Divorce (also called "dissolution of marriage"),

Legal Separation,

or Annulment

You can ask for custody and visitation orders once you file for a divorce, legal separation, or annulment.

You can get temporary orders for custody/visitation while you are waiting for the final judgment in your case.

Click here for help getting a divorce, legal separation, or annulment.

If you have been a victim of domestic violence, you can ask for custody or visitation when you ask for a domestic violence restraining order.

Click here for help getting a domestic violence restraining order.

If you don't want to get a divorce, legal separation, or annulment, you can start a case called a Petition for Custody and Support of Minor Children.

This lets the court make custody and visitation orders and other orders.

Click here for forms and instructions for filing a Petition for Custody and Support of Minor Children.

Parents who are involved in a child support enforcement case filed by the local child support agency may also be able to ask for custody and visitation orders once certain requirements are met in that case.

The family law facilitator in your county may be able to give you information about how to do this. The facilitator may also help you find someone in your area that will help you. Click here to find the family law facilitator in your county.