First Hearing: What to Bring and Expect

Your first child support hearing sets the tone. Arrive organized, know what the judge can decide that day, and stick to the numbers. Here’s a practical checklist and a play‑by‑play of what usually happens.

What the court can decide. At an initial hearing, courts often address temporary support, set deadlines for exchanging financials, and schedule mediation or a final hearing. If both parents have provided complete information, the court may enter a final order the same day. Parenting time may be addressed if it affects support calculations in your state.

Your document kit. Bring (1) the last two years of tax returns and W‑2/1099s; (2) three months of paystubs; (3) proof of health insurance premiums for the child; (4) childcare invoices and receipts; (5) a proposed guideline worksheet; (6) proof of current parenting time (calendars); and (7) any existing orders. Make three sets: one for you, one for the other parent, one for the court. Tab and label everything.

Presentation tips. Be on time, dress neatly, and silence phones. When called, confirm your name and that you received the other side’s papers. Answer the judge’s questions directly. Avoid editorializing about the other parent’s character; courts are there to calculate support. If you need a deviation (e.g., extraordinary medical expenses), tie it to specific evidence—EOBs, physician letters, travel receipts.

Using the guideline calculator. Judges rely on your state’s calculator. Bring printed worksheets and be ready to explain each input: gross income, pre‑tax deductions, insurance premiums, childcare costs, and overnights. If self‑employed, present a simple profit‑and‑loss with backup (bank statements). If income fluctuates, propose an average or base‑plus‑percentage structure. If the other parent disputes numbers, offer a short continuance to exchange missing documents rather than argue from memory.

Temporary orders and start dates. If a temporary order issues, confirm the start date (often the filing or service date) and how payments will be made before payroll withholding begins. Ask for immediate income withholding to minimize arrears. If the judge orders reimbursements (medical, childcare), clarify deadlines for submitting receipts and paying them.

Courtroom etiquette and remote hearings. Whether in person or by video, do not interrupt. If remote, test your tech, use a neutral background, and label your screen with your name. Keep exhibits as a single PDF with bookmarks; share screen only when asked. Mute unless speaking and have headphones to avoid echo.

After the hearing. Get a copy of the minute order before leaving or download it from the portal as soon as posted. If you need to draft the formal order, do it within the deadline and circulate for signature. Start payments immediately—delays create arrears that are hard to unwind. Calendar the next date and any deadlines for exchanging updated financials.

Common pitfalls. Arriving without proof of income, arguing about unrelated issues, or assuming the judge “knows” your situation. Judges decide based on admissible evidence and guidelines. Keep it simple and documented.

Bottom line. First hearings reward preparation. Bring clean numbers, a complete packet, and a calm plan. You’ll leave with an order—or a short path to one.