Respond to a Custody Case
Sample Forms
Sample forms are provided to review what the forms may look like when completed.
- FL-270 Response to Petition for Custody and Support Sample
- FL-220 Response to Petition to Determine Parental Relationship
Overview of the Process
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1 |
COMPLETE PAPERS & MAKE COPIES |
Complete the following forms within 30 days from the date you were given the FL-200 Petition to Establish Parental Relationship or FL-260 Petition for Custody and Support:
Make 2 copies of all completed original documents. Original is for the Court, one copy is for you and the other copy is for the other party. |
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2 |
MAIL COPY TO OTHER PARTY & COMPLETE PROOF OF SERVICE |
Someone who is 18 years or older must mail to the other party a copy of the completed documents listed above; you cannot mail or deliver the documents. The legal papers should be mailed to the address listed on the other party’s legal papers. The person who mailed the documents to the other party must sign and complete an FL-335 Proof of Service by Mail. |
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3 |
FILE ORIGINALS |
The following options exist to file your forms: Monday through Friday 8:30 am-12:00 pm. If you eFile, the Court will email you a copy of the filed forms. If you use the drop box, mail or in person option, you must file the originals listed in Step 1 and Step 2 with 1 copy and a self-addressed stamped envelope. If you prefer that the Court email you a copy of the filed forms, then you must file only the original forms along with a completed Electronic Consent Form so the Court may email you a filed copy of your forms. You must also pay the filing fee if you did not request a fee waiver. |
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4 |
PARENTING CLASS |
If you have minor kids, you must complete the online parenting class that deals with the impact of divorce on kids. The class is free. Sign up at http://parenting.familieschange.ca.gov/. |
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5 |
DECIDE HOW TO PROCEED WITH YOUR CASE |
A. Uncontested: If you and the other party agree on all the issues in your case including child custody, visitation and child support then you may proceed as an uncontested matter. You will need to prepare a Stipulated Judgment and sign it in front of a notary. B. Trial: If you and the other party do not agree on all the issues in your case then you will need to schedule a trial date so that the judge can decide all the issues including child custody, visitation and child support. Before your trial date, if there are minor children, you must also schedule a child custody and visitation mediation appointment by calling (805) 706-3608. |
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6 |
PREPARE YOUR FINAL JUDGMENT |
You will need to prepare your final judgment along with other necessary documents. When the judge signs your final judgment, your case will be finalized. |