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Common Questions

What is the California EA-109 form?

The California EA-109 form is a Notice of Court Hearing related to requests for protection for elders or dependent adults who may be victims of abuse. This form is essential for notifying the involved parties about the court hearing regarding restraining orders aimed at preventing further abuse.

Who should fill out the EA-109 form?

The person requesting protection for the elder or dependent adult fills out the EA-109 form. If this person has a lawyer, their information should also be included. It’s important to provide accurate details to ensure proper notification and legal proceedings.

What information is required on the EA-109 form?

The form requires several pieces of information, including:

  • The full name of the person requesting protection.
  • The full name of the elder or dependent adult needing protection.
  • The name and contact information of the lawyer, if applicable.
  • The address for the person requesting protection, which can be a mailing address if privacy is a concern.

What happens after I submit the EA-109 form?

Once submitted, the court will schedule a hearing. The case number will be assigned, and you will need to ensure that all involved parties receive a copy of the EA-109 form along with other necessary documents at least five days before the hearing.

How do I serve the EA-109 form?

The EA-109 form must be served by someone who is at least 18 years old and not involved in the case. This person must personally deliver a court-stamped copy of the EA-109 along with other relevant forms to the individual from whom protection is sought.

What if I cannot serve the EA-109 form in time?

If you are unable to serve the documents within the required time frame, you can request more time. This is done using Form EA-115, which asks the court to continue the hearing and reissue any temporary restraining orders.

What should the person receiving the EA-109 form do?

The person receiving the EA-109 form should review it carefully. If they wish to respond, they must file Form EA-120, which is a response to the request for restraining orders. They should also attend the hearing to present their case.

What are the potential outcomes of the hearing?

At the hearing, the judge may issue restraining orders that can last up to five years. Additionally, the judge may require the individual to surrender any firearms they possess. It’s crucial to present any evidence or witnesses during the hearing to support your position.

Are there accommodations available for individuals with disabilities?

Yes, accommodations such as assistive listening systems or sign language interpreters are available. To request these services, you must contact the clerk’s office at least five days before the hearing.

Where can I find more information about the EA-109 form?

For additional details, you can visit the Judicial Council of California's website at www.courts.ca.gov/forms. There, you can find more resources and guidance on the EA-109 form and related processes.

Document Specifications

Fact Name Description
Form Purpose The EA-109 form serves as a Notice of Court Hearing for individuals seeking protection for an elder or dependent adult from abuse.
Governing Law This form is governed by the Welfare and Institutions Code, specifically § 15657.03, which addresses elder and dependent adult abuse prevention.
Filing Requirement Before the court hearing, the form must be filed with the appropriate Superior Court of California.
Service of Documents At least five days prior to the hearing, the person requesting protection must ensure that the respondent receives a copy of the EA-109 along with other specified documents.
Eligibility for Service The individual serving the documents must be at least 18 years old and cannot be the person requesting protection or anyone to be protected.
Response Options The person being served can respond to the request for orders by filing Form EA-120, which allows them to present their side before the judge.
Hearing Attendance Both parties are encouraged to attend the hearing to provide their perspectives, regardless of whether they submit written responses.
Potential Outcomes The judge may issue restraining orders that can last up to five years, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Accommodations Assistive services, such as sign language interpreters, are available upon request at least five days before the hearing to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Clerk’s Certification The form includes a section for the clerk to certify its authenticity, ensuring that it is a true copy of the original document filed with the court.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the California EA-109 form, there are several important guidelines to keep in mind. Here are seven things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do provide accurate and complete information about the person requesting protection.
  • Don't leave any required fields blank; incomplete forms can delay the process.
  • Do ensure that the case number is correctly filled in once the court assigns it.
  • Don't forget to include your lawyer's information if you have one; this is crucial for communication.
  • Do have someone age 18 or older serve the form to the person you want protection from.
  • Don't attempt to serve the documents yourself; it must be done by someone else.
  • Do file the proof of service with the court to confirm that the documents were properly delivered.

Misconceptions

Understanding the California EA 109 form is crucial for those involved in elder or dependent adult abuse cases. Here are some common misconceptions:

  • The EA 109 form is only for lawyers. This form can be used by anyone requesting protection for an elder or dependent adult, not just legal professionals.
  • Filing the EA 109 is optional. Filing this form is mandatory if you want to notify the court and the involved parties about the hearing.
  • You can serve the documents yourself. The person serving the documents must be at least 18 years old and cannot be someone who is being protected.
  • All documents must be served at the same time. While it's ideal to serve all documents together, the law allows for them to be served separately as long as they are delivered in a timely manner.
  • The court will automatically grant the restraining order. The court requires evidence of abuse presented during the hearing to grant any orders.
  • Service of documents can be done by mail. The initial service of the EA 109 form must be done in person; mail service is only allowed for responses.
  • There is no need to attend the hearing if you filed the EA 109. Attendance is crucial if you wish to present your case or respond to the orders being requested.
  • Only the person requesting protection can attend the hearing. Both parties involved can attend, allowing them to present their side of the situation.
  • Accommodations for disabilities are not available. The court provides assistive services if requested at least five days before the hearing.

Documents used along the form

The California EA-109 form, known as the Notice of Court Hearing, is often accompanied by several other important documents. These forms help facilitate the legal process related to elder or dependent adult abuse prevention. Below is a list of related forms commonly used in conjunction with the EA-109.

  • EA-100, Request for Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders: This form is used to formally request a restraining order for the protection of an elder or dependent adult. It outlines the reasons for the request and the specific orders being sought.
  • EA-110, Temporary Restraining Order: If granted, this form provides immediate protection by issuing temporary restraining orders. It is crucial for ensuring the safety of the individual while the case is being resolved.
  • EA-120, Response to Request for Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders: This form allows the person being accused to respond to the request for a restraining order. It provides an opportunity to present their side of the situation before the court.
  • EA-250, Proof of Service of Response by Mail: This form serves as evidence that the response to the restraining order request has been properly mailed to the requesting party. It is essential for maintaining transparency in the legal process.

Using these forms in conjunction with the EA-109 ensures that all parties involved are informed and that the legal proceedings can move forward effectively. Each document plays a vital role in the protection and rights of those involved in elder or dependent adult abuse cases.