questions & answers

Question: My husband & I are caring for my infant niece due to both her parents being in prison. We filed a "Petition by Non-Parent to Establish Legal Decision-Making in Loco Parentis A.R.S 25-41 (Case # DO201300119) in Cochise County and her monther was served on Feb 13 (she wasn't contesting it). I called the County clerk office to find out what my next step is and they told me they can't tell me what to do. I thought I had done what needed to be done and it would now go before a judge to be finaled? Please advise, we have to get this legalized for insurance purposes, etc. THANK YOU!

Answer:

According to Cochise’s Superior Court webpage (http://cochise.az.gov/cochise_clerk_court.aspx?id=2038&ekmensel=c580fa7b_158_428_2038_2#Filing_Documents_), after filing your petition with the court, the court will provide information on when your hearing will be scheduled. Specifically, the court provides that “You do not need to deal directly with the judge’s office to receive a hearing date or other response from the court. The Clerk’s office will help stream-line this process for you.” Until the hearing is completed and the judge signs the order or decree of custody, the process is not final.