Child custody battles are complex and stressful legal processes, often misunderstood by those involved. While seeking legal counsel is advisable, understanding the timeline and procedures can provide valuable insight and reduce anxiety. The process typically involves initiating a lawsuit, serving the other party, and waiting for their response, which can take several months.
When a paternity dispute arises, the non-responding party must either respond directly or hire an attorney to file a motion to appear. The court then initiates the process, requiring mediation and potentially scheduling a pretrial and trial. If mediation fails, the case proceeds to court, where attorneys present the case to the judge.
A motion to settle was filed, and if the situation fails, the judge will decide. Being forthcoming and working to resolve issues is important.