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Child Custody Client Intake Form

Family Law Attorney and Legal Intake Resource

Streamline child custody case intake with our comprehensive client intake form guide. For family law attorneys, paralegals, and legal intake staff. Collect client and opposing party information, details for each child (names, DOB, school, health), current custody and visitation arrangement, client goals, prior court orders, and any safety or urgency concerns so you can assess the case, conflict level, and next steps. Use this structure for initial consultations and new custody or modification matters.

Child Custody Client Intake Form form template preview

Key Benefits

Capture client and children information in one place
Document current custody and visitation clearly
Identify client goals and priorities
Note prior orders and case history
Flag safety and urgency for triage
Professional family law intake workflow

Common Use Cases

Family law attorneys conducting custody initial consultationsParalegals and intake staff onboarding new custody clientsLaw firms standardizing custody intake across the practiceMediators gathering background before custody mediationLegal aid and pro bono programs screening custody casesModification or enforcement matters requiring updated intake

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a child custody intake form used for?
An intake form helps the attorney and staff collect consistent information from the client at the start of a custody case. It covers who the parties and children are, the current arrangement, what the client wants, and any prior court history or safety concerns. It supports conflict checks, case assessment, and preparation for the first meeting or filing.
What information should I collect for each child?
Collect full legal name, date of birth, school and grade, primary address and with whom they live, health or special needs, and any current court orders affecting that child. This supports custody evaluation, parenting plans, and support calculations.
Why ask about safety or urgency in the intake?
Safety questions (domestic violence, substance use, child welfare involvement, abduction risk) help the firm triage urgent matters, plan for protective measures, and comply with ethical and court obligations. Flagging urgency ensures time-sensitive issues get prompt attention.
Should the intake form replace a document checklist?
No. The intake form gathers facts and goals. A separate document checklist (e.g. birth certificates, prior orders, financial disclosure) is still needed for what the client must bring or produce. Use both for a complete onboarding process.

Checklist

Client Information

Client full name, contact information, and preferred method of contact
Required

Phone, email, mailing address. Note if safe to contact at home or work; language preference if any.

Party Information

Opposing party (other parent) name, contact, and attorney if known
Required

Full name, relationship to child, last known address and phone. Whether they have counsel.

Children Information

For each child: full name, date of birth, and current residence (with whom, address)
Required

Legal name and DOB for each minor child. Who they live with now and where. School district if relevant.

For each child: school name and grade; any special needs or health concerns
Required

School and grade support stability and best-interest analysis. Note IEPs, medical, or behavioral needs.

Case Information

Current custody and visitation arrangement (formal or informal)
Required

Describe schedule: weekdays, weekends, holidays. Whether by order, agreement, or informal. Any recent changes.

Client’s goals (custody, visitation, decision-making, support)
Required

What outcome the client is seeking. Primary custody, shared custody, specific schedule, legal vs physical custody, child support.

Safety or urgency concerns (domestic violence, substance use, abduction risk, child welfare)
Required

Yes/no and brief description. Drives triage, safety planning, and need for TRO or emergency filing.

Case History

Prior court orders (custody, support, protection) and case numbers
Required

List any existing orders, court, and case number. Whether current matter is initial custody or modification/enforcement.

Pending cases (divorce, paternity, DCF/CPS, criminal) involving the parties or children
Required

Other open matters that may affect custody, discovery, or scheduling.

Intake Process

Conflict check: opposing party and any related parties or entities for conflict clearance
Required

Run conflict check before engagement. Note any prior representation of the other party or family.