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ICWA-040Optional

Notice of Designation of Tribal Representative in a Court Proceeding Involving an Indian Child

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2020

This form is used by an Indian tribe to officially tell the court which person is authorized to represent the tribe in a case involving an Indian child. It allows the designated person to attend hearings, speak to the court, and review case documents.

The court describes it as: An Indian tribe uses this form to tell the court who is authorized to represent the tribe in a court case involving an Indian child that is a member of the tribe.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Motions

Stage: Motions

This form is used when an Indian child is involved in a court case, and the tribe needs to formally designate a representative to interact with the court process.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

Who fills out this form?
The form is filled out by the Indian tribe itself to designate a representative.
What does this form do?
It officially notifies the court and other parties about the person the tribe has chosen to represent them in the case.
Is there a fee mentioned?
The provided text does not mention any filing fees for this form.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2020.

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