Get ready for your court date

What to bring to your court date

Bring these things with you:

• The Order Fixing Residence Outside the State of California (form GC-090) if you didn’t already give it to the clerk.

  • If the judge agrees to the move, they will sign this order.

• Copies of your signed Proof of Service forms

  • You need to show that you gave notice of the court date to the right people.

• Notes about what you want to say

  • This can help you remember the key points you want to tell the judge.

📌 Ask the probate clerk or Self-Help Center if you’re not sure what else to bring or have questions about court procedures.

What to expect at your court hearing

You may have to wait

Other people may have hearings the same day as you. Your case may not be called right away. Be prepared to wait a while—sometimes more than an hour.

The judge calls your case

When it’s your turn, the courtroom attendant will call your case number and names. Walk to the front of the courtroom.

• The conservatee’s relatives or others involved in the case may also come up.

• The courtroom staff will tell you where to sit or stand.

Speak to the judge

• Say your name clearly.

• You may be asked to swear to tell the truth.

• The judge may ask you:

  • Why you want to move the conservatee out of California.

  • Why you believe the move is in the conservatee’s best interest.

  • If the conservatee is able to speak, the judge may ask them for their opinion.

  • The judge may also ask others present for their input.

The judge makes a decision

• If the judge agrees to the move, they will sign the Order Fixing Residence Outside the State of California (form GC-090).

• ✅  You must set up a conservatorship in the new state.

  • You usually must do this within 4 months after the move, unless the judge gives you more time.