, for the TEAMS invite from the Court which you will receive prior to your scheduled date. If you are unable to join the TEAMS link from your device, you may use the telephone number provided in the invite to join by phone.
Attend the conference.
Failure of the petitioner to attend the initial intake conference may result in dismissal of the custody action.
What the DRO does
At intake, the DRO:
- Reviews service and proof of service.
- Identifies missing forms and clarifies unclear or incomplete information in the pleading
- Confirms the issues raised in the complaint or petition.
- Processes a final consent custody order when an agreement is brought to the conference.
- Schedules the parties for voluntary mediation, if both parties are present and agree to the same.
- Refers legal issues requiring judicial review to the judge.
- Determines the next appropriate proceeding.
The DRO does not conduct a custody conciliation at intake or decide disputed custody issues.
Service review and Secondary Intake
If the respondent appears at the conference, service is treated as complete.
If service is incomplete and the respondent does not appear, a Secondary Intake Conference is scheduled to occur after the applicable 30-day or 90-day service period expires. Secondary Intake also takes place through Microsoft Teams. The Petitioner will be given instructions on how to achieve service.
. If service remains incomplete at Secondary Intake and the respondent does not appear, the pending complaint or petition may be dismissed without prejudice. If the petitioner fails to appear at the Secondary Intake, the pending complaint or petition may be dismissed.
Attendance
The petitioner’s failure to attend Initial or Secondary Intake may result in dismissal. A respondent’s absence does not prevent the case from proceeding on the identified case path when service is complete. If service is incomplete and the respondent is absent, further service review is required.
What happens after intake
The Custody Department schedules the next appropriate proceeding after each event. A separate scheduling praecipe is not required. Read each new order for the date and time, location, participation instructions, preparation requirements, and deadlines.
Keep your information current
Promptly notify the Custody Department of changes to your mailing address, telephone number, or email address. Complete any separate filing required to update your information with the Department of Court Records.