Protocol and Practice of Persons Appearing in the Court of Commissioner Thomas Kaipio
Pre-Trial Practice and Management Issues
Motion Practice
• All litigants should be prepared for Court. In particular, litigants should have documents necessary to their proceeding in hand when they report to the courtroom. The Court directs litigants to the Self Service Center, or the Maricopa County Superior Court website, for all forms relating to uncontested default packets. In addition to completed packets, litigants should bring supportive documentation as needed to advance their arguments. For instance, in child support matters, the parties should come to Court with information about the other party’s gross income, the cost of medical insurance, and whether or not the other children are being supported. When in doubt, the parties should consult the statutes, court rules, and the Arizona Child Support Guidelines. Court staff can provide limited assistance on general court procedures but cannot provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, you should consult an attorney.• Litigants would be wise to know the Arizona Rules of Family Law, especially Rule 44, and Rule 45, as they are most applicable to default and consent proceedings.
• The Court cannot, and will not, grant relief that has not been requested in the petition, or is different from the petition. The Court relies on documents filed with the division, and served to the other side, to identify the legal concerns at issue. Please be clear about what you are asking for, and why, when addressing the Court, enabling the Court to best facilitate you case.