What is the California EA-109 form?
The California EA-109 form, also known as the Notice of Court Hearing, is a mandatory document used in cases involving elder or dependent adult abuse. It serves to notify relevant parties about the scheduled court hearing regarding a request for protective orders. This form is essential for ensuring that all parties involved are informed and can participate in the legal process.
Who needs to fill out the EA-109 form?
The individual seeking protection for an elder or dependent adult must complete the EA-109 form. If the person requesting protection has legal representation, their attorney will also need to provide their information on the form. This ensures that the court has accurate contact details for all parties involved.
What information is required on the EA-109 form?
The EA-109 form requires several key pieces of information. This includes the full names and addresses of both the person requesting protection and the individual from whom protection is sought. Additionally, the form requires the case number assigned by the court and details about any temporary restraining orders requested.
How is the EA-109 form served to the other party?
The EA-109 form must be personally served to the individual from whom protection is sought. This means that someone who is at least 18 years old and not involved in the case must deliver a court-filed copy of the EA-109 along with other related documents. This service must occur at least five days before the scheduled hearing.
What documents must accompany the EA-109 form?
Along with the EA-109 form, several other documents must be served to the other party. These include the EA-100 (Request for Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders), EA-110 (Temporary Restraining Order, if granted), EA-120 (Response to Request for Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders), EA-250 (Proof of Service of Response by Mail), and EA-120-INFO (How Can I Respond to a Request for Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders?).
What happens if the other party is not served in time?
If the individual seeking protection is unable to serve the EA-109 form and related documents in time, they may request an extension. This can be done using Form EA-115, which allows for the court hearing to be postponed and the temporary restraining order to be reissued if necessary.
What should the person receiving the EA-109 form do?
The person receiving the EA-109 form should review the documents carefully. If they wish to respond to the request for orders, they must complete and file Form EA-120. They should also have someone age 18 or older mail it to the person requesting protection. It is crucial to file this response with the court and bring a copy to the hearing.
What can happen at the court hearing?
During the court hearing, the judge will consider the evidence and statements from both parties. The judge has the authority to issue restraining orders that can last up to five years. Additionally, if applicable, the judge may order the individual from whom protection is sought to surrender any firearms they possess.
Are accommodations available for individuals with disabilities?
Yes, accommodations such as assistive listening systems, computer-assisted real-time captioning, or sign language interpreter services are available. Individuals needing these services must request them at least five days prior to the hearing by contacting the clerk’s office or visiting the California courts website.