File Necessary Forms on Time
Be sure to meet all deadlines for filing any documents needed for
your court date. Check with the Self Help Center or read the
Codes and Rules in the law library if you are not sure what to file with the
Court
and when. Be aware that all facts and evidence that you wish the judge
to consider must be provided to the other party and the Court before the
hearing in the form of a written declaration sworn to under penalty of
perjury. In addition to your declaration, you may use the declarations
of other adults.
Prepare to Speak to the Judge in Court
You need to organize your thoughts about the issues to be handled on
your court date. Think about what you want to say. Make some notes to
help you remember the main points. Gather documents that may help you
remember things that are important. You should be prepared to tell the
judge what the issues are, what solution you think is best, and why. Be
sure to focus on the issues that are the reason your court date was
scheduled. The judge cannot address issues that are not identified in
the original paperwork filed to request the hearing. If you have other
problems to resolve, you can schedule a separate hearing for that
purpose.
Try to Negotiate an Agreement
Contact the other party prior to your court date to try to resolve
the issues, unless there is a Restraining Order between you and the
other party. You may be asked to negotiate outside the courtroom before
your hearing if you have not done so prior to arrival. Depending on when
your hearing is scheduled, you may be given the option of working with a
volunteer mediator who can assist you and the other party in reaching an
agreement. The hearing will go forward if an agreement is not reached
in mediation.
If you need help resolving custody and visitation
issues, the court has a special mediation program called Family Court
Services. This mediation program helps parents reach custody and
visitation agreements that respond to the special circumstances of each
case. If an agreement is reached in mediation, the mediator will assist
you in preparing the agreement and submitting it to the Court for
approval. If there are no other issues to be decided, reaching an
agreement on custody and visitation will result in your court date being
dropped. If an agreement cannot be worked out in mediation, Family Court
Services will recommend to the judge a plan that serves the child’s
best interests. All parents are required to participate in mediation prior to their
first court appearance.
Arrange Child Care
Make child care arrangements for your minor children. Children are
not permitted in the courtroom. If you must bring your children with you
to court, there may be space available in the Children’s Playroom for
children ages 1-12 years. There is no charge for the Playroom while you
conduct your business at the courthouse, but the Playroom may be full,
so it is smart to bring someone with you to watch your children if you
must bring them to court.
Arrange Interpreter if Needed
If you require the assistance of an interpreter, you will need to
secure an interpreter before your hearing. You may use an adult friend
or relative to interpret for you, but children of the parties should not
be used as interpreters even if they are adults. Also, parties are not
permitted to share a single interpreter. American Sign Language
interpreters are available for all hearings at no charge through the
Court Interpreter’s Office. Interpreters for other languages are
offered without charge only for Domestic Violence and Contempt hearings.
Arrangements for court interpreters should be made 1-2 weeks in advance
by calling the Court Interpreter’s Office at 916-874-8455.
Select Appropriate Attire
Plan to dress for your court date as if going to a job interview in a
business office. Suits or slacks and long-sleeved shirts are best for
men. Pant or skirt outfits and dresses are appropriate for women. If you
are coming from or going to work, your uniform or work clothes are fine.
Make sure that you have made an effort to be neat, clean, and well
groomed. Try to present the best side of yourself. After all, this is a
place of business and you are going to be meeting the Judge about
something important to you.
Plan Timely Arrival at Court
Arrange to be in court on time. It is very important to be on time
for all scheduled court dates. Allow extra time due to
possible traffic congestion. If you are late, your case could be removed
from the court calendar, postponed, or the judge could rule against you
without you being heard at all. If you are delayed or unable to attend
your hearing due to a car breakdown, serious illness, or other emergency,
contact the court support clerk on or before your hearing time by
calling the Family Relations Courthouse main number and following the
prompts to reach the courtroom or support clerk.
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