If the other parent (the Petitioner) has filed a a Petition to Modify Custody and Support, a copy of the Petition must be formally given to (a/k/a served on) you (the Respondent). The Petitioner can do this two ways: first, by giving it to you, you accepting it, and then completing the Acknowledgment and Acceptance of Service form; or second, by Personal Service, which requires that a Sheriff serve you the Petition.
After your receive the Petition to Modify Custody and Support you must respond. This means that you must file with the court, and send a copy tothe Petitioner, one of the following two forms:
- 1A. Answer to Petition to Modify Custody and Support
- 1B. Answer and Counterclaim to Petition to Modify Custody and Support
** YOU HAVE A TIME LIMIT TO ANSWER THE PETITION: If you were served the Petition inside Wyoming, you have twenty (20) days from the date of service to file one of the above options. If you were served in any state OTHER THAN Wyoming, you have thirty (30) days to respond. This is stated in the Summons you received with the Petition to Modify Custody and Support.
You MUST select ONE of these options. Each option is explained in the next sections. **NOTE: If you do not file one of these options within the required time, the court may enter a Default order. This could mean that whatever it is the Petitioner requested in the Petition (about custody, visition, and child support), could be ordered.**