How do I pronounce a California code in court … and get it right?

I’m in California and representing myself in court. I need to refer to a section of the California Family Law Code, but I don’t want to mess up the way I say it in front of the judge.

How should I reference this? (Just an example code)

Fam. Code, § 2504(c)(2)(A)–(J).

What if I just want to talk about the (B) within the (A)-(J) sections? Thanks!

Don’t assume the judge will know exactly what you’re referring to. Since you’re representing yourself, it’s important to be clear.

You can say it like this: family code section 2504 c 2 b.

In California, we use ‘Pro Per,’ not pro se.

You could also say just ‘2504 states X’ and the judge will understand exactly what code you mean.

You can just say ‘per Fam. Code, § 2504, the following expenses are mandatory.’

Don’t get too caught up in the exact paragraph or line number.

BillSmith said:
You can just say ‘per Fam. Code, § 2504, the following expenses are mandatory.’

Don’t get too caught up in the exact paragraph or line number.

What if it’s not mandatory, but the ‘court must consider’ something when making a decision?

@Madeline
Just say ‘per Fam. Code, § 2504, the court must consider ___.’ Then present whatever evidence you have to back up your point.

Most likely, the judge knows the statute well and doesn’t have time to listen to all the numbers and letters. When you speak in court, just refer to the code by its abbreviated name (for example, RCW in Washington), say the first subsection or two, and then share what you want the court to hear.

It’s more important to say what the law requires than to focus on a specific section. For example: ‘per RCW 26.19.080 subsection 3, daycare expenses must be shared equally between the parents. The court cannot order otherwise.’

When writing, you’ll have to be more specific.

@Deborah
Thanks! I didn’t want to seem like I was trying to teach the judge. I just don’t know what letters or numbers refer to sections or parts, and I’d like to understand more about that.

Madeline said:
@Deborah
Thanks! I didn’t want to seem like I was trying to teach the judge. I just don’t know what letters or numbers refer to sections or parts, and I’d like to understand more about that.

Judges may not always know the law perfectly, but they think they do. It’s okay to challenge them when they get something wrong.

@Deborah
Of course, with respect. Good to know, and thank you!

Madeline said:
@Deborah
Thanks! I didn’t want to seem like I was trying to teach the judge. I just don’t know what letters or numbers refer to sections or parts, and I’d like to understand more about that.

I think I might say something like this:

‘The other parent has done (I would briefly explain their actions that cover A-J). I’m asking the court to order X because, under Fam. Code § 2504(c)(2), the other parent has repeatedly shown (A)-(J) in their actions. Because of these factors, I believe the court should consider the need for X.’

Madeline said:
@Deborah
Thanks! I didn’t want to seem like I was trying to teach the judge. I just don’t know what letters or numbers refer to sections or parts, and I’d like to understand more about that.

You don’t need to overthink it. Just say ‘per statute, here’s what the law says.’ If the court disagrees or challenges you, you can ask them to check the law and cite the specific paragraph. So in your example, it would be ‘2504-c-2-A.’

@Deborah
I wasn’t sure if I could shorten it like that since A-J are specific factors.

How would I pronounce 2504-c-2-A?

Madeline said:
@Deborah
I wasn’t sure if I could shorten it like that since A-J are specific factors.

How would I pronounce 2504-c-2-A?

Just pronounce the numbers and letters in order: 2504-c-2-A. If you’re talking about A-J, just refer to subsection 2.