What to Expect at Your First Court Hearing in California Divorce

Your first appearance—often a Request for Order (RFO) or Case Management Conference—sets temporary rules that shape every stage that follows. Get a clear picture of timelines, paperwork, etiquette, and practical tips so you walk into the courtroom prepared and confident.

The initial family-law hearing arrives faster than many spouses expect. Whether it is labelled a Case Management Conference (CMC) or a hearing on a Request for Order, the goal is the same: establish ground rules and, if requested, temporary orders for child custody, support, or property use. Most sessions last 10 – 20 minutes, yet the outcome can set a tone that echoes through the entire case. Preparation therefore matters more than the short time slot suggests. Below, you will learn the exact documents the clerk may demand at the window, how to plan your calendar, and the courtroom behaviours judges insist on.

Early morning view of a California courthouse hallway before hearings begin

Step-By-Step Preparation

1. Confirm the Hearing Type & Deadlines

Not every “first hearing” is the same. Some counties schedule a Case Management Conference within 90 days of filing, while others slot an RFO when you request temporary orders. Read the minute order or notice carefully: it will specify whether you must serve papers 16 court days before the date, file courtesy copies, or submit a settlement conference statement. Calling the clerk 48 hours in advance confirms whether the docket is running on schedule and whether remote options such as CourtCall™ are available. Failing to recognise the exact hearing label is the #1 reason new filers miss service deadlines.

2. Assemble Mandatory Papers

Arrive with two file-stamped copies of every pleading: FL-300, Proof of Service (POS-040 or FL-330), your Income & Expense Declaration (FL-150), and any supporting declarations. Most clerks require top-hole punches so the bundle fits the court file. If you are asking for financial relief, bring the latest pay stubs, tax returns, or unemployment award letters. Judges appreciate when documents are batched chronologically and separated by coloured dividers—small touches that prevent frantic page shuffling at the lectern.

3. Create a Hearing Binder & Exhibit List

A slim three-ring binder with tabbed sections keeps you organised when the judge fires quick questions. Section A holds pleadings, Section B holds served copies, Section C holds exhibits (bank statements, school records) cross-referenced to an index page. Sticky-note the key paragraphs you plan to cite. Scan the entire binder to a cloud folder so an accidental coffee spill in the hallway will not derail your day. A tidy binder signals professionalism—even for self-represented litigants.

Well-organised divorce hearing binder with labelled tabs

4. Plan Your Calendar & Child-Care Logistics

Security screening, limited parking, and crowded dockets mean you might sit for hours before your matter is called. Arrive 30 minutes early so you can clear security, locate the department, and calm your nerves. Children are generally not allowed inside family-law courtrooms, so arrange dependable child-care in advance. Bring snacks and a charger—most courtrooms prohibit metal-cap bottles but allow plastic. Add time buffers on your work calendar; hearings sometimes spill into the afternoon session when the morning list runs long.

5. Courtroom Etiquette & Common Pitfalls

Address the judge as “Your Honor,” stand when speaking, and never interrupt—even if your spouse bends the truth. Keep phones off, remove hats, and avoid casual phrases like “Yeah” or “Whatever.” Judges dislike absolute statements (“She always blocks visitation”) without evidence, so stick to dates and documents. Practise a two-minute summary of what you want and why; recording yourself on a smartphone uncovers filler words you can trim. The court reporter is capturing every syllable—it pays to sound concise and respectful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Live testimony is rare during an initial RFO or CMC. Most judges rely on written declarations such as MC-030, served with your moving papers. You may request the court’s permission for in-person testimony, but be ready to explain why live evidence is essential and provide a time estimate. If allowed, witnesses must remain outside the courtroom until called. For efficiency, attach declarations and highlight key lines for the judge.

If the other parent was properly served and fails to appear, the judge may proceed on the papers and issue temporary orders, or continue the matter if fairness demands a second chance. Bring your Proof of Service and be prepared to describe any attempts your spouse made to avoid service. Courts frown on “gotcha” defaults, so transparency and documentation are critical.

No. The court typically handles temporary issues—custody schedules, interim support, or discovery timelines. Final property division, trial dates, and permanent custody arrangements are reserved for later stages unless both parties submit a stipulation. Think of the first hearing as setting the chessboard, not declaring checkmate.

Family-law courts strive to be accessible, yet the rules of evidence still apply. Judges may guide you through procedures, but they cannot give legal advice. Speak plainly, avoid slang, and reference exhibits by letter or number (“Exhibit B, bank statement ending 1234”). Respectful tone is valued more than fancy legal jargon.

Related Guides

Continue building your confidence by exploring our in-depth resources: Divorce Process Overview, Parenting Plan Template, Custody Decision Factors, Filing Without a Lawyer, and Understanding Child Support.

Key Takeaways

  • Identify whether the hearing is an RFO or CMC; deadlines differ.
  • Bring two hole-punched copies of every pleading plus updated FL-150.
  • Organise documents in a tabbed binder and scan backups to the cloud.
  • Arrive early, arrange child-care, and plan for lengthy docket waits.
  • Speak respectfully, reference exhibits clearly, and focus on temporary relief goals.