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HomeFamily CodeDiv. 12Pt. 4Ch. 3Art. 6§ 7880 Child Custody Court Citation

§ 7880 Child Custody Court Citation

Family Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 7880 Child Custody Court Citation

Key Takeaways

  • •If someone files a petition about a child, the court will send a notice to the person who has the child.
  • •The notice will tell them when and where to go to court, and usually they have to bring the child unless the child is under 10.
  • •The notice must be given to the person at least 10 days before the court date so they have enough time to prepare.

Example

A grandparent files a petition to get custody of their grandchild who is living with their mom.

The court will send a notice to the mom telling her when to come to court. If the grandchild is 12, the mom has to bring them. If the grandchild is 8, the mom might not have to bring them unless the court says so. The mom must get this notice at least 10 days before the court date.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 7880 Child Custody Court Citation

(a) Upon the filing of the petition, a citation shall issue requiring any person having the custody or control of the child, or the person with whom the child is, to appear at a time and place stated in the citation. (b) The citation shall also require the person to appear with the child except that, if the child is under the age of 10 years, appearance with the child is required only upon order of the court after necessity has been shown. (c) Service of the citation shall be made in the manner prescribed by law for service of civil process at least 10 days before the time stated in the citation for the appearance. The party or attorney responsible for serving the citation shall do so in a timely manner in order to maximize the response time available to the party being served. (Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 638, Sec. 5. (AB 1757) Effective January 1, 2013.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

citationcustody or control of the childappear with the childservice of the citation

Related Statutes

  • § 7881 Child Custody Notice Requirements
  • § 7882 Parent Service By Publication
  • § 7883 Failure To Appear Contempt
  • § 1836 Hearing Notice And Citation
  • § 7884 Juvenile Court Privacy Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Family Code. Section 7880.
View Official Source