How Do You File For Child Custody In California?
A do-it yourself guide to filing for child custody or visitation in California. Visit your County Courthouse website and determine what court location handles child custody cases in your County. If necessary, you can call the clerk of the court for assistance. Next you will need to fill out several forms. Visit the California Judicial Council website for court forms. I have provided a link to the Judicial Council forms in the resource section that follows this article. The exact forms that you will use depends on your situation. There is a child custody form information page from the California Court self-help center that can assist you. I will also publish a link to that guide in the resource section below. Once you have prepared all of the forms, you will need to take the original documents along with two copies to the courthouse. The court clerk will charge you a filing fee (called an “appearance fee”). The Court will keep your original documents, stamp your copies and give the copi
