FAQs • Sumter County • CivicEngage

How do I get custody / guardianship of a child, or how do I terminate custody / guardianship?: Guardianship is done through Probate Court and is dissolved through the same court unless it is contested by either of the parties. If this occurs, then the issue will come to Juvenile Court in order to dissolve the guardianship or leave it intact. Custody issues are handled through Superior Court unless DFCS is involved.

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Juvenile Court

1. How do I file a complaint against a child?: You can file a complaint through either the police department or the sheriff's office by phone or in person at the time of the incident.

2. How do I report the neglect / deprivation of a child?: Call the Sumter County Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) at (229) 931-2462. If it is after hours or on weekends call the police department, sheriff's office, or 9-1-1. Family and Children Services

3. How do I legitimate a child?: Unless there is a pending Department of Family and Children Services deprivation case concerning the child, you must file a petition for legitimation in the Superior Court of Sumter County.
If there is a pending deprivation proceeding and you wish to file a legitimation petition you can talk to DFCS. If they are in agreement, they may help by requesting the Special Assistant Attorney General (SAAG) to help you with the filing of the petition. If they do not agree to your wish to legitimate then you will have to obtain your own attorney (one cannot be appointed to you).

4. How do I get custody / guardianship of a child, or how do I terminate custody / guardianship?: Guardianship is done through Probate Court and is dissolved through the same court unless it is contested by either of the parties. If this occurs, then the issue will come to Juvenile Court in order to dissolve the guardianship or leave it intact. Custody issues are handled through Superior Court unless DFCS is involved.

5. How do I report truancy or a runaway?: Call the Juvenile Court of Sumter County at (229) 928-4569 and ask to talk to our Truancy Officers to obtain information about your particular situation.

6. How do I become emancipated?: It is recommended that you talk to an attorney since each case is different and they can better help you by answering any legal questions you might have. We are not allowed to give legal advice.

7. What happens if I miss a court date?: A Bench Warrant can be issued for you and/or you could be held in contempt of court and fined up to $300 if you were served and failed to show up for your court date. If you have any questions you can call either the Department of Juvenile Justice at (229) 931-2409 or the District Attorney's office at (229) 924-5411.