Family Law

The Family Law court has jurisdiction over cases involving marital and domestic partnership relationships, relationships between parents and children, and domestic violence matters.

The family law department handles the following filings:

• Dissolution, Legal Separation, Nullity
• Establish Parental Relationship (Paternity), Petitions for Custody and Support
• Child Custody and Visitation
• Child Support, Spousal Support, Family Support
• Marital Property Division
• Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
• Dept. of Child Support services, Child Support Actions

Child Support Overview

All cases involving the Central Sierra Child Support Agency (CSCSA) are required by law to be heard
by a Superior Court Commissioner. CSCSA assists parents in establishing paternity and establishing, modifying and enforcing child support and medical support orders.

CSCSA provides services in these areas to both custodial and non-custodial parents upon request. However, if the custodial parent is receiving TANF and there is no order requiring the non-custodial parent to pay child support, CSCSA will file an action to establish a judgment of paternity (if necessary) and to obtain child and medical support orders. The CSCSA does not provide legal advice to the parties and the attorney who appears in court on behalf of CSCSA does not represent either parent.

The Family Law Facilitator can provide legal assistance in child support cases, which include actions to establish paternity, marital dissolutions (if there are minor children), custody and visitation motions (if support or modification of support is requested) or in any action involving the CSCSA.

To request to appear for your child support hearing via telephonic appearance, please submit the following form: Request to Appear

For further Information : visit the  California State Child Support website.

Mediation

When parents do not agree on custody and visitation arrangements, California law requires they attend mediation before the court hearing. Child custody mediation is an opportunity for parents to work with a mediator and make their own agreement as to how they will take care of their children and what the custody and visitation plan will be.

Although mediators are experienced in counseling, mediation is not counseling. A neutral mediator meets with both parents and helps them try to agree on a plan that is the best for them and their child/children.

The guidelines for mediation are to treat each other and the mediator with respect, listen to each other to find real solutions, put the child/children first, and think about the child/children’s needs and what they can handle.

Family Law - Private Mediation

The court encourages parties to avoid the expense, time, stress and hostilities of court proceedings by trying an informal dispute resolution process like private mediation. In private mediation, a neutral mediator works with all parties to help them reach voluntary agreements that work for their particular situation.

You may use private mediation:
  •  anytime before or after filing legal papers
  •  to resolve all or part of your case, including child custody, visitation, and marital property division
  •  with or without lawyers

Private mediators do not make rulings, orders, decisions or reports. Their only job is to help you work out voluntary agreements that fit your particular situation.

Select the link for list of:  Family Law Mediators.

Custody and Parenting Resources

The Court may order you to participate in parenting or co-parenting programs or testing. To locate resources in and around Amador County click on the link below for information on the following:

  •  Parenting and Co-Parenting Services
  •  Family and Child Therapy
  •  Domestic Violence Services
  •  Supervised Visitation
  •  Drug and Alcohol Testing, Assessments and Treatment

Guide to Custody and Parenting Resources in and around Amador County.

Orientation

The Orientation Program is mandatory for all parents who have child custody and visitation issues. Orientation provides important information about helping children through their parents’ separation and how to develop a parenting plan. The Orientation Program may be completed on the morning of your hearing. Please arrive on time and take a seat in the hallway outside of Department 2. The video shown during orientation illustrates the need for parents to keep their children out of adult conflicts. The Court expects you to complete the online course, Parenting After Separation , prior to your hearing and mediation.

Online Course - " Parenting After Divorce or Separation

We are happy to offer a new resource to families dealing with change after divorce or separation. The online course is free and parents are expected to complete the Parenting After Separation course prior to attending your Court Hearing. The website for this resource is  www.familieschange.ca.gov

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Family Court Services can be emailed with comments or concerns.

Family Law Facilitator

Leave a voice mail message at 209-257-2627 or email ktearpak@amadorcourt.org
If you are leaving a voice message or sending an email, please include your first and last name, case number
( if you have it ), and describe the issue you are seeking assistance with. 
Phone appointments will be scheduled on a case by case basis. 
 

Phone calls and emails will be returned Monday, Tuesday and Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

This office is staffed by: Kori Tearpak. Family Law Facilitator
 

Assistance is available in the following matters:

• Obtaining, Modifying or Terminating Child or Spousal Support.
• Obtaining health insurance coverage for your children.
• Obtaining or Modifying Orders pertaining to Health Insurance for minor children and orders regarding uncovered medical expenses.
• Establishing Paternity.
• Establishing or Objecting to Support Arrearages.
• Dissolution of Marriage/Legal Separation.
• Child custody and visitation.
• Domestic Violence Restraining Orders.

The Facilitator does not represent you - He/She:

• MAY assist both parties to a case.
• There is no attorney client relationship.
• MAY NOT give you personalized advice or assist in strategy.
• MAY NOT go to Court with you and is not responsible for the outcome of your case.

He/She will provide you with assistance and guidance to the necessary Court forms, how to prepare them, plus legal and procedural information.

The Facilitator is on-site and is available by appointment and limited drop in. 

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HOURS OF OPERATION:

MONDAY:  Drop-In 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ,       Appointments scheduled in the afternoon.
TUESDAY:  Appointments schedule morning and afternoon.
FRIDAYS:   Drop-In 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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If you would like to schedule an appointment contact: selfhelp@amadorcourt.org
Include your first and last name, case number, describe the issue you are seeking assistance with in your email,

and preferred appointment time a day.  ( Monday or Tuesday )

Recorded Information Line:  (209) 257-2627

The following questions and answers are provided for general reference and information only.

Adjudicated Newspapers

Ledger Dispatch.

Where do I file my Papers

All documents are filed at the Clerks Office, located at 500 Argonaut Lane, Jackson, CA.
Papers filed with the Clerk's Office can be submitted in person between during office hours, or left in the dropbox at the Courthouse entrance. (See Local Rule 11.22).

Papers being filed on the day of the hearing must be filed in the courtroom. When filing papers with the court, please use the following guidelines:

• Pleadings will not be filed unless they comply with California Rules of Court, Rule 2.100 et seq.
• Exhibits must be as legible as original typing or printing.
• No conformed copies of documents filed with the Clerks Office will be returned by mail unless a self-addressed stamped envelope, with sufficient postage is provided.
• All papers presented for filing must be pre-punched in the standard two-hole position to comply with California Rules of Court, rule 2.115.
• An original and one copy must be submitted, and only two copies of each document will be conformed.
• Documents submitted without appropriate filing fees according to the court's Statewide Filing Fee Schedule will be returned un-filed.

Fee Waivers

Basic Fee Waiver Facts.
After Getting a Fee Waiver.
Paying Waived Fees Back.
Waiver of court Fees in appeals and Writ Proceedings.
Information sheet on Waiver of Superior Court Fees and Costs.

How Do I Notify the Court of Change of Address?

Use the – Judicial Council Form MC-040  NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS

How do I prepare paperwork for an Adult Adoption?

See the easy to follow instructions at: Sacramento County Public Law Library.