FC §3027 — Investigation of Abuse Allegations During Custody Proceedings
Type: California Family Code
Summary
Companion framework to §3027.1. Authorizes the court, when allegations of child abuse (including sexual abuse) are made during a custody proceeding and the court has concerns regarding the child’s safety, to take reasonable temporary protective steps and/or refer the matter to the local child welfare services agency for investigation under W&I §328. The agency reports its findings back to the court.
When to use
Anchor for the court’s investigation authority and for grounding the role of the CFWB referral / investigation in the custody proceeding. CFWB’s interview-based findings here (EX18 — Jack’s CFWB interview, 2026-04-22 - Meeting - CFWB Interview memo, EX09 - 2026-04-14 - CFWB ombudsman confirms active investigation) operate within the §3027 framework. Once the agency closes and a finding issues, §3027.1 sanctions become the next-step framework if the original allegations are determined false and known to be false.
Section text (verbatim — operative subdivisions)
(a) If allegations of child abuse, including child sexual abuse, are made during a child custody proceeding and the court has concerns regarding the child’s safety, the court may take any reasonable, temporary steps as the court, in its discretion, deems appropriate under the circumstances to protect the child’s safety until an investigation can be completed. Nothing in this section shall affect the applicability of Section 16504 or 16506 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(b) If allegations of child abuse, including child sexual abuse, are made during a child custody proceeding, the court may request that the local child welfare services agency conduct an investigation of the allegations pursuant to Section 328 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. Upon completion of the investigation, the agency shall report its findings to the court.
Linked exhibits
Transclude of Exhibits-by-Statute.base