CP Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CP facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What right is protected by the Fifth Amendment in criminal law? → Protection against self-incrimination
2. Which California Family Code section establishes the guidelines for calculating child support? → California Family Code § 4050 et seq.
3. What is the purpose of a Notice of Petition to Administer Estate in California probate? → To notify creditors and interested parties of the probate proceeding
4. What happens at an arraignment? → Formal charging and plea entry
5. What is the primary fiduciary duty of a trustee under California Probate Code §16002? → To administer the trust solely in the interests of the beneficiaries
6. What is the role of a summons in civil litigation? → A notice to the defendant to respond to the lawsuit
7. Under California Probate Code §8461, who has FIRST priority to be appointed administrator of an intestate estate? → The surviving spouse or registered domestic partner
8. Which of the following is typically the role of a paralegal in civil litigation? → Assisting attorneys with case preparation and research
9. A paralegal who holds themselves out to the public as an attorney is subject to which California criminal statute? → California Business and Professions Code § 6125
10. Which of the following is an example of a civil case? → A case involving contract breach
11. Which ethical rule most directly prohibits a California paralegal from splitting fees with an attorney based on case outcomes? → California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.5
12. A California LLC is primarily governed by which statute? → California Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act (Corp. Code § 17701 et seq.)
13. What is a motion in civil litigation? → A request for a court decision on an issue in the case
14. In California child custody proceedings, the paramount consideration is: → The best interests of the child
15. A mechanic's lien in California allows contractors and material suppliers to: → Secure payment by placing a lien on the improved property
16. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) in a California divorce is used to: → Divide a retirement plan between divorcing spouses without tax penalty
17. What is the primary purpose of legal research? → To find relevant case laws and statutes
18. In California, adverse possession requires continuous, open, notorious, hostile, and exclusive use of another's land for how long? → 5 years
19. What is a no-contest clause (in terrorem clause) in a California will? → A provision that disinherits a beneficiary who unsuccessfully contests the will
20. Under California's homestead exemption, the primary purpose is to: → Protect a portion of a homeowner's equity from general creditors in forced sale
21. What is the role of secondary sources in legal research? → They summarize and explain the law
22. What is the best way to begin a client interview? → By using open-ended questions to invite discussion
23. A California tenant whose landlord fails to make repairs essential to habitability may exercise which remedy under Civil Code § 1942? → Repair and deduct repair costs from rent (up to one month's rent)
24. What should you avoid during client communication? → Using complex legal jargon unnecessarily
25. Under the 'ten-year rule' in California family law, a marriage of long duration (10+ years) affects spousal support by: → Requiring the court to retain jurisdiction over spousal support indefinitely
26. Which California statute governs residential landlord-tenant relationships, including security deposit limits? → California Civil Code § 1940 et seq.
27. Which document formally initiates a California divorce proceeding? → FL-100 (Petition for Dissolution of Marriage)
28. A lis pendens (Notice of Pendency of Action) in California real property law is used to: → Provide constructive notice to potential buyers that litigation affecting title is pending
29. Under California law, 'date of separation' is significant primarily because it: → Marks the end of the community property period
30. California is a community property state. Which of the following is generally classified as community property? → Wages earned by either spouse during marriage