In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
Filing a Memorandum
Filing a written Memorandum with the lower court allows you to tell your side of the case.
- A Memorandum must be filed within 60 calendar days from the date your Notice of Appeal was due
- The Memorandum is filed with the clerk of the lower court (either municipal or justice)
- Bring two copies and the original to the clerk of the court to be date-stamped - the original and one copy go to the clerk, then one copy is for your records
- The court will send the Memoranda to the Superior Court and the appellee
- Include
- The Facts: a short statement of the facts of your case. References to the Record on Appeal should support your factual statements.
- Your Argument: a short statement explaining why you believe the ruling of the lower court to be incorrect. Include references to court rules, state statutes, and case law.
- Your Conclusion: a summarizing statement clarifying what you want the Superior Court to do.
- You cannot introduce new evidence
- If you wish to appear and make a statement to the Superior Court, you have to state "Oral Argument Requested" in the caption on the first page