San Mateo — Acknowledgement Guidelines for Support Person

Source: https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-forms/fcs-3_acknowledgement_guidelines_support_person.pdf

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA , COUNTY OF SAN MATEO Hall of Justice and Records 400 County Center, 6 th Floor Redwood City, CA 94063-1662 www.sanmateo.courts.ca.gov CLERK OF THE COURT COURT EXECUTIVE OFFICER TEL. (650) 261-5080 CLERK & JURY COMMISSIONER FAX (650) 261-5142

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND GUIDELINES FOR A SUPPORT PERSON

My presence in mediation is being requested by ___________________________________. Following California Family Code 6303, it is the function of a support person to provide moral and emotional support for a person who alleges he or she is a victim of domestic violence. Local policy also asks that I acknowledge and certify that I am at least eighteen years of age and I am not the attorney of record for either party.

I understand that mediation is a confidential process, designed to assist parents in reaching a reasonable plan regarding custody and visitation, and to encourage cooperative parenting. As a support person, I agree and state law mandate that the confidentiality of the mediation binds me.

While my presence in mediation is important, I recognize that mediation can often be a very emotional experience. I may excuse myself from the mediation session at any time. However, once excused, I may not return for any portion of that session.

A mediator may exclude me from a mediation session if I, as the support person, participate in the mediation session, act as an advocate, or if my presence is disruptive to the mediation process. I agree to not speak or offer any comment to the mediator or advice to the parent.

My signature indicates an understanding of my role as a support person and I accept and acknowledge the above guidelines.

Signature_____________________________________________ Date _______________

Name (Please print)___________________________________________________________

Address____________________________________________________________________

City_____________________________________State_________ZipCode_______________

Relationship to client _____________________________________

Form adopted for Mandatory Use ACKNOWLEGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR SUPPORT PERSON FamC. § 6303 Local Court Form FCS-3 [Rev. 05/2026] www.sanmateo.courts.ca.gov