Child Custody Recommending Counselor
Focusing on Children's Needs
When parents separate or divorce, decisions need to be made about custody, visitation and how children will share time with their parents. These are important decisions. Sometimes they are the most difficult. California law states that when parents cannot reach an agreement, they must first meet with a professional mediator (Child Custody Recommending Counselor) before their hearing.
Goals of Child Custody Recommending Counseling
- To help parents create a parenting plan that is in the best interests of their child(ren).
- To help parents develop a parenting plan that enables their child(ren) to have contact with parents in ways that are appropriate for the safety and wellbeing of the child(ren).
- Help parents learn to co-parent.
- When parents do not agree, we make recommendations to the parents and the court that are in the child(ren)'s best interest.
Setting a Date for Counseling
The date and time for child custody recommending counseling will be set by the court. If you live more than 120 miles away from the courthouse or have a documented medical condition that prohibits you from traveling, please let the Judge know and you may request Telephonic Appearance at Child Custody Recommending Counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information Regarding Mediation/Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC)
Child Custody Recommending Counseling is located at the main Courthouse located at 5088 Bullion Street, Mariposa, CA 95338.
Do not bring your child(ren), friends, relative, spouse, significant others… with you to the appointment. Child Custody Recommending Counseling is just for the parents. Only parents to the case may go to Family Court Services except for certain situations when there is a Domestic Violence Restraining or Criminal Proactive Order. The parents can have a silent support person with them in session.
Their wishes and needs will be considered by you, the other parent(s) and the Child Custody Recommending Counselor (CCRC). The parents are the people who know your child(ren) best, and they are the best people to determine what your child(ren)’s living arrangements should be. As you work with the CCRC, the CCRC will help you understand the choices available to parents, arrangements that often work well for children your child(ren)’s ages, what children need as their parents are separating, and how parents can best meet these needs. The CCRC will help you and the other parent address your parenting concerns and focus on what you each parent believes is best for the child(ren).
No. If you believe your child(ren) wishes to speak with the judge, then explain that in your court paperwork or to the Child Custody Recommending Counselor. Do not bring your child(ren) to court or to CCRC unless a judge or a commissioner specifically tells you, or the CCRC has requested that you bring them to Family Court Services for a minor interview appointment.
Keep your court date. When you return to court, then the judge/commissioner will decide what should happen next.
Additional Resources
For further information, including a free parent education course, and additional resources to help families understand the divorce and separation process, please see these links: