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).
I am the only San Diego divorce lawyer with prior work experience as a child custody recommending counselor at Family Court Services (FCS). Based on my firsthand knowledge of the process, I have seen a multitude of parents who come into their FCS session unprepared and underestimate the importance of the Family Court Services mediation session. Child custody recommending counselors are responsible for determining court-ordered custody plans.
As a San Diego divorce lawyer who worked at FCS, I discuss the importance of the FCS process with my clients so they are as prepared as possible for what awaits them when they go through the custody and visitation process. I recognize the power the child custody recommending counselor has over the decisions that get made in court regarding custody and visitation. Should the parents fail to reach an agreement regarding custody and visitation, the child recommending counselor will make a recommendation to the court regarding the parenting plan.
As you can tell from this explanation, 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 their session at Family Court Services.
To inquire further about more 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/