Family Law

The Superior Court of California, County of Merced, Family Court Services Department provides Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC) (mediation) for families to assist in developing a parenting plan. The Court is currently scheduling the parents to be present remotely for Court-ordered Child Custody Recommending Counseling on a specific date through video conference or telephone.

How do I attend CCRC?

Do not report to Merced Superior Court for your upcoming appointment date for Child Custody Recommending Counseling. You need to make sure the Court has your current telephone number, email, and mailing address on file. The assigned Child Custody Recommending Counselor will contact you.

How do I update my contact information with the Court?

If you need to update your telephone number, email, or mailing address with the Court, you must do so before your scheduled appointment. You can update this information by calling the Family Law Clerk’s office at (209)725-4117.

How long will remote CCRC take?

Although your paperwork says that your appointment is at 8:45 am, you should plan to be available from 8:15 am – 12 pm. Multiple cases are scheduled for the same time, so you may have to wait for your turn.

Do I need to do anything before my CCRC appointment?

There are 2 things you must do before your appointment.

1. Each parent shall watch the orientation to Child Custody Recommending Counseling, Orientation, before their appointment date. Please watch the Orientation to Family Court Mediation and Child Custody Recommending Counseling video.
2. Each parent shall complete and return the Confidential Information form for Child Custody Recommending Counseling that is listed below.
   Confidential Information For Child Custody Recommending Counseling

Each parent is responsible for printing out the form and mailing it to the following address: Superior Court of California, County of Merced, Family Law Division, 627 W. 21st Street, Merced, CA, 95340. It is recommended that you do this at least one (1) week before your scheduled appointment to allow ample time for the form to be received by the Court.

How will remote CCRC work?

The parents will receive a telephone call one (1) business day before their scheduled appointment. During this call, you will be provided a more specific time for your CCRC. You will also be provided with information as to how you will be contacted, either by email or by telephone. Please note that if by telephone, you may receive a call from a number that is PRIVATE or BLOCKED. CCRC staff will not be calling from our general telephone number.

On the day of the scheduled Child Custody Recommending Counseling appointment, each parent will be contacted by the assigned Child Custody Recommending Counselor via telephone between 8:15 AM and 9:00 AM to verify each parent’s attendance by video conference or telephone.

What happens at the end of CCRC?

When parents are able to reach an agreement, the Child Custody Recommending Counselor will prepare a written agreement and review it with both parents. The agreement will then be signed by the Judge, and the agreement then becomes a Court Order.

When the parents are unable to reach an agreement, the Child Custody Recommending Counselor will prepare a form called a Recommendation for a proposed parenting plan. The Child Custody Recommending Counselor will also prepare a form called a Rationale that explains the reason the proposed parenting plan is recommended. The Recommendation and the Rationale will then be mailed to the parents. The recommendation from the CCRC will be considered by the Judge. The parents will be able to respond to the Recommendation. The Judge will then determine if the Recommendation will become a Court Order and/or modify the Recommendation.

Who do I call if I have questions?

If you have any questions regarding the process for CCRC, please call the Family Law Clerk’s Office (209)725-4117. If you have questions regarding how to file your documents or how to serve the other party, please call the Self-Help Center at (209)725-4168 or by email at selfhelp@mercedcourt.org.

RULES FOR REMOTE CCRC

1. Any recording of the video conference or telephone call of the Child Recommending proceeding is strictly prohibited, including, but not limited to, copying or audio recording. Violations may result in sanctions by the Court.
2. Parents must appear for the video conference or telephone call in a private area with minimal background noise. You need to make sure everyone can hear you, and you can hear everyone else.
3. No children or any third party is allowed to be present for the Child Custody Recommending Counseling. Only the parties involved shall be present. Family Court Services understands that schools are exercising distant learning, and children may be in the residence. If possible, the parents should provide a caregiver to help assist with attending to the children. It is in the best interest of children not to be exposed to conflict.
4. Parents are to be polite and follow the directions of the counselor. Obscenities and vulgar language will not be tolerated.
5. Any documents or evidence that you wish to present must be filed with the Court and served on the other parent before your scheduled appointment.

*** If you fail to follow these rules, the counselor will immediately terminate the counseling session, and you will need to answer to the Judge. ***

Additional Online Resources

Families Change: A guide to separation and divorce 
Changeville: Helping children with parental divorce or separation
Needs of Children of Different Ages: Provides help in developing a parenting plan for children of different ages.
Domestic Violence and Children: If there has been Domestic violence in your family, here is important information about a law that may apply.

Child Custody Recommending Counseling Information Sheet is listed below:
Child Custody Information Sheet Recommending Counseling (Form FL-313-INFO )
Read this form if your case is in a county where there is "child custody recommending counseling."

This information sheet is also available in the following languages:
Hoja informativa sobre la custodia de los hijos - Consejeria recomendante
Child Custody Recommending Counseling Information Sheet - Chinese
Child Custody Recommending Counseling Information Sheet - Korean
Child Custody Recommending Counseling Information Sheet - Vietnamese

El Tribunal Superior de California, Condado de Merced, Unidad de Servicios del Juzgado Familiar, provee el servicio de Consejería (Mediación) Recomendada correspondiente a la Tutela de Menores (CCRC), para ayudar a las familias a desarrollar un régimen de crianza. El Tribunal actualmente está programando la comparecencia a distancia para los padres cuando se ordena judicialmente dicha Consejería en una fecha específica a través de videoconferencia o por teléfono.

¿Cómo asisto a Mediación (CCRC)?

No se presente en el Tribunal Superior de Merced en la fecha de su cita próxima para la Medicación (CCRC). Debe asegurarse que el Tribunal tenga su actual número de teléfono, correo electrónico y domicilio postal. El Consejero o Consejera quien provea la Recomendación correspondiente a la Tutela de Menores se comunicará con usted.

¿Cómo actualizo mi información de Contacto con el Tribunal?

Si necesita actualizar su número de teléfono, correo electrónico, o domicilio postal con el Tribunal, debe actualizarlo antes de su cita próxima. Puede actualizar esta información al llamar a la Oficina de Actuario en lo Familiar al (209) 725-4117.

¿Cuál es el estimado tiempo de duración de Mediación (CCRC)?

Aunque su documentación indique que su cita es a las 8:45am, debe dejar un margen para estar disponible entre las 8:15 am y 12 pm. Se programan múltiples causas a la misma hora así que usted tendrá que esperar a que se convoque la suya.

¿Qué necesitaré para mi cita de Mediación (CCRC)?

Hay 2 cosas que debe hacer antes de su cita.

1. Cada uno de los padres deberá observar el video de Orientación de Medicación (CCRC) antes de la fecha de su cita.
   Favor de abrir el hiperenlace que aparece a continuación para observar la Orientación de Mediación (CCRC) en el Derecho de lo Familiar.
2. Cada uno de los padres deberá completar y regresar el formulario de Información Confidencial para Mediación (CCRC) que aparece a continuación.
   La Informacion Conficendial para la Recomendacion de la Patria Potestad de Menores

   Es la responsabilidad de cada uno de los padres imprimir el formulario y enviarlo por correo al domicilio indicado a continuación: Superior Court of California, County of Merced, Family Law Division, 627 W. 21st Street, Merced CA, 95340. Es recomendable que usted haga esto por lo menos una (1) semana antes de su cita, para permitir que su formulario sea recibido con suficiente tiempo por el Tribunal.

¿Cómo funciona Mediación (CCRC) a distancia?

Los padres recibirán una llamada telefónica un (1) día hábil antes de su cita. Durante esta llamada, se le indicará una hora más específica de su cita de Mediación (CCRC). También se le proporcionará información acerca de cómo se comunicarán con usted, ya sea por correo electrónico o por teléfono. Por favor tenga presente que, si es por teléfono, la llamada aparecerá como número OCULTO o PRIVADO. El personal de Mediación (CCRC) no le llamará del número de teléfono general.

El día de la cita de Mediación (CCRC), el Consejero o Consejera quien provea el servicio de Mediación (CCRC) se comunicará por teléfono con cada uno de los padres entre las 8:15 am y 9:00 am para verificar la asistencia de ambos por videoconferencia o teléfono.

¿Qué sucede al final de Mediación (CCRC)?

Cuando los padres logran llegar a un acuerdo, el Consejero o Consejera quien provea la Recomendación correspondiente a la Tutela de Menores prepara un convenio escrito y lo repasa con ambos padres. El convenio entonces lo firma la Juez y ese convenio se convierte en Orden Judicial.

Cuando los padres no logran llegar a un acuerdo, el Consejero o Consejera quien provea la Recomendación correspondiente a la Tutela de Menores prepara un formulario titulado Recomendación de un Propuesto Régimen de Visita y Tutela. El Consejero o Consejera quien provea dicha Recomendación también prepara un formulario titulado Razonamiento cual explica las razones por las cuales se recomienda ese régimen de crianza. La Recomendación y Razonamiento entonces se enviarán por correo a ambos padres. La Juez tomará en consideración la recomendación de Mediación (CCRC). Los padres tendrán la oportunidad de responder a la Recomendación. La Juez entonces determinará si la Recomendación se convertirá en una Orden Judicial y/o modificará la Recomendación.

¿Con quién me comunico si tengo preguntas?

Si usted tiene preguntas acerca del procedimiento de Mediación (CCRC), favor de comunicarse con la Oficina de Actuario en lo Familiar al (209) 725-4117.

Si usted tiene preguntas acerca de cómo radicar sus documentos o cómo hacer entrega de notificación a la otra parte, favor de hablar al Centro de Ayuda al (209) 725-4168 o por correo electrónico a selfhelp@mercedcourt.org.

REGLAS DE MEDIACIÓN (CCRC) A DISTANCIA

1. Se prohíbe expresamente toda clase de grabación de las diligencias de mediación ya sea videoconferencia o llamada telefónica, incluidos, sin carácter exhaustivo, copias o grabaciones de audio. El incumplimiento de estas reglas podría resultar en que la Juez imponga sanciones.
2. Los padres deben comparecer para la videoconferencia o llamada telefónica desde un lugar privado con mínima interferencia. Es su responsabilidad asegurarse que a usted se le pueda escuchar claramente y que usted pueda escuchar claramente a los demás.
3. . No se permite la presencia de menores ni terceros durante la Mediación (CCRC). La Unidad de Servicios del Juzgado Familiar tiene presente que las escuelas están impartiendo la enseñanza a distancia y que existe la posibilidad que los menores estén en casa. Si es posible, los padres deben tener a alguien para ayudar con el cuidado de los menores. El interés superior de los menores es no ser expuestos a conflicto.
4. Los padres deben ser corteses y seguir las indicaciones del consejero o consejera. No se toleran las obscenidades ni el lenguaje vulgar.
5. Todo documento o evidencia que usted desee presentar debe radicarse con el Tribunal y darse entrega de notificación a la otra parte previo a su cita.

***Si usted no cumple con estas reglas, de inmediato el consejero o consejera dará por concluida la sesión de consejería y usted deberá presentarse ante la Juez.***

Recursos Adicionales en Internet

Families Change: Guía de Separación y Divorcio
Changeville: Guía de Separación y Divorcio para Niños
Necesidades de Niños de Distintas Edades: Provee ayuda para desarrollar un plan de custodia para niños de distintas edades.

Hoja informativa sobre la custodia de los hijos - Consejeria recomendante
Lea este formulario si su causa pertenece a un condado donde existe “consejería recomendada correspondiente a la tutela de menores”.

This will require a process of filing correct papers with the Family Law Clerks office and serving these papers on the other parent.

There may also be filing fees involved which you may request the court to waive. Waiver of court fees is based on your current financial situation.

You may be required to attend a court date, and in many instances, attend an Orientation class and a scheduled meeting with the Child Custody Recommending Counselor.

Unfortunately, the Family Law Clerks are unable to ‘advise’ you which are the correct papers to file to get custody or visitation orders, but the Courts do offer free legal assistance through the Self Help Center.

You may also want to refer to the websites designed for parties who do not have an attorney to represent them for the answers to this question. Please refer to the Top External Links of the Court website for these websites.

It is important that you always keep a copy of your court order with you for enforcement. A court order is a document that sets forth the order(s) that were made. It is signed by a Judge and is file marked by the courts. It is commonly called the “Findings and Order after Hearing” or may also be called “Child Custody Recommending Counseling Order/Agreement”.

It is recommended that you contact local law enforcement if you are having trouble ‘enforcing’ a court order. The officer that may be assisting you will normally want to see a copy of your court order.

The Orientation date is set by the court. It is a mandatory class that each party is required to attend, in most circumstances, prior to a scheduled Child Custody Recommending Counseling date. You may ask the courts to ‘waive’ your required attendance at the Orientation class if you qualify under one of the following conditions: you have attended the class within the last 18 months, or you live over 250 miles away from Merced County. You can find this Formal Request for Waiver of Orientation Hearing on the Court website under Local Forms of the Family Law Division. Please note this form must be submitted for approval and filing no later than 4:00 pm two days before the scheduled Orientation.

The Child Custody Recommending Counseling date is set by the court. It is normally court mandated that parents attend Child Custody Recommending Counseling prior to the Judge making orders regarding custody and/or visitation. There will normally be a court date set following the Child Custody Recommending Counseling date. If you missed your Child Custody Recommending Counseling date you will have the opportunity to explain to the Judge at the Further court date, the situation that arose which caused you to ‘miss’ this Child Custody Recommending Counseling date. At this time it would be at the Judge’s discretion to reset the Child Custody Recommending Counseling date. Please be aware that the Judge can order you to pay ‘Child Custody Recommending Counseling Reimbursement fees’ for a missed Child Custody Recommending Counseling date which is normally in the amount of $50.00.

Hearing dates are set by the court. It is not possible to inform you what the Judge will order in the event that you miss a court date. It is recommended that you check your court file as soon as possible after a ‘missed’ court date to find out what happened in your absence. If you are disagreeable with the orders that were made at this hearing date, you may want to use the services of the Self Help Center for further assistance. The Self Help hours and location are located on the Court website.

Continuance of these dates will require a stipulation signed by all parties involved which sets forth the date(s) in which the Orientation, Child Custody Recommending Counseling, or Hearing date is currently scheduled for and date(s) the parties agree to continue the matter to. The Stipulation and Order to Continue or Advance a Court date can be found on the Court website under Local Forms.

The Stipulation and Order to Continue or Advance a Court date must be filed prior to the scheduled date(s).

There is no filing fee to file this stipulation.

It is acceptable to give notice of an ex parte hearing by a phone call. When you give notice to the other party of an ex parte hearing, be sure to let the other party know the date, time and courtroom location of the ex parte hearing. Additionally, please have a copy of the proposed ex parte order to give to the other party ‘prior’ to the matter being called in court.

Please note that you do not want to violate any restraining orders that may be in effect and you may need an uninvolved party to give notice of the hearing to the other party as well as the third party giving a copy of the proposed ex parte order to the other party.

You may purchase the Divorce packet from the Family Law Clerks’ office which includes all the basic forms needed to file for Divorce including the final Judgment.

You may also complete and download these forms from helpful websites designed for parties who do not have an attorney to represent. Please refer to the Top External Links of the Court website for these websites.

Unfortunately, the Family Law Clerks are unable to ‘advise’ you which are the correct papers to file for divorce, but the court does offer free legal assistance thru the Self-Help Center. Please refer to the Court website for hours and location of these services.

All of the basic forms for finalizing a Divorce are in the Divorce packet which is sold in the Family Law Clerks office.

You may also complete and download these forms from helpful websites designed for parties who do not have an attorney to represent. Please refer to the Top External Links of the Court website for these websites.

Unfortunately, the Family Law Clerks are unable to ‘advise’ you which are the correct papers to file to finalize the divorce, but the court does offer free legal assistance thru the Self-Help Center. Please refer to the Court website for hours and location of these services.

In most circumstances, it is required that the other party be served with papers that set forth your request for orders from the court. This is a requirement that normally needs to be satisfied before the Judge can grant the orders you are requesting.

There are different methods that can be considered service on the other party other than personally serving the other party. It is recommended that you seek assistance on the requirement(s) for these alternative methods of service through our court’s free legal assistance of the Self Help Center.

The only parties that are able to view the confidential file are the parties named in the action who must provide a picture I.D. or the attorney of record of the parties named in the action.

A party not named in the action may view the file if they can provide a letter signed by one of the parties to the action authorizing that individual to view the file. This individual with written authorization for viewing the file must provide a picture I.D.