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Family Court Services

California requires all parties unable to resolve their custody/visitation disputes to attend Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC), which is also often referred to as mediation.  CCRC is designed to help the parties reach agreements regarding custody and visitation issues. The child custody recommending counselor (CCRC) does not represent either party and remains impartial.

Contra Costa County’s CCRC sessions occur prior to the scheduled hearing date, and if there is no available appointment prior to the hearing date, parents must schedule a new hearing date.

There are two parts to the CCRC process, the orientation and the CCRC session itself.  The only way to schedule these appointments is by contacting Family Court Services.  After both parties have called in, an appointment letter will be sent to the address provided to the Family Court Services Clerk.  The appointment letter will contain two dates for both orientation and the CCRC session itself, both of which are mandatory.  Failure to show up for the orientation session may result in the CCRC session being rescheduled, and failure to show up for the CCRC session may result in the imposition of a fine.  If there are domestic violence allegations, you may request separate CCRC sessions.

Parents meet with the CCRC, and afterwards, the CCRC writes recommendations for the judge to review before he or she hears the case.  Generally speaking, the sessions last approximately 60 -90 minutes.  A written report can be expected shortly after the session.

Contact Information:
Hours: Monday – Friday, excluding Court Holidays, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Phone: (925) 957-7950
Fax: (925) 957-7980

Peter L. Spinetta Family Law Center
751 Pine Street
Martinez, CA 94553

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