Before Going to Court

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Before you start a court case, it would be good to learn about the courts and your situation. For example, it is helpful to know that before you go to court for child custody you need a parenting plan. 

This section will help you understand:

• Basic information about child custody and visitation
• Types of cases in which a parent can ask for child custody
• Before you go to court, you need a parenting plan
• Asking for help 

Once you know the basics, you can learn:

• What to do during a legal proceeding if you are the parent asking for child custody
• What to do after a legal proceeding

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 a short video called "Before You Go to Court", click here.
  
   

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