In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
Appeals
Glossaries
| Term | Main definition |
|---|---|
| Filing | You file when you give papers to the clerk at the courthouse where the case is taking place. Courthouses are all different on how you can file papers; in person, by mail, or online. Contact the location before filing. If you do not file correctly, your papers may be turned down. |
| Filing Fee for the Appeal | The filing fee is an amount of money that the law requires the Appellant to pay to pursue an appeal or the Appellee to pay to defend against it. The Court of Appeals will issue a written Notice that explains to the individuals the amount of money that must be paid as the filing fee. This filing fee must be paid within the time set forth in the Notice, unless a deferral or waiver of this fee is obtained from the Court of Appeals. |
| Forcible Detainer | A special proceeding for returning possession of lands, tenements or other real property to a person who has been wrongfully kept off the land or deprived of use of the land. This is a common proceeding used in landlord/tenant disputes, also known as eviction. |