Families Matter Triage Program
- Floyd County
- Department
- Current: FMTP
The FMTP is a product of a collaboration between Floyd County Superior Court 3 and University of Illinois at Chicago’s CAPACITY Lab. The main goal of the FMTP is to support parties in the divorce and child support legal process. We know that navigating the law is hard without an attorney. This program helps connect parties to services and resources that will help get their case resolved faster.
As part of the program, a Legal Navigator will guide the parties through the legal process. The Legal Navigator will clarify procedures, help the parties to understand methods of resolving disputes, and assess levels of agreement or disagreement to assist the judge with a decision regarding the next steps in the case. The judge may determine that a case needs the help of a family law mediator or that a hearing is most appropriate. The Legal Navigator will help you understand the legal process and can reduce stress and anxiety associated with family law cases. By participating in the FMTP, parties’ cases will be resolved in an expedited and fair manner while also receiving access to free and low-cost services to help resolve cases and support families. Participation in the program will not affect the outcome of proceedings in any way.
Please see the FMTP overview attachment for more details.
☐ Parties understand that the Families Matter Triage Program (FMTP) is voluntary and that they may withdraw participation prior to the mandatory conference by filing notice with the court. Once in the FMTP, services recommended by program staff are voluntary, though strongly encouraged unless ordered by the Judge.
☐ Parties have had sufficient time to consider the above information and ask necessary questions.
☐ Parties understand the social service processes, their rights, the expectations, and the limits to confidentiality of participation.
☐ Parties understand the obligation to attend meetings/sessions to the best of their abilities, talk openly and honestly with their Legal Navigator, and provide feedback about how the services are working for them.
☐ Parties agree to not subpoena any testimony or records of the FMTP for a disposition or a court hearing of any kind for any reason including after completion or withdrawal of program.
For more information on the documents needed or next steps throughout the divorce process, please reach out to the Legal Navigator to discuss in more detail.
- Families Matter Triage Program Overview
- Motion for Waiver of Filing Fees
- Divorce Secondary Packet with Children
- Divorce Secondary Packet without Children
- Financial Disclosure Statement
We have Mediator's that are trained within the Families Matter Triage Program.
- Mediator Training presentation
- Mediator CLE resources
- Mediator’s Plan Submission & Invoice
- Attorney Waiver (all mediation sessions)
- ADR Instructions for Mediation Documents
- Calculating Child Support Online
- Mediator FAQ
- Can I talk to the Judge about a case?
No. The Judge must remain independent, impartial and unbiased to both sides to a dispute throughout all phases of the case. The Judge may not speak with one side without the other side being present. Neither the Judge, nor the Court staff, is permitted to give legal advice.
- How long do I have to wait before I can be divorced?
You must wait at least 60 days from the date the case is filed. Unless the parties file a written agreement, waiver of rights and decree of dissolution, they will need to request a hearing date to be held after 60 days. If you have questions regarding the next steps in your case, please contact the Legal Navigator, Courtney Etheridge, to discuss further.
- Do I have to hire an attorney?
Any person may represent himself or herself in a court without a lawyer. However, this does not make the judge or the court’s staff your lawyer. You must perform just like a lawyer would perform in gathering evidence and other pertinent information. Neither the Judge nor the court's staff can assist you in preparing or presenting your case. The laws and the rules of evidence remain the same whether you are represented by a lawyer or you represent yourself. The self-help website address is: http://www.in.gov/judiciary/selfservice
If you cannot afford an attorney, you may contact the following places to apply for free legal assistance:
Legal Services, Inc.
3303 Plaza Drive, Suite 5
New Albany, IN 47150
(812) 945-4123Legal Volunteers
406 Pearl Street
New Albany, IN 47150
(812) 949-2292 - How do I get a continuance of a court date if I don't have an attorney?
You need to request the continuance in writing prior to the court date and provide a copy of that request to the all parties in the case. Clearly explain your reasons for the request. Your current address and a phone number should be provided to the Court. You should then contact the Court to see if the continuance has been granted.
Contact Information
Courtney Etheridge
Court Administrator Professional / Legal Navigator
Contact Information
Floyd County Superior Court 3
311 Hauss Square, Room 420
New Albany, IN 47150
Main: (812) 948-5257
Families Matter Triage Program
311 Hauss Square, Room 110
New Albany, IN 47150
Main: (812) 948-5410
Fax: (812) 948-2648
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed for Lunch 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Floyd County
Helpful Information
- Location
311 Hauss Square
New Albany, IN 47150
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