Form Pkt-008 - Domestic Violence - Restraining Order With Children Packet (Page 17 of 23) in pdf

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO

CENTRAL DIVISION, CENTRAL COURTHOUSE, 1100 UNION ST., SAN DIEGO, CA 92101

CENTRAL DIVISION, FAMILY COURT, 1555 6TH AVE., SAN DIEGO, CA 92101, (619) 450-7888

EAST COUNTY DIVISION, 250 E. MAIN ST., EL CAJON, CA 92020, (619) 456-4100

NORTH COUNTY DIVISION, 325 S. MELROSE DR., VISTA, CA 92081, (760) 201-8300

SOUTH COUNTY DIVISION, 500 3RD AVE., CHULA VISTA, CA 91910, (619) 746-6097

FAMILY COURT SERVICES

CHILD CUSTODY RECOMMENDING COUNSELING INFORMATION SHEET

IMPORTANT: This information sheet is not and should not be considered or construed as legal advice. Child custody

recommending counselors do not give legal advice. If you need legal advice, you should consult an attorney.

What Is Child Custody Recommending Counseling?

Child custody recommending counseling (formerly called “mediation”) is a process in which parties are given the opportunity to work

together, with the assistance of an experienced Family Court Services (FCS) counselor, towards a goal of reaching an agreement

regarding a parenting plan for the child(ren). The child custody recommending counseling conference is an opportunity for parties to

discuss custody and visitation and make their own decisions about what is in the best interest of the child(ren). The parenting plan that

is developed will detail when the children are to be with each party and will specify other parental responsibilities. Information shared by

parents in the child custody recommending counseling session is not confidential to the court. The counselor will notify the court of

areas of agreement. If no agreement is reached, the counselor will make a written recommendation to the court as to what is believed

to be in the best interest of the child(ren). The recommendation will be provided to the parties prior to the court hearing. If you disagree

with the counselor’s recommendation, during your court hearing, you or your attorney will have the opportunity to tell the judicial officer

your position regarding a child sharing plan. Only a judicial officer can make a court order for child custody or visitation.

Telephone calls to a counselor after the Family Court Services session will not be accepted unless the counselor has requested specific

information. All information that you want the counselor to know should be discussed during the FCS session.

What will happen at your Family Court Services appointment?

You will view an orientation video before seeing a counselor. The child custody recommending counseling conference will last 1½ to 2

hours. The Family Court Services Data Sheet (SDCS Form #FCS-002) will be reviewed. You will be asked about your home,

relationships and other aspects of your life related to parenting. Your proposal for a child sharing schedule and any parenting concerns

will be discussed.

Are the parties always seen together in the child custody recommending counseling session?

Arrangements can be made for a telephone conference if one party is out of the county. Please call the FCS office where

your session will take place to arrange for participation by telephone.

If you are being protected by a restraining order against the other parent or if you allege domestic violence has occurred,

you may be seen separately without the other parent present at your FCS appointment. Also, if a restraining order for your

protection is in effect at the time of the appointment, you may have a support person with you during your FCS session,

including a session where you are seen without the other parent. Please advise the FCS clerk of these requests when you

check in.

Should I bring the child(ren) to the Family Court Services appointment?

Do NOT bring the child(ren) with you for the FCS appointment unless ordered to do so by the court. If an interview with the child(ren) is

needed, arrangements will be made for this at a later time.

What are the limitations of child custody recommending counseling?

Child custody recommending counseling does NOT deal with issues related to money, child or spousal support, or property. Family

Court Services cannot monitor or enforce court orders.

FAMILY COURT SERVICES

SDSC FCS-022 (Rev. 1/17)

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CHILD CUSTODY RECOMMENDING COUNSELING INFORMATION SHEET

Form Pkt-008 - Domestic Violence - Restraining Order With Children Packet Page 17

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