Draft an Answer. Pull the header information from the plaintiff's petition. Title your Answer “Answer to Plaintiff's Petition/Complaint.” Center this title and make it bold. Introduce yourself. Admit, deny, or claim that you lack sufficient knowledge to admit or deny each of the plaintiff's numbered allegations.
Write professionally, but in your own voice — don't try to sound like a lawyer. Be specific. Don't ramble or repeat yourself, and don't include irrelevant information. Don't lie or make assumptions not supported by facts and evidence — include only information that you have personal knowledge of.
Present the truth calmly and clearly, focusing on facts rather than emotions. Always frame your responses and narrative around what is best for the child. This is often the primary consideration in custody cases. Highlight any concerns related to the other parent's behavior that may impact the child's well-being.
Basically, you need to explain the reason you are filing, what you would like to see happen (the relief you are requesting) and provide specific examples of what occurred that makes you think the judge should give you what you are asking for.
Stay Objective: Focus on the parent's qualities and behaviors rather than personal opinions about the custody situation. Keep It Professional: Maintain a respectful and formal tone throughout the letter. Length: Aim for one page; be concise but thorough in your observations.
Are you admitting you are the parent of the child? Denying it? You can file an answer by mailing it to the courthouse. There is no specific form required to file an answer. However, the document should be typed and double spaced and the answer you wish to make clear.
A document that starts a case where the person filing is asking the court to make additional orders to force compliance with an already existing order.
If the other parent doesn't obey a court order, you can file a form with the court called a Motion for Contempt. This motion asks the court to hold a hearing where the other parent will have to explain why they aren't following the court order(s).
If you're doing it on your own, however, you may contact your court clerk for information on how to do this. The motion has to state what your ex-spouse isn't doing, what areas he or she is in violation of. It must clarify why he or she ought to be held in contempt of the divorce decree. You must prove your case.
The consequences of the motion: A motion to enforce, if approved, inflicts no punishment on the non-compliant party and instead serves as a reminder to fulfill their legal duties. Alternatively, a motion for contempt can result in jail time or fines for not following a verdict.