Child Custody Recommending Counseling is a meeting between disputing parties and a neutral third person – the Child Custody Recommending Counselor. When parents do not agree on custody and visitation arrangements, California law requires that they attend CCRC before or the day of their court hearing to try to reach an agreement.
To promote social distancing, Family Court Services will attempt to schedule all CCRC appointments via conference call. If unable to schedule and the parties appear in-person for their hearing, the Judges may refer parties to in-person CCRC in the Family Court Services Office. Social distancing protocols have been established throughout the courthouse.
The role of the recommending counselor (CCRC) is to assist the parties in reaching an agreement. The CCRC does not represent either party, but remains impartial. A CCRC is a trained professional assigned to help parents discuss their child’s needs and assist them in making a schedule that best serves the child.
In cases where there are sworn allegations of domestic violence, the parties may each meet separately with the CCRC. If you choose to meet with the other party, you may bring a support person to the session. This support person is not permitted to participate but may offer you emotional support. In cases of domestic violence, the Judge – not the CCRC- makes a determination as to whether the alleged violence actually occurred.
The Solano Family Court requires that every parent who is to participate in Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC) must attend an orientation/education session before the actual CCRC session. This orientation session prepares the parents by informing them of the nature, goals, and extent of CCRC and what each parent can expect from it. Valuable time is thus not taken from the child custody recommending counselor to explain these things. Additionally, the developmental needs of children are discussed, as well as the benefits of cooperation and the negative consequences of parental conflict.
Orientation/Education is mandatory and classes are offered in both English and Spanish versions. It takes approximately 20 minutes to complete the online class.
Once you have completed the online orientation/education class please complete and print the Certificate of Completion. Handwrite your case number, your name and date the certificate. Hand deliver or mail a copy of the certificate of completion to the Hall of Justice located at 600 Union Avenue Fairfield CA 94533, Attention Family Law Division, Family Court Services.
Please print a copy of Family Code Section 3044 and review it prior to attending CCRC.