Legal Question in Family Law in California
Timeframe to submit ruling
Is there a set timeframe for a judge to submit a ruling after an evidentiary hearing in a Child Custody/Guardianship case? I had a hearing in September of 2002 and no formal ruling has been submitted to date. Do I have any recourse?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Timeframe to submit ruling
Dear Inquirer:
Nothing herein shall create an attorney-client relationship, unless a written retainer agreement is executed by the attorney and client. This communication contains general information only. Nothing herein shall constitute an attorney-client communication nor legal advice. There likely are deadlines and time-limits associated with your case; you should contact an attorney of your choice for legal advice specific to your personal situation, at once.
If you haven't already done so, please visit my
web site at --
http://home.pacbell.net/edbjr/ OR
http://www.CaliforniaDivorceAttorney.com
The site contains quite a bit of general information about California Family Law, Tenants' Rights, and Juvenile Dependencies, as well as information about me (education, experience, et cetera) and my office (location, hours, fees, policies).
NOW, IN RESPONSE TO YOUR INQUIRY --
Recourse? What do you mean recourse? California courts are overloaded and under-funded by the taxpayers and the legislature. There are not enough people or even court rooms for that matter. In Orange County it can take up to five months to get a final Judgment of Dissolution signed. I just got one back from an evidentiary hearing that was held in July (formal judgment submitted in November). Have your lawyer politely check with the clerk in the department where the matter was heard. But as far as recourse goes . . . I don't think so.
Thanks for sharing your interesting inquiry, and good luck with your case.
Re: Timeframe to submit ruling
That is an unusally long time, especially in a custody case.
Suggest you ask your attorney to call Chambers, to be sure you have not missed the decision.