During a Child Custody Case

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If parents are asking the court to make custody decisions, their plan showing how they are going to share their parenting responsibilities has to be approved by a judge. Once the judge makes a decision about ordering child custody and visitation, this decision will have the force of law.

However, the parents do not have to actually appear in court if they enter into a written, signed agreement that they submit to the court for approval.

This section will give you information about:

• Starting a Custody Case
• Agreeing or needing a judge
• Court help if the parents don't agree
• After the counseling session
• Preparing a week before court.

You can also find information about:

• Checklist for preparing for your court date
• What to expect in court
• Child custody evaluations

At any time, you can:

• Read answers for Frequently Asked Questions about child custody and visitation.
• Read some general information about How Courts Work, click here.
• Watch some videos with general information about how California's court system works, click here.
• Watch some short videos with information on "Paperwork Basics" (forms), "Service of Process" and "Tips on Going to Court", click here.
  

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