Scheduling and timing. Trials often take place months after the last hearing in a case since court calendars fill up and parents need time to gather evidence.Currently, jury trials are not used in California for family law cases (such as child custody proceedings) or juvenile dependency cases. The judge speaks to the jurors, telling them the names of the people involved in the case and stating what the case is about. Allows a party in child custody cases to choose that a jury, rather than a judge, determines who receives legal custody of the child. You can only challenge a judge before they have made their first ruling. That would include their first temporary orders for custody, support, or whatever. Most trials last 3-7 days, but some may go longer. California does not hold jury trials for divorce cases. A jury trial is where 12 members of the community assemble to hear the evidence and decide whether or not a defendant is guilty of the crime.