Family Court Services (FCS)
The Office of Family Court Services provides child custody mediation services to families with an open family law or parentage case in Santa Clara County. Specially trained Court Mediators are available to provide a safe, neutral and confidential environment for parents to discuss and develop a comprehensive parenting plan that reflects the best interests of their children.
Family Court Services also provides emergency screening investigation services, upon court referral. Emergency Screenings are focused investigations that deal with imminent safety issues requiring orders that include protective measures for children at risk of harm.
Location & Office Hours
Family Justice Center Courthouse
201 N. First Street
Family Court Services - 5th Floor, FCS Lobby
San Jose, CA 95113
Telephone: (408) 534-5760
Office hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Child Custody Mediation
In California, if parents do not agree about custody and visitation issues, the law requires that they try to settle the issues by going to mediation. Mediations are generated by referrals from the court based on filings and petitions related to children in family court.
A skilled and trained Mediator can encourage parents to focus on and understand the needs of their children and assist them in developing a parenting plan that considers the best interest of the child and the needs of each family member. A parenting plan is an agreement between the parents that spells out the specific details of custody and visitation arrangements for their children.
Mediation appointments are conducted remotely through the Microsoft Teams application. What is discussed between the parents and the Court Mediator is not shared with anyone, including the Court (with the exception of mandated reporting requirements).
Mediation can be done through Family Court Services at no cost*, or, through a private mediator you can hire on your own. *Please note, no shows or cancellations less than 48 hours prior to the mediation appointment, will be subject to a $100.00 fee.
Yes. Complete and file the Stipulation to Remote Family Court Services Mediation form (FM-1195).
Scheduling Mediation and Parent Orientation
Parties must first view the Parent Orientation video prior to scheduling and participating in mediation:
LINK TO ORIENTATION VIDEO: English or Spanish
Once Parent Orientation has been completed, the participant will be asked to submit their intake information at the end of the video. This intake form will be automatically submitted to FCS. Once received, FCS will send a mediation appointment letter with the mediation date to the participant with the address provided.
Each party may reschedule their mediation appointment, only once, by calling FCS at (408) 534-5760, or, by emailing fcscalendar@scscourt.org.
Emergency Screenings
Emergency screenings are focused custody investigations limited to urgent issues regarding the safety and well-being of children at risk of harm. Emergency screenings are ordered at the discretion of the judge, if they believe there are presenting safety issues requiring immediate assessment.
Complete the emergency screening intake form (English ; Spanish) and DV questionnaire (English ; Spanish) and email both completed documents to fcscalendar@scscourt.org. Or, drop-off both documents to the FCS clerks window in the 5th floor lobby of the Family Justice Center Courthouse. *All intake documents must be submitted at least 2 days prior to the scheduled emergency screening.
For detailed information regarding the emergency screening process and preparation for the investigation, please refer to the emergency screening brochure (English ; Spanish). For any additional questions, please contact the FCS office at (408) 534-5760.
Court-Ordered Programs
- Parenting Without Violence: List of Providers
- Domestic Violence Accountability Program (DVAP): List of Providers
- 52-week Child Abuser’s Treatment Programs: List of Certified Providers
- 52-week Batterer’s/Domestic Violence Programs: List of Certified Providers
- Supervised Visitation: List of Providers
- Co-Parenting/Parallel Parenting Classes: List of Providers
- Drug Testing Services: List of Providers (English) ; List of Providers (Spanish)
Family Law Treatment Court
Family Law Treatment Court (FLTC) is a voluntary, collaborative court program that helps parents who have substance abuse issues get into treatment and stay clean and sober. The program is designed to improve the safety and welfare of children by supporting parents in their recovery from substance abuse. Participants are connected to a variety of services, including recovery treatment programs and, if needed, mental health services.
For more information about FLTC, please review the Participant Handbook (English; Spanish). For additional questions, the FLTC coordinator can be reached at (408) 534-5769 or via email at FLTC@scscourt.org.