Legal Question in Family Law in California

If there are orders already in place I do not recommend that as you will be in contempt of court. You can always file an ex-parte emergency hearing if you or the children are in danger.

It also depends on how far you want to relocate. Probably the better course if it will be safe, is to go to court on an emergency domestic violence restraining order against him, and then go to court to sort out where you will live and what custody arrangements there will be. If, however, you are at risk for serious injury, just get yourself and the kids to a battered womens shelter and sort things out from there.