When parties have a dispute regarding custody and visitation they are required under Family Code section 3170 to participate in a child custody recommending counseling session prior to a court hearing. These sessions occur at Family Court Services (FCS).
It is important to discuss the purpose of Family Court Services (FCS) and their function. FCS counselors spend time with parents in a dispute over child custody and visitation and ask important questions about their situation and their children. In fact, they will spend more time with the parents than the judge will. FCS Child Custody Recommending Counselors are responsible for determining court-ordered custody plans.
I am the only San Diego divorce and custody lawyer with prior work experience as a Child Custody Recommending Counselor at Family Court Services (FCS). Based on my firsthand experience of this process, I have seen too many parents appear at their FCS session unprepared. In fact, in my opinion, parents and attorneys tend to underestimate the importance of the Family Court Services mediation session.
As a San Diego divorce and child custody lawyer who worked at FCS, I discuss the importance of the FCS session with my clients so they are as prepared as possible for the challenges that wait for them at FCS. Should parents fail to reach an agreement during their FCS session; the Child Recommending Counselor is required to make a recommendation to the court regarding the parenting plan. It is important that parents understand this before appearing at FCS.
It should be clear that the Family Court Services recommendation is a very important component to determining the parenting plan. As a San Diego divorce lawyer, I believe it is extremely important that my clients be as prepared as possible when participating in mediation at Family Court Services.
To inquire further about the specifics of Family Court Services consult with a local family law attorney who can discuss this process as it relates to your specific situation. In San Diego, contact the Law Offices of Brian A. Victor for more information on FCS preparation. www.brianvictorlaw.com/san-diego-family-court-services-lawyer/
