Where can I obtain the documents necessary to file for child custody?
The party filing for child custody must prepare a petition or “Motion” requesting custody of the child. Some guidelines for the preparation of this Petition or Motion are available from the Clerkâs office. The Respondent will need to file an “Appearance”. A “Domestic Relations Cover Sheet” will also be required for an initial filing of a case. These documents or instructions for documents which you must prepare for yourself may be obtained at 28 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, Room 200, at the Daley Center in Chicago, or in the appropriate district court. How many copies of these documents will I need? Once you obtain or prepare the appropriate documents, you will need the original and three copies of each of the documents. The original is for the Court file, one copy is for the Petitioner, one copy is for the Respondent and one extra copy is for your records. You will need only one copy of the Domestic Relations Cover Sheet. The Clerk of the Court will stamp these documents and
