If you’re scheduled for Family Court Mediation through Family Court Services (FCS) in Marin County, you’re likely wondering what to expect and how to best prepare—especially when your child’s future is at stake. The more informed and focused you are going into the session, the better chance you have of reaching a workable parenting plan.
This post covers what you need to know about preparing for mediation in child custody and visitation matters in Marin County. Understanding Family Court Services Mediation in Marin County When parents cannot agree on child custody or visitation, the Marin County Superior Court requires them to attend mediation with Family Court Services before their court hearing. Unlike some California counties, Marin is a recommending county, which means:
The mediator is a neutral, trained professional—usually with a background in mental health or social work—whose job is to help parents discuss custody and parenting time and try to reach an agreement. If no agreement is reached, the mediator's recommendation carries significant weight and is reviewed by the judge at the hearing. How to Prepare for Mediation 1. Stay Focused on the Children
Helpful Things to Bring or Prepare
Tips for the Day of Mediation
After Mediation: What Happens Next?
Final Thoughts Family Court Services mediation in Marin County is a key step in resolving custody and visitation issues. Because the mediator’s recommendation can heavily influence the judge’s decision, it’s critical to be prepared, child-focused, and respectful throughout the process. If you have questions about the mediation process or want guidance to prepare effectively, I encourage you to reach out. With the right preparation and support, you can help protect your child’s well-being and move toward a stable, workable parenting arrangement. © Law Office of Kristine Fowler Cirby. Any information you obtain from this article is not legal advice. Legal counsel should be sought for the answers to specific legal questions. This communication is an advertisement as defined by The Rules of Professional Conduct and California Business and Professions Code.
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How to File for Divorce in California: A Step-by-Step Guide from a Marin County Family Law Attorney3/28/2025 Filing for divorce is never a decision taken lightly. Whether you've been considering it for some time or find yourself facing the unexpected, knowing what to expect can help ease the uncertainty. At the Law Office of Kristine Fowler Cirby, we’ve guided thousands of clients through this deeply personal process with clarity, compassion, and over 30 years of family law experience—26 of those in Marin County. If you’re thinking about divorce in California, here’s what you need to know: 1. Do You Meet California’s Residency Requirements? Before you can file for divorce in California, either you or your spouse must have:
2. California is a No-Fault Divorce State You don’t need to prove that either spouse did anything wrong. The most common legal ground is simply “irreconcilable differences”—which means the relationship has broken down beyond repair. 3. The Paperwork: Filing for Divorce To begin your case, you (the Petitioner) must file the following documents with the court:
Once filed, there is a court filing fee, currently around $435. If you are unable to afford this, you may qualify for a fee waiver. 4. Serving the Divorce Papers California law requires that your spouse (the Respondent) be personally served with the filed documents. You cannot do this yourself, but a third party (over age 18 and not involved in the case) can serve the documents. We assist clients in coordinating service properly and efficiently. 5. The Response Period After being served, your spouse has 30 days to file a Response (FL-120). If they do not respond, the case may proceed by default. If they want to participate, we can have a default with agreement. If they do not want to participate you can still get divorced. If they do respond and there are disagreements over custody, property, or support, the case becomes contested—and we’ll work with you on strategy moving forward. 6. Exchanging Financial Information Both spouses are required to exchange Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure, which include:
7. Working Toward Resolution In many cases, we help our clients reach a marital settlement agreement through:
8. Finalizing the Divorce Even if everything is resolved quickly, California requires a minimum six-month waiting period from the date your spouse was served before the court can finalize your divorce. Once that period has passed and all paperwork is submitted, the court can issue your Judgment of Dissolution—and your divorce will be official. You Don’t Have to Do This Alone Divorce is not just a legal process—it’s an emotional and often life-changing journey. At the Law Office of Kristine Fowler Cirby, we are committed to helping you move forward with confidence, clarity, and compassion. If you're considering divorce or have questions about your options, we’re here to help. 📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let’s talk about what’s next—and how we can support you through it. © Law Office of Kristine Fowler Cirby. Any information you obtain from this article is not legal advice. Legal counsel should be sought for the answers to specific legal questions. This communication is an advertisement as defined by The Rules of Professional Conduct and California Business and Professions Code. By Kristine Fowler Cirby, Esq. Preparing for Divorce: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the Financial and Emotional Challenges7/10/2024 Divorce is a life-altering event that necessitates meticulous planning and preparation. The following guide is designed to help you navigate the financial, emotional, and practical aspects of divorce, ensuring you emerge from the process as strong and stable as possible. 1. Financial Preparation: A Reality Check
I advise my client based on the facts and the law, with a discussion of the cost benefit analysis. Call today to schedule a consultation with my office. © Law Office of Kristine Fowler Cirby. Any information you obtain from this article is not legal advice. Legal counsel should be sought for the answers to specific legal questions. This communication is an advertisement as defined by The Rules of Professional Conduct and California Business and Professions Code. As a family law attorney in California, I often advise clients to consider a prenuptial agreement before getting married. Here are some reasons why:
1. Protect separate property: A prenup can define and protect assets that each spouse owns separately before the marriage, such as inheritance, gifts, or business interests. Without a prenup, these assets may become community property and subject to division in case of divorce. 2. Clarify financial expectations: A prenup can outline how the couple will handle finances during the marriage, such as income, expenses, debts, and savings. This can help prevent misunderstandings or conflicts later on, especially if one spouse earns significantly more or has different financial priorities. 3. Minimize legal costs: A prenup can streamline the divorce process by resolving some of the key issues in advance, such as property division, spousal support, or attorney's fees. This can save both time and money, as well as reduce emotional stress. 4. Protect family relationships: A prenup can also address non-financial matters that may affect the couple's relationship or their families, such as custody, visitation, relocation, or inheritance rights. By clarifying these issues beforehand, a prenup can help prevent future disputes or court battles. Of course, a prenup is not for everyone, and it may not cover all possible scenarios or changes that may occur during the marriage. However, for those who have significant assets, liabilities, or concerns, a prenup can offer peace of mind and legal protection. If you are considering a prenup in California, I am happy to help you navigate the legal requirements and implications. I advise my client based on the facts and the law, with a discussion of the cost benefit analysis. Call today to schedule a consultation with my office. © Law Office of Kristine Fowler Cirby Any information you obtain from this article is not legal advice. Legal counsel should be sought for the answers to specific legal questions. This communication is an advertisement as defined by The Rules of Professional Conduct and California Business and Professions Code. As a California attorney, I'm often asked about child support laws in our state. Here's what you need to know:
*California courts use a formula to determine child support payments, based on factors such as each parent's income, custody arrangement, and the child's needs. *Both parents are responsible for financially supporting their child, regardless of whether they were married. *Child support payments typically continue until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. *If a parent fails to pay child support, they may face penalties such as loss of a driver's license, loss of a passport, tax refund intercepts, and even jail time. *Childcare and uninsured medical expenses are typically shared, in addition to monthly child support. It's important to remember that child support is intended to provide for the needs of the child, and it's not optional. I advise my client based on the facts and the law, with a discussion of the cost benefit analysis. Call today to schedule a consultation with my office. I advise my client based on the facts and the law, with a discussion of the cost benefit analysis. Call today to schedule a consultation with my office. © Law Office of Kristine Fowler Cirby Any information you obtain from this article is not legal advice. Legal counsel should be sought for the answers to specific legal questions. This communication is an advertisement as defined by The Rules of Professional Conduct and California Business and Professions Code. |