CHAPTER 5. FAMILY LAW

5.1 Applicability of Rules

The rules stated in this chapter, as well as those stated in Chapter 3, shall govern all proceedings under the Family Law Act (Civil Code §4000, et seq.). (eff. 6/30/91)

5.2 Compliance with Civil Law and Motion Rules

In all proceedings under the Family Law Act (Civil Code §4000, et seq.), compliance is required with the Civil Law and Motion Rules (Title Two, Division II, California Rules of Court, commencing with rule 301) and the provisions of those rules are integrated into these rules by this reference to them. Every reference in those rules to a law and motion proceeding shall be deemed a reference to a family law proceeding. (eff. 6/30/91)

5.3 Financial Declarations Required in Every Case

In all proceedings brought under the Family Law Act, prior to every default hearing and every contested hearing, there shall be filed by each party an income and expense declaration and a property declaration in the forms prescribed by rules 1285.50 and 1285.55, California Rules of Court, unless the matter to be considered at the hearing does not involve the consideration of any financial issues. Such statements shall show conditions as they existed no earlier than three weeks prior to the hearing, shall be completely filled out so that every blank calling for information available to the declarant is filled out (with the word "none," if that be an appropriate response), and shall be filed no later than the fourth court day prior to the hearing, unless an earlier filing is required by rule or statute. (eff. 6/30/91)

5.4 Meet and Confer Requirement

No matter (including a motion, order to show cause, or trial) in a proceeding brought under the Family Law Act will be heard until counsel, with thier respective clients either physically present or immediately physically available, have met and conferred in a good faith effort to resolve all issues. Such conference shall inlclude an exchange between counsel of all documents which may be relevant to the contested issues or which may be offered in evidence. At the outset of the hearing on the matter, counsel will be expected to represent to the court that there has been compliance with this rule. Non-compliance with the rule may result in the matter being dropped from the calendar or continued, or the rejection of documents not exchanged, or other appropriate sanctions. (eff. 6/30/91)