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Carmee Murphy graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 2002 and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 2005. Ms. Murphy has 20 years of experience in civil litigation. From 2014 to 2017, Ms. Murphy was selected to the New York Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list, and in 2019, selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list. Since 2017, Ms. Murphy has advised and assisted solo practitioners and law firms in civil proceedings in a variety of state and federal jurisdictions.
The FL-210 Summons (Uniform Parentage—Petition for Custody and Support) form is typically required at the initiation of a legal process concerning parentage, custody, and support in California. This form is essential when one party is requesting the court to establish a parent-child relationship and determine custody, visitation, and support arrangements.
Before you need to fill out the FL-210, you might have completed the following steps or forms:
- Determined Jurisdiction: Ensure that California is the proper state to file your case, considering where you and the child reside.
- Gather Information: Collect necessary information to accurately complete the petition related to child custody and support.
- Petition for Custody and Support (FL-200): Completed to open a case requesting the court to order custody, visitation, and support.
The requirement for this form is typically triggered when there is a dispute or need to formally establish the rights and responsibilities of a parent, requiring judicial intervention. It marks the beginning of the process where the respondent is formally notified of the legal action and their duty to respond.
- Complete the Form: Fill out the FL-210 Summons Parentage Custody and Support form with all necessary details regarding petitioner and respondent.
- File at Court: Submit the completed form to the clerk at the family court in your jurisdiction where the case is being opened. Ensure you have multiple copies for your records.
- Pay the Filing Fee: A filing fee may be required. Inquire about a fee waiver if you cannot afford to pay.
- Serve the Respondent: After filing, legally serve the Summons and Petition to the respondent using a process server or an individual who is not involved in the case. Obtain a proof of service document.
- Await Response: The respondent has 30 days to respond to the Summons. Monitor the court for any updates or actions required on your part.
Filing Fee
If you cannot afford the filing fee, request a fee waiver form from the clerk. Be aware that the court may later require you to repay these fees, either partially or in full.
Filing Fee
If you cannot afford the filing fee, request a fee waiver form from the clerk. Be aware that the court may later require you to repay these fees, either partially or in full.
Legal Response
If you have been served with this summons, it is crucial to file a Response using form FL-220 or FL-270 within 30 calendar days. Simply contacting the court or petitioner without filing the correct form is insufficient. Failing to respond timely can result in court orders against your rights regarding child custody and support.
Legal Response
If you have been served with this summons, it is crucial to file a Response using form FL-220 or FL-270 within 30 calendar days. Simply contacting the court or petitioner without filing the correct form is insufficient. Failing to respond timely can result in court orders against your rights regarding child custody and support.
Address of Court
Ensure you have the correct address of the court handling your case. This is important for all filing and correspondence. Check the form to affirm that the listed court is accurate as per your situation.
Address of Court
Ensure you have the correct address of the court handling your case. This is important for all filing and correspondence. Check the form to affirm that the listed court is accurate as per your situation.
Travel Restrictions
Be aware that this restraining order prohibits removing the child from the state or obtaining a passport for them without written consent from the other party or a court order. This order is immediately effective and enforceable in California.
Travel Restrictions
Be aware that this restraining order prohibits removing the child from the state or obtaining a passport for them without written consent from the other party or a court order. This order is immediately effective and enforceable in California.
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1
Serve the Summons and Petition: Arrange for a third-party adult who is not involved in the case to serve a copy of the Summons (FL-210) and the Petition on the respondent. This must be done to officially notify the other party of the legal action.
2
File Proof of Service: After serving the Summons and Petition, file a Proof of Service form (FL-115) with the court to verify that the respondent has been properly served.
3
Wait for Response: Allow the respondent 30 days to file a Response to Petition to Establish Parental Relationship (form FL-220) if they intend to contest the information in your petition.
4
Prepare for Court Hearing: If the respondent contests or if there are matters to be resolved, prepare for the court hearing by gathering any necessary documents or evidence to support your case.
5
Attend Mediation or Custody Counseling (if required): In some counties, attendance in mediation or custody counseling is required before the court hearing to attempt to resolve disputes about custody and parenting arrangements.
