ADA and Lactation Accommodations

Court users, including jurors, parties in a case, witnesses, lawyers and others, can receive reasonable accommodations from the court if necessary to fully participate in court programs or services. For more information, read the brochure For Persons with Disabilities Requesting Accommodations.

The Court normally requires at least 5 working days advance notification in order to provide an accommodation. If you are in need of an accommodation due to a disability, complete the MC-410 form and return it to the Court’s ADA Coordinator, Michelle McDonald.

Lactation Accommodations

After the passage of Senate Bill 949 in 2024, California Rules of Court, rule 2.40 was created to offer court users who are lactating, request an accommodation to pump or express breast milk during court proceedings. This applies to parties, attorneys, witnesses, jurors, and any other person who is involved in the courtroom proceedings for a case on calendar. Some accommodations may include requesting a reasonable amount of time to pump or express breast milk or to use an available lactation pod or room.

Court users requesting this accommodation will complete Judicial Council optional form: MC-420 Request for Accommodation to Pump or Express Breast Milk. 

Please make the request as far in advance as possible, but at least five (5) court days before your appearance or appointment. You may submit your completed MC-420 form:

1. In person, at the clerk's office filing window at the appropriate courthouse.

2. In the department or courtroom hearing the case you are involved in.

3. Via mail to the postal address of the ADA/Lactation Coordinator.

Lactation Accommodation Coordinator :

Human Resources

627 W. 21st Street

Merced, CA 95340

In the event the court denies your request, in whole or in part, you will receive a copy of this action in writing. If you disagree with the court's decision, you have the right to appeal (see California Rules of Court, rule 2.40(f)(2)).