Placer — Family Centered Case Resolution (FCCR) Information Sheet

Source: https://www.placer.courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/pl-fl023.pdf

FAMILY CENTERED CASE RESOLUTION (FCCR) PROCESS GENERAL INFORMATION

Family law cases include divorce, legal separation, nullity, parentage, and domestic violence. Information about each type of family law case can be found at the Placer County Superior Court website at http://www.placer.courts.ca.gov and at the California Judicial Council’s website at http://www.courts.ca.gov. (FCCR conferences do not apply to Domestic Violence cases. For more information on domestic violence, see the judicial council forms at the above website, including DV-520-INFO/DV-700-INFO.)

CASE RESOLUTION PROCESS & CONFERENCES (FCCR) When a family law case is filed, the court sets three Family Centered Case Resolution Conferences (FCCR). They are set 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months after the filing date. A FCCR is a court hearing, and the parties and their attorneys are expected to be present.

Why do I have these court dates? The law requires you to finish your case on time. If you do not finish your case (get a judgment) on time, the judge may dismiss your case according to the timelines set forth in the law; if the case is dismissed then you may have to start your case over (Family Code section 2450; C.C.P. sections 583.250 and 583.360). It can be complicated and confusing to complete your family law case, and there are many papers that must be filled out correctly and filed with the court clerk. If you come to the court dates above, you can get help with completing the paperwork required to finish your case correctly and on time.

What will happen at the court date? At the hearing a judicial officer will work with the parties or refer the parties to resources to develop a plan for resolving issues as quickly, fairly, and efficiently as possible. For those parties that are self-represented, a representative from the Self-Help Center is also present to assist. Trial dates may be set at the conference if the case is ready to be set and if requested.

What if I’m not ready to finish the case? Do I still have to go to the court dates? The first two court dates (6 months and 12 months) are not mandatory if the parties agree to drop (cancel) the 6 month and 12 month court dates. If you want to cancel the court date, you must notify the clerk at least five days before the court date (see local rules at https://www.placer.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/local-rules- court) AND it must be an agreement. But, you must come to the 18 month court date unless your case is complete and you have a judgment.

CASE RESOLUTION INFORMATION & RESOURCES Summary of Case Process: Judicial Council form FL—107-INFO found at http://www.courts.ca.gov provides an overview of the legal steps for a divorce, important notices, statewide resources, and services available at all California courts. • Legal Advice: The Self-Help Center cannot provide legal advice, but you may always consult with an attorney. You can contact the Placer County Bar Association at http://placerbar.org.

NOTE: This form is intended to provide only general information. It is not legal advice.

Form Adopted for Optional Use FAMILY CENTERED CASE RESOLUTION PROCESS www.placer.courts.ca.gov Superior Court of California, County of Placer INFORMATION Family Code §2450, 2451 Form No. PL-FL023 California Rules of Court, Rule 5.83 Effective 10-01-2019