JUDGES: A judge is in charge of the hearing (trial). Judges listen to witnesses, examine evidence, and then decide whether the case has been proven.
SUPPORT MAGISTRATES: A support magistrate hears support cases (petitions seeking monetary support for a child or spouse) and paternity cases (petitions to declare someone to be the child’s father).
COURT ATTORNEY REFEREES: Court attorney referees hear and issue orders in custody, visitation, and foster-care cases.
PETITIONER: A petitioner is the person or agency filing the petition. A petition is a written request to the court to make a decision.
RESPONDENT: The respondent is the person or agency against whom the petition is filed.