Placer — Self-Help Settlement Services Information Sheet

Source: https://www.placer.courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/PL-FL027T%20-%20Self-Help%20Services%20Flyer_Eff.%20Dec.%202%202024_FINAL.pdf

Superior Court of California, County of Placer

VIDEO SELF-HELP SETTLEMENT SERVICES INFORMATION SHEET

Thank you for your interest in participating in the Video Self-Help Settlement Services. This no-cost service is available for family law cases in which one or both parties to the case are self-represented. Below is some important information about the Video Self-Help Settlement Service:

1. Participation in the Video Self-Help Settlement Services is voluntary and both parties must agree to participate in a video settlement services appointment.

   2. The purpose of a Video Settlement Services Appointment is to assist both parties in reaching an agreement; however, parties are not required to reach any agreements during the appointment.
   3. The Family Law Facilitator and staff are neutral facilitators and are available to help both parties. The Settlement Officer does not represent either party, advocate for either party or advocate for a result in the proceedings.
   4. Eligibility for an Appointment: a. Both parties MUST have their disclosures completed and exchanged (given to the other party) before your appointment. The disclosures include two forms: FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration and FL-142 Schedule of Assets and Debts.
   5. Scheduling and Timing for an Appointment: a. Appointments are offered Mondays at 1:30pm, Wednesdays at 10:30am and 1:30pm, and Thursdays at 1:30pm. b. Video Self-Help Settlement Services appointments are scheduled for one (1) hour. If an agreement is not reached during the session, parties can agree to schedule an additional video appointment. c. If you need to cancel the appointment, please email CIC@placer.courts.ca.gov or call (916) 408-6126 no less than two (2) business days before your scheduled date.
   6. Preparation for Attending an Appointment: a. You will need a device capable of video calling with a webcam, microphone and headphones. You are strongly encouraged to connect from a computer/laptop rather than a mobile device or tablet. You will need a high-speed internet connection. b. Before you come to your appointment, think about what is most important to you and what your initial proposal is to settle the case. Think about your assets and debts and how you would like to divide them. You may find it helpful to write a list that includes what assets you would like to keep and what debts you want each party to be responsible for. Have the list close by you during the video appointment. You may want to write a budget and determine how much money you will need to live separate and apart from another. When agreements are negotiated, both parties may not receive 100% of what they are requesting, and there will likely need to be a compromise by both parties.
   7. It is important to remember that there is no attorney/client privilege in these appointments. It is also important to note that pursuant to Evidence Code Section 1119, statements made during Video Settlement Services discussions are likely confidential and are not admissible in court.

   Form Adopted for Optional Use Superior Court of California, County of Placer SELF-HELP SETTLEMENT SERVICES www.placer.courts.ca.govPage 1 of 1 Form No. PL-FL027T INFORMATION SHEET Effective 12-02-2024