Maggie: Judging from Bergen County, the Family Division will schedule an FD complaint for a hearing and serve the other party by certified mail and regular mail. There is really nothing additional that you have to file. The FD matters are generally heard before the child support hearing officer (CSHO). The CSHO can address the child support issue. The CSHO has limited scope in addressing custody/parenting time issues. If the parties have come to a resolution of the custody/paretning time issues, then the CSHO can enter the resolution into the recommendation. If the parties agree, the CSHO can refer the custody/parenting time issues to the Family Division staff mediator. Otherwise, those issues will be referred to a judge. In some instances, the whole case may just wind up on the FD judge's calendar.
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Mitchell Steinhart Esq.
Rochelle Park, NJ
(201)368-4207
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-28-2012 13:17
From: Maggi Khalil
Subject: FD Complaint
Dear Listmates:
I'm filing a complaint to establish a child support order and sole legal and physical custody for my client. Parties are still married and residing separately. I'm filing under the required FD complaint form.
Do I need to file a motion requesting the same relief along with the complaint? When I file a complaint for divorce, I file a PL motion requesting PL relief to be decided on a motion date. Is it the same for the FD complaint or is the FD complaint enough, no motion needed?
Also, is there a notice providing deadlines (like with a complaint for divorce) that goes along with this FD verified complaint?
I would appreciate some guidance.
Thank you,
Maggi
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Maggi Khalil Esq.
Bayonne NJ
(201)858-4555
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