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Summons and Complaint Regarding Parental Obligations (form FL-600) | California Courts | Self Help Guide
You can respond by filing an Answer (form FL-610) in court. In your Answer, you can say if you agree or disagree with the amount of child support. If you don't agree you are a child's parent, the court can order genetic testing. 

If you don't file an Answer within 30 days of getting these papers, the LCSA can ask the court to decide the case without your input. This is called a default. The proposed Judgment will become the final court order. 
If you think there's a problem with the case, you may have additional options. Learn more 

In certain situations, instead of an Answer, you may want to file other papers telling the court that you don’t want to participate because the LCSA made a mistake in their case. Some examples include:
There is already another case open
The case was filed in the wrong place (for example, the child doesn’t live in the county where the case is filed)
You weren’t served properly
It is very important that you understand what can happen if you do or do file a response. Talk to your local Self-Help Center or an attorney for more information.

If you agree with what the LCSA has asked for, you may choose not to respond and the case will continue without you. The proposed Judgment will likely become the final court order.

If the papers ask the court to establish you as the child's legal parent, the court can do so without a DNA test if you don't respond. 
It is very hard to undo a court order establishing you as a child's legal parent even if you later take a DNA test that shows you are not a biological parent.

Get free help or legal advice
This website has information to walk you through the basic process. But, you may need more help or legal advice. 

Get free help from the court. The court where the case is filed has a program where they offer free legal information about child support and can help you with forms. Learn more about the court’s Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center.  

Hire a lawyer to help you with all or a part of your case.
Child Custody, Support, and Visitation | Superior Court of California | County of Alameda
How to reduce custody-related conflict between parents

Remember: The way you and the other parent act affects your children. Here are some tips on how to talk to each other:
Be polite, just like you would be at work. Do not use bad language or call each other names.
Stay on the subject. Don’t talk about other issues.
Focus on doing what is best for your child.
Control your emotions, just like you would do at work. If you can’t stay in control, agree to talk at another time.
Be clear and specific when you talk to the other parent. Write things down and keep businesslike records of your agreements and appointments. Do not change plans without first discussing the change with the other parent.
To be sure each parent has the same information, write down what you have talked about and send a copy to the other parent.
Keep your promises. Your children need to be able to trust and rely on you. This is very important right now.
Do not talk about custody problems if one of you is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Do not talk about custody if the children are around.
When you pick up or drop off the children to the other parent, say only "hello" and "good-bye".
Do not send messages to the other parent with your child.
Try to talk to teachers, doctors, or other involved professionals together. This can help resolve differences of opinion about what is best for your children.
If the child is with you, you are responsible for the child’s daily care. But, do not make any important changes in the child's educational or medical care without first discussing it with the other parent.
Above all, try to work with the other parent for the good of your children. Do this for your children's happiness and success in life. They will feel more comfortable and secure and know that you both cared enough about them to make their life free of conflict.

How the court gets involved in custody and visitation

California law says that judges must keep the “best interest” of your children in mind when deciding on custody.
Case Types & Resolution | Superior Court of California | County of Tuolumne
This may only be requested if a party alleges incest, bigamy, a minor without parental consent, unsound mind, fraud, force or incapacity to consummate marriage. An annulment restores the parties to the status of single persons, as though they were never married.
Domestic Partnership
Dissolution of a domestic partnership terminates the partnership. You must be a resident of the state of California, both parties do not have to agree to the dissolution, and it takes a minimum of six months for this action to become final.
For more information on domestic partnerships, click here.
Case Resolution
As of January 1, 2013, all California family courts are governed by the “family centered case resolution” process. This case management process is aimed at early settlement, quicker trial dates, reduced expense of litigation, and better assistance to families. Your case will be managed through one or more Status Conferences at which the parties, attorneys and a judicial officer will discuss a "case resolution plan."
For more information about the case resolution process visit the California Courts website
The following Family Law Self-Help assistance and information are provided by the Tuolumne court's self-help center

Family Law Links
Adjudicated Newspaper
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Case Types & Resolution
Cooperative Parenting Workshop
Divorce, Separation, Nullity, etc.
Domestic Violence
Elder Abuse
Emancipation
Family Law Facilitator
Guardianship
Probate & Conservatorship

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Simplified Procedures to Transfer an Estate - probate_selfhelp
Simplified Procedures to Transfer an Estate - probate_selfhelp

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Self-Help>Wills, Estates, and Probate>Simplified Procedures to Transfer an Estate 
 

Simplified Procedures to Transfer an Estate 

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Wills, Estates, and Probate
Simplified Procedures to Transfer an Estate 

Estates That May Need Formal Probate

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 You may not need to go to probate court to obtain title to property belonging to a dead person.  Figuring out if you have to go to probate court depends on many issues, like the amount of money involved, the type of property involved, and who is claiming the property.
Petition and Summons (forms FL-260 and FL-210) | California Courts | Self Help Guide
The person who filed the case is the Petitioner. This is typically the child's other parent. You will be listed as the Respondent.

What the other person wants the court to decide
 On the Petition, the petitioner will have checked boxes to say what they want the court to decide. 

Child custody and visitation (parenting time)
Item 4, and any attachments, state what custody and visitation (parenting time) orders they want the court to make

Child support
Item 6 explains that the court can make child support orders at any time. 

The petitioner can also ask you to pay for the cost of their attorney. You can respond and say how you want the issues decided. If you don’t respond, they can ask the court to decide without your input.

How to respond and what happens if you don't
 The Summons (FL-210) explains what you can do.
You can respond by filing a Response (form FL-270) in court. 
If you don't file a Response within 30 days of getting these papers, the Petitioner can ask the court to decide the case without your input. This is called a default.
The court could make child custody, visitation (parenting time), and child support orders without your input. 
If you agree with what the petitioner has asked for, you may choose not to respond and the case will continue the case without you.
 
If you think there's a problem with the case, you may have additional options. Learn more 

In certain situations, instead of a response, you may want to file other papers telling the court that you don’t want to participate because the petitioner made a mistake in their case. Some examples include:
There is already another case open
The case was filed in the wrong place (e.g. the child doesn’t live in the county where the case is filed)
You weren’t served properly
The petitioner does not have the right (standing) to file
It is very important that you understand the consequences of responding or not responding to a case. Talk to your local Self-Help Center or an attorney for more information.
Probate | Superior Court of California | County of Tulare
If you wish, you may ask the parents for their opinions about matters relating to the child.
Education
As guardian of the person of the child, you are responsible for the child's education. You determine where the child should attend school. As the child's advocate within the school system, you should attend conferences and play an active role in the child's education.
Residence
As guardian, you have the right to determine where the child lives. The child normally will live with you, but when it is necessary, you are allowed to make other arrangements if they are in the best interest of the child. You should obtain court approval before placing the child back with his or her parents.
As guardian, you do not have the right to change the child's residence to a place outside California unless you first receive the court's permission. If the court grants permission, California law requires that you establish legal guardianship in the state where the child will be living. Individual states have different rules regarding guardianships. You should seek additional information about guardianships in the state where you want the child to live.
Medical Treatment
As guardian, you are responsible for meeting the medical needs of the child. In most cases, you have the authority to consent to the child's medical treatment. However, if the child is 14 years or older, surgery may not be performed on the child unless either (1) both the child and the guardian consent, or (2) a court order is obtained that specifically authorizes the surgery. This holds true except in emergencies.
A guardian may not place a child involuntarily in a mental health treatment facility under a probate guardianship. A mental health conservatorship proceeding is required for such an involuntary commitment. However, the guardian may secure counseling and other necessary mental health services for the child. A variety of counseling services is available to help children. As guardian, you are expected to secure necessary services, cooperate with counselors, and maintain regular contacts with the child's treatment providers.
Community Resources
There are agencies in each county that may be helpful in meeting the specific needs of children who come from conflicted, troubled, or deprived environments.
Introducción al caso de filiación | California Courts | Self Help Guide
Una vez presentado, el VDOP tiene el mismo efecto que una orden de la corte. 
Si uno de los padres cambia de opinión, tiene un plazo limitado para cancelar la VDOP. Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con su Centro de ayuda local antes de firmar la VDOP.
 

Pedir a la corte que determine la filiación

Un juez puede decidir quiénes son o no los padres legales de un menor mediante un caso de filiación o un caso de adopción.
Usted puede solicitar a su agencia local de manutención de los hijos que abra un caso para establecer la filiación y obtener órdenes de manutención de los hijos. Para más información, puede obtener ayuda sin costo del asistente de derecho de familia de su condado.
Si no está seguro de si usted u otra persona es el padre del menor
Puede iniciar un caso de filiación y pedir al juez que decida. Si hay dudas sobre quién es el padre biológico, el juez puede ordenar análisis genéticos. Pero el juez tendrá en cuenta una serie de factores, no solo genéticos, para decidir si alguien es padre legal. Un juez puede determinar (decidir) que alguien es padre legal de un menor aunque no sea el padre genético o biológico del niño.
¿Puede un menor tener más de dos padres legales? 
Es posible en casos limitados. Por ejemplo, es posible si el juez considera que perjudicaría al menor que no se reconociera legalmente a otros padres.
Introducción al caso de filiación | California Courts | Self Help Guide
Un juez puede determinar (decidir) que alguien es padre legal de un menor aunque no sea el padre genético o biológico del niño.
¿Puede un menor tener más de dos padres legales? 
Es posible en casos limitados. Por ejemplo, es posible si el juez considera que perjudicaría al menor que no se reconociera legalmente a otros padres. Para más información, comuníquese con su Centro de ayuda local o pida asesoría a un abogado sobre su situación.

Si ha recibido papeles de la corte solicitando que un juez determine si usted es un padre legal
Si ha recibido una Petición para establecer filiación (formulario FL-200) y una Citación (formulario FL-210), alguien está pidiéndole a un juez que determine si esa persona o usted es el padre legal de un menor. Esto se llama establecer filiación o paternidad.  Vea cuáles son sus opciones si ha recibido una Petición para establecer filiación.
Si ha recibido una Citación y Demanda sobre las obligaciones de los padres (formulario FL-600), la Oficina local de manutención de los hijos (LCSA, por sus siglas en inglés) ha presentado un caso pidiéndole a la corte que ordene que usted o el otro padre pague la manutención de los hijos. Es posible que también estén pidiendo que la corte determine que usted y la otra persona mencionada en los documentos son los padres legales de los hijos. 
Dónde obtener ayuda gratis
Probate | Superior Court of California | County of Tulare
NOTE: The parents may revoke this type of agreement at any time.
Caregiver's Authorization Affidavit: The California Family Code allows a person who is related to a child to fill out a Caregiver's Authorization Affidavit. The affidavit normally allows that person, as a caregiver, to enroll the child in school and secure medical treatment for the child.
You may read Family Code section 6550 for details about this law. The caregiver form may be available through private legal publications or from a private attorney. NOTE: The parents may revoke your authority or override your decision under this type of agreement at any time.
Other financial arrangements: The law allows parents to make other financial arrangements for property inherited by or given to their children. For instance, a blocked account and other protective measures can be used without the appointment of a guardian of the estate. Consultation with an attorney for these types of matters is highly recommended. NOTE: Some financial institutions, insurance companies, and courts require the appointment of a guardian of the estate before they will release funds on behalf of a minor.
The Process - Briefly
If you decide that a child needs a probate guardianship, the first step in the process of establishing guardianship is to fill out and file the petition and other required documents with the clerk of the court. Some counties have additional "local forms" that need to be filed along with the standard forms.
Any interested party, or the child if 12 years or older, may file the petition. Specific persons must be given notice of the petition, unless excused by the court, before the court can hear the case.
The court may order that an investigation be completed before it makes its decision. If this occurs, you, the child, and any other persons deemed essential will probably be contacted about the case. The investigator will give the court a report and make a recommendation on what should occur. At that stage, the case may go to trial. The court may grant the petition or may find that there are insufficient grounds to establish a guardianship.
There is a fee for filing a guardianship petition. In addition, you may be charged a fee for a guardianship investigation.
Child custody and parenting time | California Courts | Self Help Guide
The ability of each parent to care for the child

Any history of family violence 

Any regular and ongoing substance abuse by either parent

Then, the judge decides based on what's in the best interest of your child.
How to get or change a custody and parenting time order
File papers with the court to ask for an order
There are different types of cases and papers you can file to ask for a child custody and visitation (parenting time) order. Which type of case or papers you can file depends on your situation, like whether you and the other parent are married or you already filed a family law case.
To figure out what type of case and forms you need to file, you can answer a few questions to get to find out what papers to file to get an order. Or, you can review all the options.
Find out what forms to file
How to respond if you got (were served) papers asking for a custody and parenting time order
Your options to respond, the forms you use to respond, and any deadlines you need to meet depend on which forms you were given. The forms should have a form number in the upper right or left-hand corner. Get step-by-step instructions to respond to:
Form FL-300 or DV-100. These forms mean you have a court date. 
Form FL-100, Form FL-200, or Form FL-260. These are forms that start a family law case, like a divorce. You generally have 30 days to file a response to these.
If you do not respond, a judge may make a decision without your input.

Related content
Resources to help develop a parenting plan
Enforce a custody order
Child support

 

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Petition and Summons (FL-100 and FL-110) | California Courts | Self Help Guide
The court where the case is filed has a program where they offer free legal information about divorce. Learn more about the court’s Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center.  

Hire a lawyer to help you with all or a part of your case. It’s possible to do this process without a lawyer. But, if you have a lot of property or debt, you may wish to hire a lawyer. 

What's next?
Explore your options

In California, the divorce and legal separation process is very similar, if you and your spouse or domestic partner want a legal separation you can still use these instructions. This site uses the term divorce for both unless noted.
Ending a marriage and ending a domestic partnership are very similar, so if you are in a domestic partnership you can still use these instructions. This site uses the term spouse to mean both a spouse and a domestic partner, unless noted. 

Respond to the divorce papers
 Get step-by-step instructions for how to respond to divorce papers and participate in the divorce process.
 

Don’t respond, because you already have an agreement
 Learn more about default with an agreement. The court will decide the case based on the information your spouse provides, which includes your agreement.
 

Do nothing
 Learn more about a default. This means your spouse can move the case forward without your input.
 

 

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California’s Child Welfare System: Addressing Disproportionalities and Disparities
In roughly 20 percent of those investigations, social workers determine that maltreatment is more likely than not to have occurred or that the child faces substantial risk of harm—this is referred to as substantiation. Substantiated cases generally follow one of two possible paths: (1) services and monitoring while the child remains at home if it is determined it is safe to do so (for around 60 percent of substantiations), or (2) foster care placement (for around 40 percent of substantiations). These two paths are described in additional detail in the next paragraphs. 
Counties May Provide Preventative Services and Access to Other Supports in Lieu of Removing a Child. Counties may offer a variety of services to families with substantiated maltreatment allegations aside from foster placement, as long as social workers determine the child can remain safely in the home with intervention. Below, we describe some of these programs. Importantly, access to these programs may be obtained only after a family has been the subject of an allegation of child maltreatment. 

Family Maintenance (FM). The FM program offers time‑limited protective services to families whose children are at potential risk of maltreatment, but for whom the county/court has determined the children can safely remain in the home. Specific services are detailed in the child’s case plan and the county oversees a family’s progress. Services may include, for example, counseling, parent training, transportation, emergency shelter care, respite care, and more. FM is a core child welfare services component required to be provided by all counties; however, specific services vary across counties. FM services may be offered to a family on a voluntary basis at any point of a family’s child welfare system involvement, or may be court mandated as a condition of a child remaining in the home. 
Differential Response (DR). After assessing an allegation and finding a family is at relatively low risk, rather than offering services through the child welfare system, counties may opt to refer families to community‑based organizations, such as Family Resource Centers, as described in more detail in the box below.