Directive #09-25 - Family - Processing Non-Dissolution (FD Docket) Applications with Related Children in Court (CIC) Cases or Involvement with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency

This Directive sets forth the process for addressing Non-Dissolution (FD docket) filings when there is a co-occurring Children in Court (CIC) (FN, FG, FC or FL dockets) case or there is an allegation of child abuse or neglect discovered during the FD intake process. In certain CIC matters where the children remain in the home
(known as care and supervision cases), litigants may file an FD complaint or application for a modification of an existing FD case seeking relief that is appropriately addressed in the FD docket.

The protocols set forth in this directive ensure that litigants have access to the courts and that the filings are appropriately processed. This protocol supersedes all other applicable Judiciary policies.

A. Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) Referrals

	Scenario	Court Action
1.	Parent files FD complaint, and Allegations of child abuse or neglect are made against the other parent, and There are no prior FN or FG cases between the parents.	Docket FD complaint.
2.	Parent or third party files FD complaint, and DCP&P is currently investigating or has investigated the family, and There are no prior FN or FG cases between the parents.	Docket FD complaint.

B. Children in Voluntary Placement (FC Docket with No CIC Litigation)

	Scenario	Court Action
3.	Parent or third party files FD complaint or modification, There is an active FC case (no existing FN/FG cases).	Docket FD complaint/process modification.
4.	Parent or third party files FD complaint or modification, and There is a closed FC case (no existing FN/FG cases).	Docket FD complaint/process modification.

C. Active Child Protection (FN Docket) and Termination of Parental Rights (FG Docket) Cases

	Scenario	Court Action
5.	Parent in active FN or FG with the child in out of home placement (active FC case) files FD complaint.	Docket FD complaint.
6.	Parent in active FN or FG with the child in out of home placement (active FC case) files FD modification application.	Process FD modification.
7.	Parent in active FN care and supervision case (no active FC case) files FD complaint or modification application.	Docket FD complaint/process modification.
8.	Third party, not a defendant/parent in active FN or FG case, files FD complaint for custody/visitation.	Docket FD complaint.

D. Post-Judgment Children in Court Actions (Active FC Case)

	Scenario	Court Action
9.	Parent in closed FN or FG (active FC case) files FD complaint or modification application.	Docket FD complaint/process modification.
10.	Third party, not a defendant/parent in the closed FN or FG (active FC case), files FD complaint.	Docket FD complaint.

E. Post-Judgment Kinship Legal Guardianship (KLG) Actions (FL Docket)

	Scenario	Court Action
11.	Kinship Legal Guardian (KLG) files FD complaint for child support.	Docket FD complaint.
12.	Parent files FD complaint or modification application.	Docket/process FD filing.
13.	Third party, not the parent or KLG, files FD complaint.	Docket FD complaint.

cc: Chief Justice Stuart Rabner
Family Presiding Judges
Family Judges
Steven D. Bonville, Chief of Staff
AOC Directors and Assistant Directors
Clerks of Court
Special Assistants to the Administrative Director
AOC Family Practice Chiefs
Family Division Managers and Assistant Division Managers

Document Date: Dec. 16, 2025

Publish Date: Dec. 17, 2025

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