

Civil Court Resources
Civil
- A Civil Complaint for Financial Loss can be filed with the Court if you believe a person owes you money.
- A petition to change the name of a minor can be filed with the court when there is a desire by a parent or guardian to change the name of the minor.
- A petition to change the name of an Adult can be filed with the court when the person desires to change his/her name.
- A correction of record for a minor can be filed with the court if there is an error in the name and a correction is needed.
- A correction of record for an adult can be filed with the court if there is an error in the name and a correction is needed.
- A petition to declare name for a minor can be filed with the court when the minor was not given a name at the time of birth and a name needs to be added to their birth certificate.
- A petition to declare name for an adult can be filed with the court when the person was not given a name at birth and a name needs to be added to their birth certificate.
- A request for service of process of a foreign jurisdiction can be filed with the court when an outside agency is seeking service of documents on a member of the nation or is otherwise present on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
- A petition for comity may be filed with the Fort McDowell Court, if you have an order for child support from another court or jurisdiction and want this court to recognize and enforce the order/judgment. *Please bring a certified copy of your order*
- A general civil motion form can be filed to request a continuance, a dismissal or other necessary motions.
Civil Trespass
- If you received a citation for Civil Trespass you must appear on the date and time listed in your citation, at the hearing your fine amount will be determined. Payments can be made at the clerk’s office with debit or credit card or by mail with a money order or cashier’s check, only.
Family
Divorce
- A petition for dissolution of marriage by stipulation of parties can be filed with the Fort McDowell Tribal Court when both parties are in agreement to the divorce.
- A petition for dissolution of marriage can be filed with the Fort McDowell Tribal Court when one party is asking for a divorce from the other party.
Guardianship
- A petition for Guardianship can be filed with the court when a third party is asking for guardianship over a minor child, i.e. an aunt, grandmother, uncle, sister, brother, someone other than the natural parents.
- A petition for Adult Guardianship can be filed with the court when a person is deemed to be incompetent, or one person believes another person cannot effectively handle their own affairs.
- A motion for Immediate Temporary Custody can be filed if the party needs an order granting them the same basic authorities as a natural parent would have and an order is needed in an emergency situation, this motion plus the guardianship petition must be filed together.
Custody
- A petition for Child Custody can be filed with the court when one parent is seeking custody from the other parent.
- A petition for Modification of an existing order can be filed with the court if an order already exists in the court and you want to change something.
Child Support/Visitation
- A petition for child support can be filed with the court when one parent is seeking child support from the other parent.
- A petition for visitation can be filed with the court when one parent wants to set up a schedule for visits.
Juvenile
All juvenile cases are confidential.
Probate
- You may file a petition for adjudication of intestacy, determination of heirs and appointment of person representative to administer estate if the decedent (person who died) did not have a valid Will at the time of their death and has outstanding debts or assets that need to be distributed.
- You may file a petition for probate of will and appointment of personal representative to administer estate-testate if the decedent (person who died) had a valid Will at the time of their death and have outstand debts or assets that need to be distributed.
- You may file the packet for probate of estates of less than $50,000.00 if the decedent (person who died) did not have a valid Will at the time of their death and the debts and or assets are valued at less than $50,000.00.
Power of Attorney
- A petition for Power of Attorney for per capita can be filed if you’re a member of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and want to allow someone else to pick up and cash your per capita, Christmas Bonus, Smith Barney or Dean Rauscher checks.
- Power of Attorney for a minor is a private agreement between 2 (two) parties. You do not have to file this document with the court. It is available as a courtesy.
Animal Control
If you receive a citation regarding your pet, you must appear in court on the date and time listed in your citation. If your pet has been removed from your care, please contact the police department by calling 480-837-1091.
Protective Orders
- A person may file a verified petition with Tribal Court for an injunction prohibiting harassment as outlined in Section 8-3 of Petition Injunction against Harassment.
- A person may file a verified Petition for an Order of Protection with a judge for the purposes of restraining a person from committing an act included in Domestic Violence Section 8-1.
- The FMYN Domestic Violence Action Team (DVAT) addresses domestic violence, sexual assault, teen dating violence, and stalking. If you are in an abusive/violent situation, seek help immediately. Visit www.fmyn-dvat.org to read about safety planning and victims’ rights.
Contact the Court
If you have any questions regarding the forms or procedures in civil court, please contact us to submit your question online, or call 480-789-7604. The court is open from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, and again 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm, Monday through Thursday. We are closed on all public holidays.