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HomeFamily CodeDiv. 12Pt. 4Ch. 3Art. 7§ 7892 Child Testimony In Chambers

§ 7892 Child Testimony In Chambers

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

§ 7892 Child Testimony In Chambers

Key Takeaways

  • •A child can tell their story to the judge in a private room instead of the big courtroom if they're scared or nervous.
  • •This can happen if the child is afraid of their parents, doesn't like the big courtroom, or the judge thinks they'll tell the truth better this way.
  • •The child's parents must have a lawyer with them when this happens.
  • •After the child talks, the parents can choose to hear what was said either word-for-word or as a summary from their lawyer.

Example

A kid has to tell the judge what happened at home, but they're too scared to talk in front of their mom and dad.

The judge can let the kid talk in a smaller, private room with just the lawyer there. This way, the kid can say what really happened without being scared. Later, the parents can hear what the kid said through their lawyer.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 7892 Child Testimony In Chambers

(a) The testimony of the child may be taken in chambers and outside the presence of the child’s parent or parents if the child’s parent or parents are represented by counsel, the counsel is present, and any of the following circumstances exist: (1) The court determines that testimony in chambers is necessary to ensure truthful testimony. (2) The child is likely to be intimidated by a formal courtroom setting. (3) The child is afraid to testify in front of the child’s parent or parents. (b) The testimony of a child also may be taken in chambers and outside the presence of the guardian or guardians of a child under the circumstances specified in subdivision (a). (c) A finding pursuant to this section shall be supported by clear and convincing evidence. (d) After testimony in chambers, the parent or parents of the child may elect to have the court reporter read back the testimony or have the testimony summarized by counsel for the parent or parents. (Enacted by Stats. 1992, Ch. 162, Sec. 10. Operative January 1, 1994.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

testimony of the childin chambersclear and convincing evidence

Related Statutes

  • § 7892.5 Indian Child Custody Standards
  • § 7890 Child’S Wishes In Proceedings
  • § 7891 Child Custody Court Input
  • § 7893 Child Custody Termination Actions
  • § 7894 Termination Of Parental Rights

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Family Code. Section 7892.
View Official Source