Useful Resources

Child Custody Mediation Resources

Family Court Services' child custody mediation is required in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Santa Barbara superior courts. Family Court Services Mediation (depending on the county) is reporting or non-reporting. The mediators try to help parents reach agreements regarding their children and a parenting plan schedule prior to a court hearing.

If the parents cannot agree in mediation, the judge will make an order at a hearing.

Additional Information

Domestic Violence Resources

Human Options

Provides comprehensive services helping to break the cycle of domestic violence. Call (877) 854-3594 for a 24-hour bilingual hotline.

Laura's House

Provides emergency shelter; children's programs; and individual and group counseling and workshops.

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233; TDD 1-800-787-3224

Divorce Resources

Each spouse retains an attorney who represents their interests or one or both parties represent himself or herself.

Whether the matter is resolved by settlement or litigation, disclosures are required. Next is the question of discovery - how much and what methods?

Another consideration is whether experts need to be retained: a forensic accountant? a child custody evaluator? appraisers? a vocational evaluation?

Even when the parties cannot settle the entire case, if the lawyers are cooperative and the parties take reasonable positions and reach compromises, then they can often resolve many issues which streamlines the case and reduces time and fees. If the case does not settle, then the parties may proceed to court to present evidence and allow a judge t0 make orders on the disputed issues.

Child Support Resources

In California, the child support guideline calculator is presumptively correct (Family Code § 4055 and 4057). The factor considered include (but are not limited to): number of children, the non-custodial parent’s timeshare, tax filing status and number of exemptions, each parent’s income, deductions, and child-care costs. There are exceptions to the utilization of the guideline formula. The presumption may be rebutted by admissible evidence showing that application of the formula would be “unjust or inappropriate in the particular case, consistent with the principles set forth” in Family Code§ 4053. (See also Family Code § 4056 and 4057).

California Child Support Guideline Calculator

This site hosts the statewide child support calculator used to determine guideline child support. Use of this calculator will assist you in determining the guideline child support for any specific set of circumstances.

California Department of Child Support Services

This California state agency assists individuals obtain and enforce child support orders.

Minor's Counsel Resources

The Superior Court of California, County of Orange, provides a list of attorneys who have satisfied the education, experience and training requirements in accordance with Orange County Superior Court Rule 712 and have submitted a signed Declaration Regarding Qualifications to enable them to act as Qualified Counsel for Minor's.