CCRC Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's
Child Custody Recommending Counseling is a mediation process of negotiation between people with the help of a professional mediator. The mediator will assist them in reaching an agreement regarding custody and parenting issues.
Family Court Services Mediation is provided free of charge to the parties and generally occurs before the court appearance.
1. To help reduce the hostility that may exist between the parties.
2. To develop an agreement that assures the child(ren) 's best interest.
3. To achieve a resolution of the issues of custody and visitation rights.
Yes, the term mediation is often used interchangeably with child custody recommending counseling.
1. Complete the online orientation.
2. File a proof of service for any recent document filed with the court.
(Note: All adult parties must complete the online orientation before an appointment can be offered.)
Child custody mediation is conducted by Court mediators who are skilled professionals with extensive clinical experience in the fields of psychology, marriage, family, and/or child counseling.
In the instance parties are unable to agree, the mediator will prepare a report based on the information obtained during the meeting. Within the report, the mediator will include recommendations as to the child custody and parenting time that is in the best interest of your child(ren).
Yes. Mediators see both parties together. The exception to this is if there is a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in place or one party has alleged that there has been domestic violence with the other party. If this is the case, the parties may be given separate appointments.
Yes, a support person may accompany you to the appointment. However, the support person cannot participate in, and is required to maintain confidentiality of, the session.
A mediator may exclude a support person from a session if:
1. The support person attempts to participate in the session.
2. The support person acts as an advocate for the victim in a session.
3. The support person's presence or action disrupts the session.
Due to the short time frame between the mediation appointment and the court hearing, another appointment may not be scheduled. If the other party attends as scheduled, the mediator will still prepare a report for court.
If you are unable to reschedule a mediation appointment, the judge may refer you back to mediation at the time of your court hearing.
Initially, children are not permitted to attend mediation. After the parents/adult parties attend mediation, if the mediator deems it necessary, the child(ren) will then be scheduled for an interview.
Yes. All mediation appointments are confidential. However, if the mediator suspects child abuse or neglect, a report to Child Protection Services or a law enforcement agency will be made. If the mediator learns of an imminent danger or threat of harm against a person in mediation, mediator may contact law enforcement and warn the person about the threat.
Yes. A copy of the report will be shared with all parties and their attorneys via email.
You are NOT allowed to contact the mediator before or after the CCRC appointment.
Mediation is only allowed to address the matters of child custody and visitation. Issues of child support, spousal support, property division, etc., cannot be addressed.
Children are encouraged to participate fully. Interviews with children are not counseling/mediating sessions.
If your child(ren) is interviewed by a mediator, your child(ren) is NOT asked to choose between one parent or the other.
No, the mediator will not appear at your court hearing. The mediators report will be provided to the judge, the parties, and or their attorneys.
- Party issuing subpoena confirms mediator's availability with the Family Court Services. We ask that you narrow down the date of testimony, so we do not have to block off all available appointments.
- Complete subpoena and submit to the Executive Office on the 3rd floor of the courthouse.
- Deposit fee of $275 for each day the employee is expected to remain in attendance pursuant to the subpoena (Government Code 68096.1) with the Legal Process Unit at the filing windows.
- After trial is complete, party issuing subpoena will be billed for service time not covered by the deposit OR be refunded excess.