Rule 12.230 Interventions

If you are not part of a family law case but believe you have a stake in what happens, you can ask the court to let you join the case. For example, a grandparent might want to join a custody case if they believe their rights to see a grandchild are affected.

If the court lets you join, you cannot take over the case or treat it as your own lawsuit. You have to work within the existing case and respect the original purpose of the proceedings. The judge has the power to decide whether to allow you in and what role you can play.