Intake Services

Family Offense Intake

The Probation Department provides intake services to individuals who seek to file a Family Offense petition through Madison County Family Court. A Custody petition may be taken as needed to accompany the Family Offense petition. Note: Matters concerning Paternity, Custody, and Visitation not related to a family offense are referred to the Madison County Family Court Clerk's office. Matters related to Support are referred to the Madison County Support Collection Unit located in the Madison County Department of Social Services building.

Permitted Individuals

The following individuals are permitted to initiate a Family Offense proceeding:

1. Persons currently or formerly married to one another.
2. Persons who have a child in common, regardless of whether they have been married or lived together.
3. Persons related by blood or by marriage.
4. Two persons, whether currently or in the past, who have been intimately involved, regardless of cohabitation or shared children.

Only individuals who are 18 years of age or older may file Family Offense petitions. Minors seeking an Order of Protection must have an adult file on their behalf. In all other situations, an Order of Protection (Restraining Order) must be sought through the local criminal court.

Assistance

A probation officer is available to assist individuals wishing to file a Family Offense petition from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Petitions can be heard by a Family Court Judge on an emergency basis. This process can be time-consuming, so individuals seeking an Order of Protection should allow sufficient time for the process to be completed.