Emergency Family-Law Resources in California
Official starting points for immediate safety, temporary child-related orders, protective orders, and county child protective services.
Temporary emergency orders involving children
Cal. Fam. Code § 3064 restricts ex parte orders that grant or modify custody unless there is a showing of immediate harm to the child or immediate risk the child will be removed from California.
Use the court’s Request for Order (FL-300) and the Temporary Emergency (Ex Parte) Orders form (FL-305). There is no verified universal promise of a same-day ruling or fixed hearing date; call the receiving clerk and follow local emergency procedures.
Domestic violence restraining orders
A domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) is requested on form DV-100; there is no filing fee. A final DVRO may last up to five years and is renewable. An emergency protective order (EPO) is short-term and issued under Cal. Fam. Code § 6250.
County child protective services (CPS)
Reports of abuse/neglect go to the county CPS 24-hour hotline (or police/sheriff; call 911 for emergencies). A report can lead to a juvenile dependency court case. A ruled-out or unsubstantiated finding does not prove a report was “false” and does not automatically end child custody.
- Cal. Fam. Code § 3064 — ex parte custody
- California Courts — emergency (ex parte) order
- California Courts — file a DV restraining order
- Cal. Fam. Code § 6345 — DVRO duration
- CDSS — report child abuse or neglect
- California Courts — juvenile dependency
Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the receiving court.