[Read this glossary entry on atharkhan.com](https://atharkhan.com/glossary/transcript/) A **transcript** is a written, word-for-word record of spoken proceedings, such as a hearing, trial or deposition. A reporter's transcript records oral proceedings. A clerk's transcript on appeal serves a different purpose: it collects specified written court documents. ## In California Family Law **For an appeal**, [California Rules of Court, rule 8.120](https://courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index/eight/rule8_120) distinguishes the written record from a record of oral proceedings. When an appellate issue requires consideration of what was said, an appropriate oral record is needed. A reporter's transcript is one option; an agreed or settled statement may be available under the applicable rules. Do not assume every appeal requires a reporter's transcript or that an informal personal summary is an authorized substitute. [Rule 8.130](https://courts.ca.gov/cms/rules/index/eight/rule8_130) addresses designation of a reporter's transcript, including identifying the proceedings by date. Availability, deposits and applicable deadlines should be addressed in preparing the appellate record. **For a deposition**, [Code of Civil Procedure section 2025.510](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&sectionNum=2025.510.) addresses transcription and copies. Reading, correction and approval procedures appear in [section 2025.520](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&sectionNum=2025.520.), including waiver and failure or refusal to approve. A missing signature does not automatically make a deposition unusable. **For use as evidence**, having a transcript does not automatically make every statement in it admissible. [Evidence Code section 1291](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EVID&sectionNum=1291.) provides a former-testimony hearsay exception with specific requirements, including witness unavailability and the applicable prior-proceeding conditions. Other evidentiary rules may apply to a different proposed use. Necessary litigation costs may be addressed in a request under [Family Code section 2030](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=FAM&sectionNum=2030.), but reimbursement for a particular transcript is not automatic. The statutory financial findings and reasonableness requirements matter. **Example:** A parent wants to challenge a ruling based on testimony at a particular custody hearing. Identifying that hearing's date and arranging an authorized record of the oral proceedings addresses a different need from obtaining copies of the filed custody orders.