What Form F1 is for
Rule 2-2 allows a family law case to be started jointly when all relief other than any divorce claim is by consent. In that situation, the joint notice of family claim must be in Form F1.
How a joint case differs from an ordinary F3 case
A normal contested case is commonly started by one claimant filing Form F3 and personally serving it on the respondent. A joint case is different: Rule 2-2 says the Form F1 joint notice need not be served. Both sides are participating in the joint start of the case.
When F1 is not a good fit
If the parties disagree about non-divorce relief, the joint-case route does not fit Rule 2-2. A party may also withdraw from a joint case using Form F2; if that person wants to oppose relief or seek additional relief, a response or counterclaim may be required at the same time.
What happens after filing
Filing F1 starts the joint family law case, but it does not itself produce a final order. Rule 10-10 governs obtaining judgment in a joint or otherwise undefended family law case. Depending on what is sought, the later package can include the undefended-case requisition, proposed order and supporting affidavits.
Common mistakes
- Using F1 when important non-divorce issues are still contested.
- Assuming a joint filing automatically creates the divorce or final order.
- Using a pre-January-19-2026 version of F1.
- Confusing a joint family claim with a consent order inside an already existing case.
Related guides
Desk-order divorce process · Form F3 · Supreme Court forms directory.