Your California family court hearing might keep you waiting anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour before your case gets called.

You’ll need to set aside half or even a full day at court, even with a scheduled time. Walking into a California family courtroom unprepared can drain your time, money, and—most importantly—your credibility. The whole ordeal can stretch across months or even years, based on your case’s complexity and when the court can hear it.

I’ve been through the stress of first-time family court appearances and want to help you direct your way through this tough process. California family court cases usually start with a Request for Order hearing that takes about 15-20 minutes. These short hearings need lots of prep work, and you’ll need to really know your paperwork before stepping into court.

Let me walk you through everything you should know about getting ready for your first California family court hearing. In this piece, we’ll cover the court process, essential documents, and proper courtroom behavior to give you the full picture.

Step 1: Understand the Family Court Process in California

The California family court process starts with paperwork and moves through several hearings in a specific order. You should know how this works because a typical family law case can take months or years to complete. This depends on how complex your case is and when the court can schedule it.

Types of family court hearings you might face

California family courts hold different types of hearings, each one serves a specific purpose:

• Request for Order (RFO) Hearings: These handle temporary matters like child custody, support, and restraining orders as your case moves forward. Courts usually schedule these a few weeks after filing, but this depends on their availability.
• Case Resolution/Status Conferences: Judges use these to check on stalled cases. They look at your progress in finalizing divorce or custody matters. These quick check-ins last about 5-15 minutes.
• Settlement Conferences: These give you a chance to work out disputed issues with help from a judge or court mediator. This could help you avoid going to trial.
• Evidentiary Hearings/Trials: These final hearings let you present evidence and witness testimony. They can last anywhere from an hour to several weeks.

Parents must go through mediation before their first court date if they have child custody issues. Professional mediators help parents solve custody disputes during this required process.

What to expect in family court Los Angeles vs. Orange County

State laws stay the same, but local court rules create big differences between counties.

LA County has six commissioners in the AB1058 Child Support Commissioner Program. They establish parentage and handle support matters. The court system also lets you appear remotely in all family law departments through LACourtConnect (LACC).

Orange County’s Family Court Services provides trained Court Mediators who help families resolve custody issues. The first family law hearing happens about 70 days after filing. Case delays can stretch beyond five months.

Orange County now has 16.5 family law judicial officers – four fewer than they had three years ago. This makes cases move slower through their system.

How long hearings usually take and why delays happen

California’s family courts face massive backlogs that slow down all types of cases. Simple divorces take months, while complex cases can drag on for years.

Here’s why these delays happen:

California law requires a six-month waiting period for divorces. Court scheduling makes this even longer. Empty judge positions, budget issues, and COVID-19 have hit the courts hard. Family law case completion rates dropped from 92% in 2013 to 59% in 2022.

Cases about custody, splitting assets, or support can take more than a year to get to trial. Some people wait months between hearings. Multiple hearings mean cases can take years to finish.

Courts now use online hearings to handle backlogs. But tech problems and varying computer skills can slow things down. The best way to handle this process is to accept that court schedules are out of your control.

Step 2: Prepare Your Case Before the Hearing

Preparation is the life-blood of success in family court. Family court is different from regular court appearances. You’ll need lots of documentation and a well-organized presentation to make your case work.

What to bring to family court California

Many people don’t realize how much paperwork they need when they first go to family court. You should bring:

• Filed documents – All petitions, responses, and proofs of service that relate to your case
• Financial records – Current pay stubs, tax returns (last 2 years), and income verification if support matters
• Child-related documentation – Childcare receipts, school records, and evidence about your child’s welfare
• Prior orders – Any existing court orders or agreements that still matter
• Communication evidence – Well-organized copies of important emails, text messages, or correspondence that support your position

Make sure you bring extra copies of everything – one for you, one for the judge, and one for the other party.

Organizing financial documents and parenting plans

California family court cases with divorce or legal separation require financial disclosure. Petitioners must share financial information within 60 days after filing their petition. Respondents must do the same within 60 days after filing their response.

You’ll need these three essential forms for financial disclosures:

1. Declaration of Disclosure (form FL-140) – A cover sheet listing shared documents
2. Income and Expense Declaration (form FL-150) – Details about earnings and spending
3. Schedule of Assets and Debts (form FL-142) or Property Declaration (form FL-160)

Remember, you don’t file these financial disclosure forms with the court – they only go to your spouse. Another adult must serve these papers because you can’t mail them yourself.

Parenting plans start with understanding custody types. Legal custody covers decision-making authority, while physical custody determines where children mainly live. Your plan should address both, plus visitation schedules for holidays and special occasions.

Use the Stipulation and Order for Custody and/or Visitation (form FL-355) as your cover sheet. The Child Custody and Visitation Order Attachment (form FL-341) details specific arrangements.

How to prepare for family court hearing California if self-represented

You have the right to represent yourself in California courts, but you’ll need solid preparation. The Judicial Council’s California courts’ self-help website has resources like handbooks, guides, and information sheets about various family law topics.

Each county has a Family Law Facilitator office with licensed attorneys. They are a great way to get help with procedures, forms, and workshops. These facilitators can’t represent you but can guide you through court processes and document preparation.

The court website features document assembly programs like EZ Legal File and I-CAN! These use simple questions and answers to help you complete required forms.

Tips for writing a strong declaration or opening statement

Your declaration works as written testimony under penalty of perjury. California limits declarations supporting motions to 10 pages. They must be based on personal knowledge with statements that work as evidence.

A strong declaration should:

• Use your own words and skip inflammatory language about the other party
• Include facts you know firsthand
• Add supporting evidence as exhibits, clearly labeled and referenced in your text
• Use numbered paragraphs so they’re easy to reference

Strong opening statements start by building credibility, then tell your story with facts, and end with a brief summary. Most importantly, address tough facts upfront before the other side brings them up.

Step 3: Know What Happens Inside the Courtroom

A California family courtroom can feel daunting, particularly if you’ve never been there before. Your hearing will go more smoothly when you know what happens behind those doors.

Check-in process and courtroom layout

You should arrive 30 minutes early to find your courtroom and check in. The clerk or bailiff will need your name and case number. The court might schedule several cases at your time slot, so you could wait an hour or more until they call your case.

California courtrooms have the judge’s bench at the front, which sits 16 inches above the floor. The person who filed the case (petitioner) sits on the left side, while the respondent takes the right. Space limitations might require your friends or family to wait outside.

Speaking order and how to address the judge

The judge enters after everyone checks in and calls each case from the calendar. The court lets the petitioner present first, followed by the respondent. Stand up and identify yourself when they call your case.

The judge expects to be addressed as “Your Honor”. The clerk will ask you to take an oath to tell the truth—a legally binding promise. Let others finish speaking before you start, and speak one at a time so court reporters can record accurately.

How to present your case clearly and calmly

Your hearing will go better if you organize your thoughts beforehand. Write down key points and gather your supporting documents. Start by telling the judge what you want and why in clear, brief terms.

Judges base their decisions on evidence and California family law, not emotions. Your case must stay within the scope of your original filing paperwork—judges can’t rule on issues you haven’t included in these documents.

Proper way to submit documents and evidence

Both the court and opposing party must receive your evidence before the hearing. Each document needs three copies: one for you, another for the opposing party, and one for the judge.

Hand your documents to the court clerk instead of approaching the judge. Explain each document’s purpose and relevance to your case. Electronic filing deadlines end at 11:59:59 PM on court days. The court considers documents filed electronically between midnight and 11:59:59 PM as filed that same day.

Step 4: Practice Professional Courtroom Behavior

Your appearance and behavior in family court tell a story before you even speak. The judge’s original impression comes from how you present yourself, and proper courtroom etiquette plays a vital role in your case’s outcome.

Dress code for family court hearings

The right attire matches what you’d wear to a professional job interview. A judge’s first impression affects their view of your responsibility and judgment by a lot. Business attire works best:

• Men should wear a suit or blazer with dress pants, collared shirt, and tie
• Women should choose a conservative suit, professional dress, or blazer with dress pants
• Neutral colors like navy, gray, or black work best

You must not wear shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, hats, sunglasses, t-shirts, jeans, or revealing clothing. The court might ask you to leave if you don’t follow these dress standards.

Managing emotions during tense moments

Family court brings out strong emotions, but showing anger or frustration can hurt your case. These strategies can help you stay composed:

Deep breathing helps during stressful moments – fill your diaphragm with air and exhale slowly. Your body language and facial expressions should stay neutral even when you hear testimony that upsets you.

The other party deserves to speak without interruption whatever they say. Your turn will come, so wait patiently and let the judge know you’d like to respond.

Courthouse etiquette and avoiding common mistakes

Your cell phone needs to be off or silent before you enter the courtroom. Most courts don’t allow food, drinks, or electronic devices that could disrupt the proceedings.

The judge should always be addressed as “Your Honor” or “Judge”. Stop talking right away if the judge speaks, and don’t interrupt them.

Should children attend the hearing?

Children shouldn’t be in family court hearings. Courthouses rarely have childcare options, and difficult proceedings can affect children’s emotions negatively.

Some courts provide Children’s Waiting Rooms if you have no other options. You should check with your court ahead of time if you can’t find childcare. Breastfeeding mothers need a reliable person to watch their baby while they’re in the courtroom.

Step 5: Understand What Happens After the Hearing

The judge doesn’t always announce the final verdict right after you present your case in family court. Most judges make their decision that same day, but they might need additional information and ask you to come back another day.

How the judge makes a decision

The judge will review all evidence presented after testimony ends. You’ll typically get a ruling before you leave the courtroom. Someone needs to prepare an order for the judge’s signature to officially document the decision.

Next steps for court orders and wage assignments

The court staff prepares orders sometimes, but one party usually needs to draft them. Here’s what you need to do if you get this task:

• Complete the appropriate forms (like FL-367 for support orders)
• Send the draft to the other party to approve within 10 days
• Submit the approved document to the judge’s signature
• File the signed order with the court clerk

Federal and state laws require wage assignments for support orders. These orders tell employers to take support payments directly from paychecks.

Using the Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center

California courts provide free help through Family Law Facilitators. These experienced attorneys are a great way to get help with paperwork but can’t provide legal advice or representation. Self-Help Centers also guide you through procedures, forms, and outside resources.

Preparing for follow-up hearings if needed

Status conferences track your case’s progress. Review hearings check if everyone follows previous orders, so keep records of all support payments and visitation exchanges carefully.

Conclusion

Success in the California family court system comes down to patience, preparation, and persistence. Your outcome depends on really understanding the process and keeping your documents organized. The time commitment might feel overwhelming at first. But knowing what to expect will substantially reduce your stress and boost your chances of getting good results.

The court expects you to act professionally and dress appropriately. You’ll build credibility with the judge by managing your emotions and following courtroom rules. On top of that, well-prepared declarations, financial documents, and parenting plans will strengthen your position.

Note that you don’t have to tackle this challenging experience by yourself. Family Law Facilitators and Self-Help Centers are a great way to get guidance through this complex process, especially if you’re representing yourself.

Once your hearing ends, take charge of the next steps. Make sure you follow court orders, keep detailed records, and prepare carefully for any future hearings. The family court process might seem overwhelming, but you can handle your hearing with confidence when you prepare well and maintain the right mindset.

FAQs

Q1. What should I wear to a family court hearing in California? Dress professionally, as you would for a job interview. Men should wear a suit or blazer with dress pants, a collared shirt, and a tie. Women should opt for a conservative suit, professional dress, or blazer with dress pants. Stick to neutral colors like navy, gray, or black. Avoid casual attire such as shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or revealing clothing.

Q2. How long does a typical family court hearing last in California? Most family court hearings, especially Request for Order (RFO) hearings, typically last about 15-20 minutes. However, you should be prepared to spend half or even a full day at court due to potential delays and waiting times. The entire family court process can take months or even years, depending on the complexity of your case and court availability.

Q3. What documents should I bring to a family court hearing in California? Bring all filed documents related to your case, including petitions, responses, and proofs of service. Also, bring financial records such as current pay stubs and tax returns, child-related documentation if applicable, prior court orders, and any relevant communication evidence. It’s advisable to bring extra copies of everything for the judge and the opposing party.

Q4. How should I address the judge during a family court hearing? Always address the judge as “Your Honor” or “Judge.” Wait until you are addressed before speaking, and never interrupt the judge or other parties. When your case is called, stand and identify yourself. Remember to speak clearly and calmly, focusing on facts rather than emotions.

Q5. What happens after a family court hearing in California? The judge typically makes a decision on the same day, but occasionally may request more information. Someone must prepare an order for the judge to sign, documenting the decision. This task may be assigned to court staff or one of the parties. For support orders, wage assignments are mandatory. If follow-up hearings are needed, be prepared to review your compliance with previous orders and maintain thorough documentation.