What is the proper procedure for filing for child custody?

In California, the proper procedure for filing for child custody is to first seek legal advice. This can be done by talking to an experienced family law attorney or visiting your local Family Law Facilitator’s office. Once you have received legal advice, you can then file a request for child custody in the Superior Court of California in the county where the child resides. When filing a request for child custody, the form you will use is called the Request for Order (Form FL-300). This form must be filled out completely, signed and filed with the court. After filing the Request for Order, you will have to attend a hearing to present your argument for why you should be given custody. During the hearing, both parties will have the opportunity to answer any questions the judge may have, present witnesses and relevant evidence, and ask questions of each other. The judge will then make a decision based on the information provided by both parties. If the court grants you custody, non-custodial parents will be required to provide childcare payments to help cover the cost of raising the child. It is important to note that anyone who is planning to enter into a child custody dispute should seek experienced legal advice before taking any action. This is to minimize the risk of making a mistake in the legal process and to ensure that the best interests of the child are represented.

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