Filing for child custody doesn’t have to be completely overwhelming or stressful. You don’t need to spend a lot of time worrying about the process–especially because you have so many other things to think about. Here are some basic steps to simplify filing for child custody.

1. Visit with an attorney. Before deciding if you want legal representation, visit with an attorney and find out what they think about your case. This can give you valuable insight about how to file and if you need a lawyer.

2. Consider if you want to hire an attorney. After meeting with a lawyer, you should decide if you want one to help with your case. This will depend entirely on your circumstances and if you think it would benefit you. You don’t need an attorney to file, and you can always hire one at any time.

3. Go to the courthouse. The court where you file (also the court where you file for divorce) will have a lot of the information that you need. You can find the papers you need there and also ask any questions you have. Some of the courthouses even have some help sections.

4. Fill out the paperwork. Figure out what papers you need to fill out and take the time to get all of the right information. If you are the first parent when filing for custody you fill out one set of papers and if you are responding you fill out another set.

5. Think about your parenting plan. You want to start thinking about the custody and visitation schedule, the holiday schedule, and other things relating to your custody agreement. You’ll need some of the information to fill out your papers.

6. Look into any resources that can help you. As you have questions in the process seek out every possible resource for answers. You can get help at the courthouse, go to a support group, look online or find other things.

You can make it through the process of filing for child custody. Try to be positive. It’s easy to feel discouraged, but take each day as they come and you’ll make it through.