AB 939 Summary

• Requires courts in family law proceedings to receive live testimony from parties and witnesses at hearings unless parties stipulate otherwise or court makes written finding of good cause.

• Expands attorney's fees provisions to require courts to make specific findings about disparity in access to funds and ability to pay, and award fees if findings demonstrate need, with Judicial Council to adopt implementing rules by January 1, 2012.

• Modifies summary dissolution requirements to measure marriage duration from date of separation rather than petition filing date, and allows court to enter judgment automatically after 6 months without requiring party application.

• Changes case management plans to "family centered case resolution plans" and eliminates requirement that parties stipulate to the plan; requires Judicial Council rules by January 1, 2012.

• Expands child abuse investigation requirements to include all allegations of child abuse (not just sexual abuse) during custody proceedings, prohibits inference of credibility based on custody disputes, and allows child welfare agency records to be shared with specified family law participants.