Initial requests for support, child custody and visitation or requests to modify or change an existing order, start with the filing of a petition.  An intake officer can help prepare the petition and other necessary documents.  To start the process, make an appointment with a Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, Domestic Relations Department intake officer by calling 703-246-3040.  Complete the following intake form, which can be found on the Court Forms page of the Court's Website.  

Petitions for support, child custody and visitation can be filed directly with the Clerk's Office by an attorney, agency like the Division of Child Support Enforcement or a person litigating a case without an attorney.  Custody and visitation petitions are filed under the child’s name; therefore, a separate petition for custody and/or for visitation shall be filed for each child.  Spousal and child support petitions are filed under the name of the payor, (the person to pay support).  In custody, visitation and spousal support cases, a filing fee of $25.00 must be paid, unless the fee is waived because the petitioner is deemed by the court to be financially unable to pay the fee.  If a person works with an intake officer, the $25 fee must be paid within ninety (90) days after the intake officer issues the petition.  After 90 days the petitioner must file a new petition with the intake office.  Only one $25.00 fee will be required for all custody and visitation petitions filed at the same time by a single petitioner. The fee should be paid to the clerk.

Finally, the petitioner must also file completed Affidavit — Default Judgement Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act forms with the petition. Both of these forms can be found on the Court Forms section of the Court's Website.  When an affidavit is submitted, if a party alleges in an affidavit or a pleading under oath that the health, safety, or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by disclosure of identifying information, the information shall be sealed and may not be disclosed to the other party or the public unless the court orders the disclosure to be made after a hearing, in which the court takes into consideration the health, safety, or liberty of the party or child.

For additional assistance, parties can contact the Self-Help office located in the Fairfax County Court Library.