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The Fam 020 form serves as a crucial document for initiating family law cases in the Los Angeles Superior Court. This Family Law Case Cover Sheet and Certificate of Grounds for Assignment to District must be completed for every new case filed. It helps the court determine the proper district for filing and hearing, ensuring legal matters are handled efficiently. The form contains essential information such as the names and contact details of the parties involved, including addresses for both the petitioner and respondent. Additionally, it requires the identification of any minor children affected by the case. The form also offers options for electronic notification, interpreters, and showcases various types of family law actions, such as dissolution, legal separation, and custody petitions. Finally, signatories must certify the accuracy of the submitted information, affirming compliance with applicable California laws. Understanding the components and requirements of the Fam 020 form is vital for anyone engaged in family law proceedings in Los Angeles County.

Fam 020 Example

NAME, ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY:

STATE BAR NUMBER

Reserved for Clerk’s File Stamp

 

 

 

ATTORNEY FOR (Name):

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

 

 

 

COURTHOUSE ADDRESS:

 

 

 

PETITIONER/PLAINTIFF:

 

 

 

RESPONDENT/DEFENDANT:

 

 

 

FAMILY LAW CASE COVER SHEET AND

CASE NUMBER:

 

CERTIFICATE OF GROUNDS FOR ASSIGNMENT TO DISTRICT

 

This form is required for all new Family Law cases filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court

This case cover sheet is required so that the court can assign your case to the correct district for filing and hearing. It satisfies the requirement for a certificate authorizing filing in the district, as set forth in Los Angeles Superior Court Rules 2.3 and 5.2. It must be completed and submitted to the court along with the original Complaint or Petition in all Family Law cases filed in any district of the Los Angeles Superior Court.

I.Consent to Electronic Notification (optional)

□I agree to accept information electronically from the court at the following email address and/or cell phone number

Email Address

Cell Phone

II. Address of Petitioner

Street (including Apt. #)

City

State

Zip Code

III. Address of □ Respondent / □ Joint Petitioner (Do not complete this section if filing a Minor’s contract case)

Street (including Apt. #)

City

State

Zip Code

IV. Case Information

Date of Marriage/Domestic Partnership

(if applicable)

Date of Separation

(if applicable)

Are there Minor Children

□ Yes □ No

Involved?

 

If yes, indicate how many:

 

Parties agree to mediate:

□ Property and Support

(check one, if applicable)

□ Property Only

 

 

□ Support Only

Parties intend to proceed by:

(check one, if applicable)

□Default

□Stipulated Judgment

□Use of private dispute resolution judge

□Collaborative Law process

Do other parties need to be joined to the action to resolve the case? □ Yes □ No

LASC FAM 020 Rev. 10/18

For Mandatory Use

FAMILY LAW CASE COVER SHEET

Page 1 of 3

AND CERTIFICATE OF GROUNDS FOR ASSIGNMENT TO DISTRICT

LASC Rule 2.3 & 5.2

V.Interpreter Request

The Los Angeles Superior Court provides free interpreter services to participants in all family law cases. You may also request an interpreter online via the Interpreter Request Portal available at http://www.lacourt.org. Click the “Online Services” tab to access the Interpreter Request Portal.

Do you need an interpreter?

□ Yes □ No

If yes, indicate the language requested: ____________________

VI. District Assignment

Step 1. In the “Type of Action” column below, select one type of action which best describes the nature of this case. For dissolution, nullity, and legal separation cases select one option each in sections A, B, and C.

Step 2. Across from the “Type of Action” you selected, place an “X” in the column that corresponds to the reason for your choice of district. Note that you may only select from the boxes that are not shaded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TYPE OF ACTION

 

 

 

 

May be filed in Central District

District where one or more of the parties resides

Child resides within the county

District where the Petitioner resides

Any court location

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(check one)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dissolution, Nullity, and Legal Separation (required: select one option each in sections A, B, and C below)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section A

(check one)

 

☐ Dissolution

 

Section B

(check one)

 

☐ With Minor Children

Section C

(check one)

 

☐ Domestic Partnership

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Nullity

 

 

☐ Without Minor Children

 

☐ Marriage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Legal Separation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dept. of Child Support Services (DCSS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ DSU – Summons and Complaint [4814]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ DSU – Statement – Registration of California Support Order [4811]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ DSU – Petition – Uniform Support [4810]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ DSU – Statement – Registration Out-of-State Support Order [4812]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Establish Parental Relationship

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Petition – Establish Parental Relationship [4040]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Petition – Special Immigrant Juvenile Status [4068]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Petition – Request – Set Aside Voluntary Dec. of Paternity [4054]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Marriage [4041]

☐ Domestic Partnership [4042]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surrogacy (if selected, also complete Section VIII, “Surrogacy Case Jurisdiction”, on page 3 of this form)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Surrogacy – Stipulation and Order [4324]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Family Law

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Petition – Custody and Support of Minor Child [4032]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Registration of Out-of-State Custody Order [4052]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Statement – Registration of California Support Order [4190]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Petition – Grandparent/Third Party Visitation [4327]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Request – Release Confidential Marriage License/Certificate [4407]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Petition – Minor’s Contract (FC § 6751) [4047]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Petition – Habeas Corpus – Family Law [4011]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Custody Order – Juvenile Final Judgment – Closing Order [174]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Petition – Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse [226]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Order – Register Out-of-State/Tribal Court Restraining Order [4325]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Petition – Family Law Other [4329]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consent for Minor to Marry/Establish Domestic Partnership

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Marriage [4031]

☐ Domestic Partnership [4030]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restraining Orders/Domestic Violence (DV) Prevention Note: Use Civil Case Cover Sheet (LA CIV109) for all Civil Restraining Orders

☐ DV Prevention with Minor Children [4038]

☐ DV Prevention without Minor Children [4039]

LASC FAM 020 Rev. 10/18

For Mandatory Use

FAMILY LAW CASE COVER SHEET

Page 2 of 3

AND CERTIFICATE OF GROUNDS FOR ASSIGNMENT TO DISTRICT

LASC Rule 2.3 & 5.2

VII. Address of Minor Child(ren) (if known)

Complete this section only if you have selected “Child Resides within the County” as an applicable reason for case assignment in Section V above. Do not complete this section if this case falls under Family Code § 6751.

Street (including Apt. #)

City

State

Zip Code

 

 

 

 

VIII.

Surrogacy Case Jurisdiction – Required only for Surrogacy actions (Family Code § 7962)

 

 

 

Please select the appropriate

☐ Child is anticipated to be born in Los Angeles County

grounds for jurisdiction in Los

☐ Intended parent or intended parents reside in Los Angeles County

Angeles County:

☐ Surrogate resides in Los Angeles County

 

 

☐ Assisted reproduction agreement for gestational carriers was executed in Los Angeles County ☐ Medical procedures pursuant to the agreement are to be performed in Los Angeles County

IX. Certification / Declaration of Assignment

The undersigned hereby certifies and declares that the above entitled matter is properly filed for assignment to the: (check one option below)

☐ Central

☐ East

☐ North

☐ North Valley

☐ Northeast

☐ Northwest

☐ South

☐ South Central

☐ Southeast

☐ Southwest

☐ West (Domestic Violence Only)

 

District of the Los Angeles Superior Court under Code of Civil Procedure § 392 et seq., 2300 et seq. of the Family Code, and Local Rules 2.3 and 5.2 of this court for reason checked above. I certify and declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.

Date:

(SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY/PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY)

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LASC FAM 020 Rev. 10/18

For Mandatory Use

FAMILY LAW CASE COVER SHEET

Page 3 of 3

AND CERTIFICATE OF GROUNDS FOR ASSIGNMENT TO DISTRICT

LASC Rule 2.3 & 5.2
Get Fam 020 PDF Form

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Description
Form Purpose The Fam 020 form is used for all new Family Law cases filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Case Assignment This form is essential for assigning a case to the correct district within the court.
Mandatory Submission It must be completed and submitted along with the original Complaint or Petition for filing.
Governing Laws The form is governed by Los Angeles Superior Court Rules 2.3 and 5.2.
Interpreter Services The Los Angeles Superior Court offers free interpreter services for participants needing assistance during family law cases.

Guidelines on Utilizing Fam 020

Once you prepare to fill out the Fam 020 form, it's essential to gather necessary information regarding the case, including details about the parties involved and any children. This document is critical for the court to assign your family law case to the correct district, facilitating appropriate processing and hearing.

  1. Section I: Indicate your consent to electronic notification by checking the appropriate box and providing your email address and/or cell phone number.
  2. Section II: Fill in the information for the Petitioner, including street address, city, state, and zip code.
  3. Section III: Complete the Respondent or Joint Petitioner's information. Leave this section blank if you are filing a Minor’s contract case.
  4. Section IV: Provide essential case information: enter the date of marriage/domestic partnership (if applicable), date of separation (if applicable), and indicate whether there are minor children involved.
  5. Section V: Request for an interpreter, if needed. Select "Yes" or "No" and specify the language, if applicable.
  6. Section VI: Select the type of action that best describes your case from the list provided. Mark one option in each of the designated sections A, B, and C.
  7. Section VII: Complete the address for minor child(ren) only if “Child Resides within the County” was marked in Section V.
  8. Section VIII: For surrogacy cases, choose the appropriate grounds for jurisdiction in Los Angeles County.
  9. Section IX: Certify and declare the assignment to the desired district by checking one of the options provided.
  10. Finally, sign and date the form at the bottom.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the Fam 020 form and why is it needed?

The Fam 020 form, also known as the Family Law Case Cover Sheet and Certificate of Grounds for Assignment to District, is essential for all new Family Law cases filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court. Its primary purpose is to help the court assign your case to the appropriate district for effective filing and hearing. This form also satisfies specific requirements outlined in the Los Angeles Superior Court Rules, ensuring that your case is correctly processed from the start.

Who needs to fill out the Fam 020 form?

If you are filing a Family Law case in Los Angeles County, whether you are the petitioner or the respondent, you must complete the Fam 020 form. This includes cases involving dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody, and more. Failure to submit this form when initiating your case could lead to delays in processing, so it’s important to have it ready and submitted alongside your original complaint or petition.

What information do I need to provide on the Fam 020 form?

When filling out the Fam 020 form, you will need to provide several pieces of information. This includes the names and contact details of the parties involved, dates relevant to the case like marriage or separation, and whether there are minor children involved. You will also need to indicate how you and the other party plan to resolve the matter, whether through mediation, default, or other means. Complete details about the type of case and the specific district assignment will also be required, along with optional consent to electronic notifications.

Can I request an interpreter using the Fam 020 form?

Yes, the Fam 020 form allows you to request interpreter services if needed. The Los Angeles Superior Court provides free interpreter services for participants in family law cases. If you require assistance in a language other than English, you can indicate this on the form, and specify the language requested. This ensures that you can fully understand and participate in the court proceedings.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Fam 020 form can feel like a daunting task, especially for those new to the legal process. Unfortunately, mistakes are common and can lead to delays or even the dismissal of your case. One common mistake occurs with incomplete information. Each part of the form is important, and omitting details such as the address of the petitioner or contact information can hinder the court's ability to process your case effectively. Always double-check to ensure every section applies to your situation and is filled out completely.

Another frequent error is failing to select the appropriate type of action or district assignment. The form requires that you choose one type of action that best matches your case’s nature. Skipping or incorrectly marking this section can result in confusion and misplacement of your case within the court system. Understanding the distinctions between, say, a dissolution versus a legal separation will not only streamline your filing but also ensure that your case is heard in the right district.

People also tend to overlook the importance of the optional electronic notification section. By not indicating consent to receive updates electronically, you might miss critical information about your case proceedings. This can leave you unprepared and without timely updates on court dates or required submissions. In today’s fast-paced world, opting into electronic communication is often more efficient.

Lastly, many fill out the form without considering their response to whether other parties need to be joined. Selecting “Yes” or “No” without fully assessing your situation can lead to complications later on. If other individuals have a stake in the outcome of your case, failing to include them from the outset can create legal hurdles down the line. Always consider the implications of your choices, as they can significantly affect the outcome of your case.

Documents used along the form

When navigating the complexities of family law, several documents often accompany the Fam 020 form. Understanding these documents is crucial for an efficient legal process. Each serves a specific purpose and plays a role in the overall case management. Here is a brief overview of these commonly used forms.

  • Family Law Petition: This form serves as the official request to the court to initiate a family law case. It outlines the issues that need addressing, such as divorce, child custody, or support, and sets the case in motion.
  • Summons: Attached to the petition, the summons notifies the respondent that they are being sued. It provides instructions on how to respond to the petition and outlines the timeline for doing so.
  • Declaration of Disclosure: This document requires both parties in a marriage dissolution case to disclose their financial information, ensuring transparency during property division and support negotiations.
  • Child Custody and Visitation Agreement: If there are children involved, this agreement details the custody arrangements and visitation rights. It is crucial for ensuring the children's best interests are considered.
  • Request for Order: Should unresolved issues arise, this form allows a party to ask the court for specific orders concerning custody, support, or other matters before the final judgment.
  • Response to Petition: This form is used by the respondent to formally reply to the petition, articulating their position on the matters raised. It is an essential step in the legal process.

Being aware of these documents and their purposes can significantly ease the emotional and procedural burdens that often accompany family law cases. Proper preparation and understanding can lead you to a more informed and assured path through the legal landscape.

Similar forms

  • California Judicial Council Form FL-100: This form is used for filing a petition for dissolution of marriage. Like the Fam 020 form, it collects information about the parties, such as their addresses and the type of action being taken, ensuring proper assignment to the right court.
  • California Judicial Council Form FL-105: The FL-105 is a declaration under the Family Code. It requires similar information about the petitioner and respondent and is often filed alongside other family law documents, ensuring all relevant details are captured effectively.
  • California Judicial Council Form FL-140: This form is the Declaration of Disclosure and is essential in dissolution and legal separation cases. It parallels the Fam 020 in that both sets of documents are designed to provide comprehensive information necessary for court proceedings.
  • California Judicial Council Form FL-150: The FL-150 focuses on income and expense declarations. It is similar as it requires financial disclosures, which are important in family law cases for equitable resolution.
  • California Judicial Council Form FL-155: This is a form regarding the spousal or partner support and is typically filed with other family law documents. Like the Fam 020, it aims to convey necessary information to facilitate court processes.
  • California Judicial Council Form FL-180: Application for Default Judgment is another document that works in conjunction with the Fam 020. Both forms serve to move cases forward by ensuring courts receive the necessary background and context related to the case.
  • California Judicial Council Form FL-300: This is used for a motion to modify or terminate child support and requires certain identifying case information, similar to what the Fam 020 captures for correct district assignment.
  • California Judicial Council Form FL-311: The FL-311 is titled “Request for Order” and is essential for motions in family law cases. It necessitates specific details about the parties involved, much like how Fam 020 is organized.
  • Los Angeles Superior Court Form LASC FAM 010: This form, known as the Family Law Summons, shares similarities as it provides foundational information regarding the court proceedings and involves the same parties and jurisdictional details pertinent to the case.

Dos and Don'ts

  • Do double-check your personal information to ensure it’s accurate.
  • Do read the instructions carefully before answering any questions.
  • Do include all required signatures on the form.
  • Do use clear and legible handwriting if filling out the form manually.
  • Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
  • Don't leave any required fields blank. Fill in all necessary information.
  • Don't submit the form without reviewing it for errors.
  • Don't attach any additional documents unless specifically instructed to do so.
  • Don't forget to specify whether an interpreter is needed.
  • Don't forget to file the form along with the original Complaint or Petition.

Misconceptions

Understanding the Fam 020 form is essential for those involved in Family Law cases in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, several misconceptions persist about this form. Here are eight of them:

  • All Family Law cases require the Fam 020 form. This form is mandatory only for new Family Law cases filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.
  • The Fam 020 is just a cover sheet. While it serves as a cover sheet, it also acts as a certificate for district assignment, ensuring your case is filed in the appropriate district.
  • You can file without submitting the Fam 020. Failing to include this form can result in delays in your case, as it is required along with your original Complaint or Petition.
  • Filing the Fam 020 form guarantees quick case processing. Although essential, timely processing still relies on the court’s schedule and workload.
  • There are no options for electronic notifications on the Fam 020. You can choose to receive information electronically by providing an email address or cell phone number.
  • Interpreter services are not available. The Los Angeles Superior Court offers free interpreter services for all family law cases, ensuring access for non-English speakers.
  • Completing the form is straightforward, requiring no attention to detail. It's crucial to fill the form accurately. Inaccuracies can lead to complications in case assignment.
  • Once filed, the Fam 020 cannot be amended. You can submit amendments or corrections if necessary, as long as you follow the court's procedures.

It is crucial to clear up these misconceptions to ensure a proper understanding of the Fam 020 form and its importance in Family Law cases.

Key takeaways

Here are some key takeaways about the Fam 020 form, which is essential for filing new family law cases in Los Angeles County:

  • This form is mandatory. It must be completed and submitted with your original Complaint or Petition.
  • Correct district assignment is crucial. The form helps the court assign your case to the right district for filing and hearing.
  • Electronic notification is optional. You can choose to receive updates from the court via email or text.
  • Provide accurate addresses. Ensure that the addresses of both the petitioner and respondent are complete and correct.
  • Indicate if children are involved. You must specify the number of minor children when applicable.
  • Select the type of action carefully. Choose the correct type of action for your case to avoid delays.
  • Interpreter requests can be made. If you need language assistance, you can request an interpreter through the court’s portal.

Taking the time to accurately fill out this form can save you time and ensure your case moves forward smoothly.

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