Emergency Custody Orders in California: When and How to File

When a child’s safety or well-being is at immediate risk, California courts allow parents to request what’s known as an emergency custody order, or ex parte order. These orders are designed to provide temporary, immediate protection for a child until a full hearing can be held.

An emergency custody order doesn’t replace a long-term custody arrangement; instead, it serves as a short-term solution when waiting for a standard hearing could expose a child to harm.

What Is an Emergency Custody Order?

Under California Family Code §Under California Family Code §§ 3062–3064, a court may issue an emergency custody order when a judge determines that a child is in immediate danger or at risk of being removed from the state without consent. These orders are reserved for serious situations, such as when there’s evidence of domestic violence, sexual abuse, or other immediate harm to the child. The court may also consider whether a parent has illegal access to firearms or ammunition. In all cases, the goal is to protect the child’s safety while the court reviews the matter fully.

These orders are temporary and typically last only until a formal hearing takes place, often within days. The court’s main priority in granting such an order is the best interest and safety of the child.

“The most damaging thing a parent can do is act out of panic instead of process. I’ve seen good parents lose credibility by withholding the child or confronting the other parent directly, even when their fears were justified. Judges take emergencies seriously, but they also expect parents to follow proper procedure — urgency without discipline almost always backfires.”

— Garen Gevorkian, Family Law Attorney

Common Situations That May Qualify for an Emergency Custody Order

1. Evidence of Domestic Violence or Child Abuse

If there is proof that a parent or another household member has been violent or abusive toward the child or the other parent, the court may issue an emergency order to protect the child’s safety. This may include police reports, restraining orders, or witness statements. California Family Code §3044 presumes that awarding custody to a parent who has committed domestic violence within the past five years is not in the child’s best interest.

2. Neglect or Unsafe Living Conditions

Children have the right to live in a clean, safe, and stable home environment. When there is evidence of neglect, such as unsanitary living spaces, lack of supervision, or inadequate access to food, clothing, or medical care, a judge may act quickly to remove the child from those conditions.

3. Substance Abuse That Endangers the Child

If a parent’s use of drugs or alcohol impairs their ability to provide safe and consistent care, the court may issue an emergency custody order. This could include situations where a parent drives under the influence, uses substances around the child, or repeatedly fails drug or alcohol testing.

4. Violating an Existing Custody Order or Threatening to Take the Child Out of State

When one parent refuses to comply with a current custody order or threatens to relocate with the child without consent, it may justify an emergency custody request. This is especially true if the relocation would prevent the other parent from maintaining contact or if there’s a risk of parental abduction.

5. Immediate Physical or Emotional Harm

Even when no single act of violence or neglect has occurred, a judge can still grant an emergency order if a child is in an environment that poses a serious risk to their physical or emotional well-being. Examples include ongoing exposure to conflict, emotional abuse, or behaviors that could cause trauma or instability.

When Can You Request an Emergency Custody Order?

An emergency custody order should only be requested when a true emergency exists, not simply because of ongoing custody disagreements or minor disputes.

Judges in California review these requests very carefully. To succeed, the requesting parent must show clear evidence that the situation is urgent and that waiting for a regular custody hearing could put the child at risk.

Documentation such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, or written declarations can strengthen a request for emergency relief.

“Courts do not consider ordinary custody disagreements, schedule disputes, or communication issues to be emergencies. Parents must be ready to show strong, verifiable evidence of urgency due to true emergencies where a child faces immediate and serious risk of harm, abuse, neglect, or removal from the state. The moving party has the burden of demonstrating immediate harm, irreparable harm, or an immediate danger to the child, as required by California law.
‍
It is fundamental to the courts to be provided with sufficient information, such as the dates of the incidents, a description of the current custody and visitation arrangements, and how the requested emergency orders would alter those arrangements.
‍
Lastly, in the event the court does not find immediate threat of harm or danger to the child, the moving party should request that the matter, in the alternative, be calendared on an "Order Shortening Time" to remind the court that the issues, while not emergent, should be set sooner and need more immediate attention than those issues calendared on the regular calendar. “

— Ashley Bell, Family Law Attorney

How to File for an Emergency Custody Order in California

Filing for an emergency custody order involves several important steps:‍

Complete the Required Forms

You’ll need to file a Request for Order (Form FL-300) and Temporary Emergency (Ex Parte) Orders (Form FL-305) with your local family court. These forms outline the specific emergency and the relief you’re seeking.

Prepare a Supporting Declaration

Your declaration should clearly explain the emergency, providing facts and any supporting evidence to show why immediate action is necessary.

Notify the Other Parent (When Possible)

Courts generally require notice to the other parent before an emergency hearing, unless doing so would further endanger the child or defeat the purpose of the request.

Attend the Hearing

After filing, the court may review the documents the same day or schedule a brief hearing, sometimes within 24–48 hours. The judge will decide whether to issue temporary orders until a full custody hearing is held.

Because of the urgency and strict legal standards involved, working with an experienced family law attorney is highly recommended. An attorney can help ensure the request meets procedural requirements and effectively presents your case to the judge.

What Happens After You File?

If the court grants the emergency custody order, it will remain in effect until the follow-up hearing, at which both parents may present additional evidence. This second hearing is critical, as the judge may modify, extend, or completely terminate the emergency order based on the full set of facts.

As one of our attorneys explains:

“Courts may issue emergency temporary custody orders based on limited evidence when the alleged danger to a child is significant. However, at the subsequent hearing, you must be prepared to substantiate those allegations with credible proof.”

— Dillon Clayton, Family Law Attorney

For example, Dillon successfully secured emergency orders by presenting early evidence of the other parent’s dangerous drug use, which exposed a young child to both substances and unsafe living conditions. At the follow-up hearing, his team submitted comprehensive exhibits supporting the allegations and ultimately obtained lasting custody protections for the child.

Conversely, many parenting disputes, such as disagreements over vacation schedules, pick-up and drop-off times, or transportation logistics, typically do not rise to the level of an emergency. These non-urgent issues are generally handled through standard custody motions rather than emergency orders.

If the court denies the emergency request in its entirety, the parent can still pursue a regular custody modification through the standard court process.

How a Family Law Attorney at Cage & Miles Can Help

Navigating emergency custody proceedings can be overwhelming, especially when emotions and urgency are high. A skilled family law attorney can help by:

• Evaluating whether your situation qualifies as a true emergency
• Preparing and filing the correct documents promptly
• Gathering and presenting strong evidence
• Representing you in court to protect your parental rights

At Cage & Miles, our team understands how critical these situations can be. We work swiftly and strategically to help parents protect their children while ensuring the proper legal process is followed.

Key Takeaways

• Emergency custody orders are temporary and granted only when a child faces immediate harm or risk.
• Proper documentation and evidence are crucial to prove the urgency of your request.
• Legal guidance can make the process more efficient and improve the chances of success.

If you believe your child is in danger, consult an attorney immediately to discuss your options for requesting an emergency custody order in California.

FAQs About Emergency Custody Orders in California

1. How fast can an emergency custody order be granted?

In urgent cases, a judge can review and issue an emergency custody order within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the court’s schedule and the evidence provided.

2. Can I file for an emergency custody order without a lawyer?

Yes, but the process can be complex and time-sensitive. An attorney ensures all procedural requirements are met and that your case is presented clearly.

3. What evidence do I need to prove an emergency?

Evidence can include police reports, photos, text messages, witness statements, or medical records, anything demonstrating the child’s immediate risk.

4. How long does an emergency custody order last?

Typically, the order lasts until the next court hearing, where the judge decides on a more permanent arrangement.

5. Can an emergency custody order be appealed or modified?

Yes, either parent may request a modification or appeal after the hearing, depending on the circumstances and available evidence.