Filers in Dallas County can now e-file an Uncontested Divorce Without Children and Adult Name Changes through Guide and File! Facing child custody issues?Our skilled Dallas child custody attorney provides reliable legal support. Knowing when to file a counter petition can be crucial in protecting your rights and interests. Respondents (family court). If you receive a custody petition, you should file an answer or a cross-petition. One will be placed in a court file, one will be used to notify the other parent, and one will be file stamped and returned to you. Step 1: Fill out the forms. Step 2: File your petition. You must also file an underlying petition, such as a Petition for custody, in order to file a Motion and Affidavit for Emergency Ex Parte Order.