➾

Fill in Your Fam 020 Template

The Fam 020 form is a critical document used in family law cases within the Los Angeles Superior Court. This form serves as a Family Law Case Cover Sheet and includes essential information necessary for the court to assign the case to the appropriate district. Completing and submitting this form is mandatory when filing any new family law case, ensuring that the court can efficiently manage and hear your case.

Table of Contents

The Fam 020 form serves as a crucial component in initiating family law cases within the Los Angeles Superior Court. This form is designed to ensure that all necessary information is collected for the effective processing and assignment of family law cases to the appropriate district. It includes essential details such as the names, addresses, and contact information of the parties involved, including attorneys if applicable. Additionally, the form requires the petitioner or plaintiff to provide case-specific information, including dates of marriage or separation and whether minor children are involved. This information is vital for the court to determine jurisdiction and ensure that the case is handled in a timely manner. Furthermore, the Fam 020 form also addresses optional electronic notifications, interpreter requests, and the type of action being pursued, allowing for a comprehensive overview of the case. Completing this form accurately and submitting it alongside the original complaint or petition is mandatory for all new family law filings in Los Angeles, reflecting the court's commitment to organized and efficient case management.

Sample - Fam 020 Form

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:
	FAMILY LAW CASE COVER SHEET AND
	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		Date of Separation			Are there Minor Children		□ Yes □ No
(if applicable)		(if applicable)			Involved?
					If yes, indicate how many:

Parties agree to mediate:	□ Property	and Support	Parties intend to proceed by:			□ Default
(check one, if applicable)	□ Property Only		(check one, if applicable)			□ Stipulated Judgment
	□ Property Only					□ Stipulated Judgment
	□ Support Only					□ 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. 03/22

For Mandatory Use

FAMILY LAW CASE COVER SHEET

AND CERTIFICATE OF GROUNDS FOR ASSIGNMENT TO DISTRICT

Page 1 of 3 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]

☐ Petition – Withdraw Funds from Blocked Account [4308]

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. 03/22

For Mandatory Use

FAMILY LAW CASE COVER SHEET

AND CERTIFICATE OF GROUNDS FOR ASSIGNMENT TO DISTRICT

Page 2 of 3 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)

LASC FAM 020 Rev. 03/22

For Mandatory Use

Print		Save		Clear

FAMILY LAW CASE COVER SHEET

AND CERTIFICATE OF GROUNDS FOR ASSIGNMENT TO DISTRICT

Page 3 of 3 LASC Rule 2.3 & 5.2

↓ Fam 020 PDF

File Specs

Fact Name	Description
Purpose of the Form	The Fam 020 form serves as a Family Law Case Cover Sheet and is required for all new Family Law cases filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court. It helps ensure that cases are assigned to the correct district for filing and hearing.
Governing Laws	This form is governed by the Los Angeles Superior Court Rules 2.3 and 5.2, as well as relevant sections of the California Family Code and the Code of Civil Procedure.
Submission Requirements	To properly submit the Fam 020 form, it must be completed and filed alongside the original Complaint or Petition in all Family Law cases within the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Interpreter Services	The Los Angeles Superior Court offers free interpreter services for participants in family law cases. Requests can be made online through the Interpreter Request Portal.

Fam 020 - Usage Guidelines

Completing the Fam 020 form is an essential step when filing a Family Law case in the Los Angeles Superior Court. This form ensures that your case is directed to the appropriate district for processing. Once you have filled out the form, you will need to submit it along with your original Complaint or Petition. The following steps will guide you through the process of filling out the Fam 020 form accurately.

Begin by entering the name, address, and telephone number of your attorney or, if you are representing yourself, your own information in the designated section.
Provide your State Bar Number if applicable and leave space for the Clerk’s file stamp.
Indicate the attorney for section by writing the name of the party you represent.
Fill in the courthouse address for the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.
Enter the name of the Petitioner/Plaintiff and the Respondent/Defendant in their respective fields.
Complete the Family Law Case Cover Sheet and Case Number sections as required.
If you wish to consent to electronic notification, check the box and provide your email address and/or cell phone number.
In the Address of Petitioner section, fill out your complete street address, including any apartment number, city, state, and zip code.
For the Respondent/Joint Petitioner section, provide the necessary address information if applicable.
In the Case Information section, enter the date of marriage/domestic partnership and the date of separation if relevant.
Indicate whether there are minor children involved by checking "Yes" or "No" and specify how many if applicable.
Check the appropriate boxes regarding whether the parties agree to mediate and how they intend to proceed with the case.
Answer whether other parties need to be joined to the action by checking "Yes" or "No."
If you require an interpreter, indicate "Yes" or "No" and specify the language requested.
For the District Assignment, select the type of action that best describes your case and mark the corresponding reason for your choice of district.
If applicable, complete the Address of Minor Child(ren) section with the child's address.
For surrogacy cases, select the appropriate grounds for jurisdiction in Los Angeles County.
Finally, certify and declare the assignment by checking the correct district and signing the form, ensuring you date it.

Your Questions, Answered

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

The Fam 020 form, also known as the Family Law Case Cover Sheet and Certificate of Grounds for Assignment to District, is required for all new Family Law cases filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court. This form helps the court assign your case to the appropriate district for filing and hearing. It ensures that your case is processed efficiently and complies with local court rules.

Who needs to fill out the Fam 020 form?

Anyone filing a new Family Law case in the Los Angeles Superior Court must complete the Fam 020 form. This includes petitioners or plaintiffs, as well as respondents or defendants. If you are representing yourself without an attorney, you still need to fill out this form accurately to facilitate your case's processing.

What information is required on the Fam 020 form?

The Fam 020 form requires several key pieces of information. You will need to provide your name, address, and contact information. Additionally, you must include details about the case, such as the date of marriage or separation, whether there are minor children involved, and the type of action you are filing. It's important to be thorough and accurate to avoid delays in your case.

Can I request an interpreter using the Fam 020 form?

Yes, the Fam 020 form allows you to request an interpreter 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, simply indicate your request on the form, and the court will accommodate your needs.

What happens if I don’t submit the Fam 020 form with my case?

If you fail to submit the Fam 020 form along with your original Complaint or Petition, your case may experience delays. The court relies on this form to assign your case to the correct district, and without it, your filing could be considered incomplete. To ensure a smooth process, always include this form when submitting your Family Law case.

Common mistakes

Incomplete Information: Failing to fill in all required fields can lead to delays. Every section, including names and addresses, must be complete.
Incorrect Case Type Selection: Selecting the wrong type of action can result in misassignment. Ensure that the type of action accurately reflects the case.
Missing Signatures: Not signing the form can cause it to be rejected. The signature of the attorney or party without an attorney is essential.
Failure to Indicate Minor Children: If there are minor children involved, this must be clearly indicated. Omitting this information can complicate the case.
Incorrect District Assignment: Selecting the wrong district for case assignment may lead to further complications. Double-check which district is appropriate.
Omitting Interpreter Needs: If an interpreter is needed, this should be stated clearly. Not indicating this can affect communication during proceedings.
Not Following Instructions: Ignoring the specific instructions provided in the form can lead to mistakes. Each section has guidelines that should be followed closely.
Submitting Without Review: Failing to review the completed form before submission can result in errors. A final check can help catch mistakes before filing.

Documents used along the form

The Fam 020 form, known as the Family Law Case Cover Sheet and Certificate of Grounds for Assignment to District, is essential for initiating family law cases in the Los Angeles Superior Court. Along with this form, several other documents may be required to ensure a smooth filing process. Below are four commonly used forms that complement the Fam 020.

Complaint or Petition: This document outlines the specific legal issues being raised in the case, such as divorce or custody matters. It serves as the formal request to the court to take action on behalf of the petitioner.
Summons: This form notifies the respondent that a legal action has been initiated against them. It provides essential information about the case and instructs the respondent on how to respond.
Declaration of Disclosure: Required in family law cases, this document ensures that both parties disclose their financial information to one another. Transparency in financial matters is crucial for fair resolution.
Child Custody and Visitation Order: If minor children are involved, this document outlines the custody arrangements and visitation rights. It is vital for establishing the legal framework for parenting after separation or divorce.

Filing these documents alongside the Fam 020 can help streamline the process and ensure that all necessary information is provided to the court. Understanding these forms will facilitate a more effective legal journey.

Similar forms

The Family Law Case Cover Sheet (Fam 020) shares similarities with the Civil Case Cover Sheet (LA CIV 109). Both documents serve as initial filings in their respective court cases, helping to categorize and streamline the process for the court. The Civil Case Cover Sheet is required for civil cases, while the Fam 020 is specific to family law cases. Each form requires the filer to provide basic information about the parties involved and the nature of the case, ensuring that the court can efficiently assign the case to the appropriate judge and district.

Another document that resembles the Fam 020 is the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form FL-100). This form is used to initiate divorce proceedings and requires detailed information about the marriage and any children involved. Like the Fam 020, it must be filed with the court to begin the legal process. Both documents aim to provide the court with essential information that will guide the proceedings, and they must be submitted together to ensure proper handling of the case.

The Request for Order (Form FL-300) is also similar to the Fam 020 in that it is used in family law cases to ask the court for specific orders. This form can address various issues, such as child custody, support, or property division. Both forms require the submission of relevant details to facilitate the court's understanding of the situation. They are essential in managing family law disputes and ensuring that the court has the necessary information to make informed decisions.

The Declaration of Disclosure (Form FL-140) is another document that aligns with the Fam 020. This form is used to disclose financial information in family law cases, particularly during divorce proceedings. Both documents are critical for transparency and fairness in the legal process. They ensure that all parties have access to necessary information, which helps the court make equitable decisions regarding financial matters and support obligations.

Additionally, the Child Custody and Visitation Application (Form FL-311) bears similarities to the Fam 020. This form specifically addresses custody arrangements and visitation rights for children involved in family law cases. Like the Fam 020, it requires detailed information about the parties and the children, enabling the court to assess the best interests of the child. Both forms play a vital role in ensuring that family law cases are handled appropriately and with the children's welfare in mind.

Lastly, the Request for Child Support Order (Form FL-350) is comparable to the Fam 020. This form is used to request a court order for child support payments. Both documents serve to inform the court about the parties' needs and circumstances, ensuring that the court can provide the necessary support arrangements. They reflect the importance of financial stability in family law cases and help facilitate fair outcomes for all parties involved.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Fam 020 form, attention to detail is crucial. Here are some important do's and don'ts to consider:

Do provide complete and accurate information for your name, address, and contact details.
Do indicate whether you agree to receive electronic notifications from the court.
Do ensure that you select the correct type of action and district assignment.
Do check all applicable boxes regarding minor children and mediation preferences.
Don't leave any sections blank unless instructed, as this may delay processing.
Don't submit the form without reviewing it for errors or omissions.

Following these guidelines can help ensure a smoother process as you navigate your family law case. Each step you take is important for the court's understanding and handling of your situation.

Misconceptions

Here are some common misconceptions about the Fam 020 form, which is essential for family law cases in Los Angeles:

It's optional for all cases. Many people believe the Fam 020 form is optional. In reality, it is required for all new family law cases filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Only attorneys can file it. Some think only attorneys can submit the Fam 020 form. However, individuals representing themselves can also file this form.
It’s only for divorce cases. Many assume the form is solely for divorce. In fact, it applies to various family law matters, including child custody and support cases.
Filing it guarantees a quick hearing. Some believe that submitting the Fam 020 form will expedite their case. While it's necessary for proper assignment, it does not guarantee a faster hearing.
All information is confidential. Many think that all details on the form are private. However, certain information may be accessible to the public, depending on the case.
You can file it anytime. Some believe they can submit the Fam 020 form at any time. It must be filed with the original complaint or petition, not after.
It’s the same as other court forms. Some people think the Fam 020 form is just like other court documents. It has specific requirements and is tailored for family law cases.
You don’t need to provide an email. Many believe they can skip the electronic notification section. However, providing an email can help keep you informed about your case.
It’s only for Los Angeles residents. Some think the form is only for those living in Los Angeles. In fact, it can be used by anyone filing a family law case in the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Key takeaways

When filling out the Fam 020 form for Family Law cases in Los Angeles, consider these key points:

Mandatory Submission: This form is required for all new Family Law cases filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Correct District Assignment: The form helps the court assign your case to the appropriate district for filing and hearing.
Electronic Notification: You can opt to receive updates electronically by providing your email address or cell phone number.
Accurate Information: Ensure that you fill in the names and addresses of both the petitioner and respondent accurately.
Minor Children: Indicate whether there are minor children involved in the case and specify how many.
Interpreter Services: If you require language assistance, you can request a free interpreter through the court's services.
Type of Action: Clearly select the type of action that best describes your case, as this will guide the court's handling of your matter.
Certification Requirement: Sign and date the form to certify that the information provided is true and correct.