When should you contact the Family Court Commissioner? If you are filing a motion or an order to show cause in a Family Court case, Temporary Restraining Order, or Injunction, you should contact the Commissioner's staff after your paperwork is ready but before it is filed. The Commissioner will review your paperwork to see if you have a legal reason for a hearing, and if so, will give you a date for the hearing. You are responsible for getting written notice of the hearing to the other party.
You cannot contact the Commissioner "to talk about your case". This is prohibited by law. You cannot contact the Commissioner or his staff to ask a question about the merits of your case or to complain about the other party; this is also ex parte communication which is prohibited by law.
Our voice numbers are (608) 328-9429 and (608) 325-5053. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message on the answering machine. Please include your name, your telephone number, your case number, and the reason for your call.
Our FAX number is (608) 328-9325.
Before you can appear at any hearing by telephone, you need to contact the Family Court Commissioner's Office to request permission. You should call at least 2 days prior to your hearing.
Once you have permission to appear by telephone, go to our Family Court Hearing Information Page for the telephone number to call.