California legal term
Custody proceeding in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Custody proceeding” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.
What does “Custody proceeding” mean in California criminal law?
“Custody proceeding” means a proceeding in which a custody determination is an issue, including, but not limited to, an action for dissolution or separation, dependency, guardianship, termination of parental rights, adoption, paternity, except actions under Section 11350 or 11350.1 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or protection from domestic violence proceedings, including an emergency protective order pursuant to Part 3 (commencing with Section 6240) of Division 10 of the Family Code. (Cal. Penal Code § 277)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.