Fill Your California Fam 014 Form

When navigating family law matters in California, several forms and documents complement the California Fam 014 form, which is used to request a trial setting. Understanding these additional documents is essential for ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that your case proceeds smoothly through the court system.

• Proof of Service: This document verifies that all parties involved in the case have been properly notified about the trial setting request. It must detail how and when the notification was sent, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
• Request for Child Custody Mediation: If child custody or visitation is a matter in the case, this request is necessary. It outlines the need for mediation services before the trial, as mandated by California law, to help resolve custody issues amicably.
• Declaration of Disclosure: This form is critical in family law cases involving financial issues. It requires parties to disclose their financial information to ensure transparency and fairness in matters such as spousal support and division of property.
• Notice of Motion: This document is used when a party wishes to request a specific ruling or order from the court. It outlines the motion being made and informs all parties of the upcoming hearing date and time.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the family law process. Properly completing and submitting them alongside the California Fam 014 form can significantly impact the progression and outcome of your case. It is crucial to stay organized and adhere to all timelines to avoid delays or complications.

Misconceptions about the California Fam 014 form can lead to confusion and missteps in legal proceedings. Here are seven common misunderstandings:

• The form is only for divorce cases. Many people believe that the Fam 014 form is exclusively for divorce proceedings. However, it is applicable to various family law issues, including child custody, paternity, and spousal support.
• Filing the form guarantees a trial date. Some assume that submitting the Fam 014 form automatically secures a trial date. In reality, the court will only set a trial date after confirming that all necessary parties have agreed to the trial time estimate.
• All parties must agree on the trial time estimate. While it is true that a joint estimate of trial time is preferred, silence from a party is deemed as agreement. This can lead to misunderstandings about whether a party is contesting the estimate.
• Mediation is optional for child custody cases. A common misconception is that mediation can be skipped if the parties do not agree. In fact, California Family Code Section 3170 mandates mediation for child custody or visitation issues before the hearing.
• Only attorneys can file the Fam 014 form. Many believe that only licensed attorneys can submit this form. In truth, parties representing themselves are also allowed to file the Fam 014.
• The form is the last step before trial. Some individuals think that submitting the Fam 014 is the final step in preparing for trial. However, it is crucial to ensure that all parties have been served and that any necessary motions are filed within the specified timeframes.
• Proof of service is not necessary. There is a belief that proof of service is not required when submitting the Fam 014 form. This is incorrect; the form must include proof that all relevant parties have been notified of the request for trial setting.

How to Use California Fam 014

After gathering the necessary information, you are ready to complete the California Fam 014 form. This form is essential for requesting a trial setting in family law cases. Ensure that all details are accurate and complete to facilitate the process.

1. At the top of the form, fill in the name, address, and telephone number of your attorney or yourself if you are representing yourself.
2. Provide your State Bar Number if applicable.
3. Indicate the attorney for (name) section with the appropriate party's name.
4. Write the courthouse address for the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.
5. Fill in the Petitioner/Plaintiff and Respondent/Defendant sections with the names of the parties involved.
6. Enter the case number assigned to your case.
7. Check the box for the type of issue(s) you are addressing, such as Dissolution, Child Custody, or Spousal Support.
8. Estimate the time for trial in hours and days, ensuring all parties agree if it is a short cause matter.
9. If child custody or visitation is an issue, provide details for the required mediation, including date, time, and address.
10. List all attorneys of record or parties representing themselves in the designated section, indicating their role as attorney for Petitioner/Plaintiff or Respondent/Defendant.
11. Complete the proof of service section by providing your information and details of how the request was served.
12. Sign and date the form, indicating your title if you are an attorney.