What to Expect at a Court Hearing in a Riverside or San Bernardino County Family Law Case
Going to family court in Riverside or San Bernardino County can be stressful, especially if you’re dealing with important issues like child custody, support, or temporary financial help. This guide will walk you through what happens at a pendente lite or Request for Order (RFO) hearing—two common types of hearings in family law cases.
📅 Before the Hearing: Understand the Basics
What Is a Pendente Lite or RFO Hearing?
These hearings happen before the final judgment in your case. They help decide important temporary issues like:
- Who the children live with (temporary custody and visitation)
- Who pays child support or spousal support
- Who stays in the home or pays certain bills
✅ Tip: Ask your attorney or check your court paperwork to confirm what the hearing will cover.
📄 What to Bring With You
Bring at least 4 copies of each document:
- Your court forms (Request for Order, Declaration, Response)
- Financial records (pay stubs, income & expense declarations)
- Proof or evidence (texts, emails, schedules)
📁 Stay Organized: Use folders or tabs so you can find papers quickly.
✉️ File and Serve Early: Make sure all your paperwork is properly filed with the court and served on the other party before the hearing. This is required so the judge and the other side can review your information in advance.
🏛️ What Happens on the Day of the Hearing
Step-by-Step Process:
- Arrive Early
- Go through security.
- Check in with the clerk.
- Wait for your case to be called.
- Judge Explains the Rules
- Some judges begin by explaining how the hearing will go.
- You or Your Lawyer Speaks
- If you filed the Request for Order, you go first.
- Be clear and stick to facts.
- Mention your documents or evidence.
- The Other Side Responds
- They can present their side and give the judge their evidence.
- Judge Asks Questions
- The judge may ask both sides for more details or explanations.
- The Decision
- Some decisions are made right away. Others may take a few days.
🗂 Important: Hearings are held in multiple courthouses across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties—check your notice carefully for location details.
👔 Courtroom Tips: Dress and Act Respectfully
- ✅ Wear neat, modest clothes (business or business-casual)
- ✅ Stand when you speak to the judge or courtroom staff
- ✅ Call the judge “Your Honor”
- ✅ Be calm—even if you’re nervous or upset
- ✅ Wait your turn to speak—don’t interrupt
- ✅ Turn off your phone completely or leave it outside the courtroom
- ✅ Bring all your documents, notes, and copies
- ❌ Don’t chew gum, wear hats, or use your phone
- ❌ Don’t argue with the judge or the other party
- ❌ Don’t bring guests unless absolutely necessary
📝 Bring paper and a pen to write down what the judge says and any next steps.
📆 After the Hearing
- Get Your Orders: You may get them in court, by mail, or online.
- Follow the Judge’s Instructions: If the judge sets a deadline, meet it.
- Ask About What’s Next: Another hearing? Mediation? Document exchange?
❓ FAQs: Common Questions
Can I record the hearing?
❌ No. Recording is not allowed.
What if the other person doesn’t show up?
✅ The judge can still hear your side and make a decision.
Can I bring my kids?
❌ No, unless the judge tells you to.
Where is my hearing?
✅ Look at your paperwork. The address is listed on your court documents.
Am I entitled to an attorney by law?
❌ No. In most family law cases, there is no automatic right to a free attorney. You may hire a private lawyer or represent yourself. However, in some cases—like those involving domestic violence restraining orders—you may be eligible for free legal help.
What should I call the judge?
✅ Always say “Your Honor” when addressing the judge.
What if I need an interpreter?
✅ You should request one from the court in advance. Some courts provide interpreters for free in family law cases.
What happens if I’m late to my hearing?
❌ The judge may proceed without you. Always arrive early to avoid missing your case.
Can I reschedule my hearing?
✅ Possibly. You’ll need to file a formal request (a continuance) and have a valid reason.
Will the judge read everything I submit?
✅ Judges review submitted documents, but make sure your points are clear and organized to help them quickly understand your case.
Can I talk to the judge privately?
❌ No. All communication with the judge must happen in the courtroom with both parties present.
📞 Get Help From a Family Law Attorney
🔗 Contact Cullen Family Law Group today to schedule your confidential consultation.