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Chapter 9: the matters assigned to the Family Law Department (Rule 9.01); sanctions (Rule 9.02); vertical case management (Rule 9.03); status conferences at six (6), twelve (12) and eighteen (18) months, local form VN-263 (Rule 9.03.1); service of process (Rule 9.03.2); ex parte matters - disfavored, hearings, notice, required pleadings and specific orders (Rules 9.04 to 9.09); calendaring on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, TRO hearings within twenty-five (25) days (Rule 9.10); hearings - continuances on local form VN-230 at least two (2) court days before, specially set evidentiary hearings, appearances (Rule 9.12); orders (Rule 9.14); support computations and the Santa Clara Support Schedule (Rule 9.15); service and filing of the Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150) and pay stubs, and additional financial documents at the hearing (Rules 9.16 to 9.18); trials - mandatory settlement conferences with the Joint Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement (VN-219) filed five (5) court days before, defaults and contested trials (Rule 9.19); the Family Law Facilitator and its grievance procedure (Rules 9.20 and 9.21); child custody recommending counseling (Rules 9.30 to 9.35); child custody evaluations (Rule 9.36); contested custody cases and the communication protocol (Rules 9.40 and 9.41); supervised visitation providers (Rule 9.42); complaints about appointed counsel for a child (Rule 9.43); and adoption proceedings (Rules 9.50 to 9.51).
California > Second Appellate District > Ventura County > Superior Court of California, County of Ventura
CHAPTER 9: FAMILY LAW RULES/GENERAL RULES RULE 9.00 APPLICATION To assist counsel in family law cases by providing uniform local rules governing these cases, the Superior Court of Ventura County hereby adopts these family law local rules for Ventura County. These rules are and shall be considered as orders of the court to all parties and counsel appearing in Ventura County Superior Court family law matters. In addition to these local rules, it is expected that counsel will be familiar with the Family Law Code (effective January 1, 1994) the Family Law Rules (California Rules of Court, rule 5.1 et seq.) and such other provisions of law as may be applicable to a particular case. (Revised effective July 1, 2012) RULE 9.01 MATTERS ASSIGNED TO THE FAMILY LAW DEPARTMENT All proceedings filed in the following matters are assigned to the Family Law Department, to be governed by these family law rules: A. Proceedings related to the dissolution, nullity or legal separation of partners of a domestic partnership. B. Matters arising from the Family Law Act, including cases where the District Attorney appears on behalf of Ventura County or any other party; C. Matters arising from the Uniform Divorce Recognition Act; D. Matters arising from the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act; E. Matters arising from the Uniform Parentage Act; F. Matters arising from Family Codes §§5700.101 through 5700.905 (UIFSA); G. Matters arising from Family Code §3900 (support of adult children or parents); H. Post-dissolution judgment actions involving omitted or reserved property issues; I. Non-marital property right actions consolidated with Family Law Act or Uniform Parentage Act proceedings; J. Matters arising from the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, Family Code §6200 et seq.; K. (Deleted effective July 1, 2026); L. Matters arising from Domestic Partnership Act; M. Requests for Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Order; N. Petitions for Workplace Violence Restraining Order; O. Petitions for Post-secondary School Violence Restraining Order; P. Petitions for Order Prohibiting Abuse or Program Misconduct; and Q. Petitions for Firearms Restraining Order R. Retail Crime Restraining Orders (Revised effective July 1, 2026) RULE 9.02 COMPLIANCE WITH RULES - SANCTIONS The rules set forth in the following general rules governing the operation of this court apply unless there is a specific family law rule covering the same matter, in which case the family law rule applies. Strict compliance with these family law rules is necessary to the expeditious resolution of family law matters and is therefore mandated for all participants. A failure by counsel or a party to comply with these rules may be cause for imposition of sanctions payable to the court, the aggrieved party, or counsel, reasonable expenses, including reasonable attorney fees and costs, payable to the aggrieved party, or counsel and/or ordering a matter off calendar and/or dismissal of the action or proceeding or any part thereof. (Revised effective January 1, 2009) RULE 9.03 FAMILY LAW VERTICAL CASE MANAGEMENT A. In case of multiple files involving the same, or essentially the same litigants, the lowest number file shall control for purposes of assigning the matters to a department, except that when there is a domestic violence action and a dissolution action or a non-governmental paternity file, in which case the assignment shall be controlled by the dissolution case number. (Revised effective July 1, 2012) RULE 9.03.1 FAMILY LAW CASE RESOLUTION A. All dissolution, legal separation, nullity and parentage cases shall be set for a status conference six (6) months, twelve (12) months, and eighteen (18) months from the date of filing of the Petition. If, after 18 months, both parties have failed to participate in the case resolution process as determined by the court, no further hearings will be set except at the discretion of the court until such time as the case qualifies for dismissal pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure §583.210 or §583.310. Appearance at either the six (6) month or twelve (12) month status conference is not necessary if local form VN-263 is filed two (2) days before the status conference. B. The goal of the Family Centered Case Resolution process is to finalize dispositions as set forth in California Rules of Court, rule 5.83. C. Cases involving self-represented litigants shall be referred to the Family Law Facilitator to assist in complying with the case resolution process. Written material as required by California Rules of Court, rule 5.83(g) shall be provided by the Clerk upon filing of first papers in dissolution, legal separation, nullity, or parentage actions. (Revised effective July. 1, 2022) RULE 9.03.2 SERVICE OF PROCESS In all cases wherein personal service is required, service may be accomplished in any manner provided for service of process in civil actions, generally, Code of Civil Procedure §415.10 et seq. In addition, where the respondent’s whereabouts are unknown, and the petitioner has used reasonable diligence to attempt to locate respondent, service may be accomplished by posting, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure §413.30, if the petitioner is indigent and therefore has no ability to serve by publication. Proof of indigence will be found by having a valid fee waiver order on file. (Revised effective July 1, 2024) FAMILY LAW RULES- LAW AND MOTION RULE 9.04 FAMILY LAW EX PARTE MATTERS EX PARTE APPLICATIONS DISFAVORED Ex parte applications are strongly disfavored. Whenever possible, in lieu of an ex parte order, the court will issue orders shortening time and set the matter for full hearing at the regular family law and motion calendar. However, orders shortening time are also disfavored, and must be supported by a substantial showing of need. (Revised effective July 1, 2016) RULE 9.05 DATES AND TIMES FOR HEARINGS An ex parte hearing is required for all ex parte applications unless excused under rule 9.06B. Specific dates and times for ex parte hearings may be obtained by telephonic request to the Judicial Secretary of the appropriate courtroom. Ex Parte matters may also be handled as a “walk-through” without a set time arranged in advance, with appropriate notice as set forth in Rule 9.06.A. However, in domestic violence cases, the court, upon a showing of good cause, may grant leave for an earlier hearing. For all matters on which a hearing is not required, the application shall be submitted to the Judicial Assistant/Courtroom Clerk. (Revised effective January 1, 2013) RULE 9.06 NOTICE A. NOTICE REQUIREMENT. Except as provided in Family Code §6300, Code of Civil Procedure §527.6, §527.8, §527.85, and Welfare & Institutions Code §15657.03, a party seeking an ex parte order shall give notice to all parties pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 5.167 and serve papers pursuant to rule 5.167(a) absent a declaration showing exceptional circumstances why notice should not be given. The notice shall include, with specificity, the relief requested, and the date, time and courtroom where the Ex Parte request will be presented. B. EXCEPTIONS TO NOTICE REQUIREMENT. 1. The notice required by California Rules of Court, rule 5.167 may be excused upon establishing to the satisfaction of the court the following facts by declaration: (1) the giving of such notice would frustrate the very purpose of the order sought and lead the applicant to suffer immediate and irreparable injury; or (2) the giving of such notice is not possible, following a good faith attempt. 2. A hearing is not required and notice need not be given for applications seeking: (1) to have an order or judgment signed, where the responding party has approved the same; (2) to have an order or judgment signed where a default proceeding was the basis upon which the order or judgment was made; (3) issuance of a Request for Order (“RFO”) which does not request relief pending the hearing; (4) continuance of an unserved RFO; (5) a wage assignment after issuance of a support order; (6) approval of an in forma pauperis fee waiver application; or (7) restoration of a former name after entry of judgment. (Revised effective January 1, 2017) RULE 9.07 SERVICE AND FILING OF PLEADINGS (Deleted effective July 1, 2001) RULE 9.08 REQUIRED PLEADINGS A. EX PARTE APPLICATION/ DECLARATION. 1. Declaration re Notice. All ex parte applications shall be accompanied by a Declaration Re Ex-Parte Notice (VN-028) or by other declaration which states with specificity the name of the party noticed, the manner in which notice was given, the relief being sought and the date, time and location of the hearing or a declaration as to the exceptional circumstances why notice was not given. 2. Evidentiary Requirements. Declarations must contain facts to support requests for ex parte orders. Conclusions, feelings, wishes or fears will not adequately support an ex parte order. All declarations shall contain sufficient factual information within the personal knowledge of the declarant to adequately support the relief requested. The court will consider only those issues factually supported by declarations. If there is an insufficient factual showing to justify a particular order, the order will not be granted. Evidentiary deficiencies cannot be corrected by verbal statements to the court. 3. Nature of Request. The declarations shall contain facts that demonstrate why the matter is appropriately handled as an ex parte matter, as opposed to being heard on the court's law and motion calendar (with or without an order shortening time). Seeking ex parte relief in the absence of good cause may result in sanctions being imposed. The filing of an application for ex parte relief shall be deemed a waiver of any right to further notice prior to the imposition of sanctions. 4. Disclosure of Status Quo. There is an absolute duty to disclose the fact that a requested ex parte order will result in a change of the status quo. Absent such disclosure, attorneys fees and costs incurred to reinstate the status quo may be awarded. (Revised effective January 1, 2006) RULE 9.09 SPECIFIC EX PARTE ORDERS A. TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS ("TRO’S") – DOMESTIC VIOLENCE When seeking TRO’S, the current forms adopted by the Judicial Council shall be used. These forms are the specialized Domestic Violence Forms including DV-100, DV-110 and other applicable Domestic Violence forms. B. EX PARTE RESIDENCE EXCLUSION ORDERS – DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Ex Parte Residence Exclusion Orders will not be issued unless there is a clear showing of assault against or threats to assault the party seeking protection, a person under the control of the party seeking protection, or of a minor child of the parties or party, and that physical or emotional harm would otherwise result. This showing shall include a full description, in detail, of the most recent instance(s) of actual assault or threats to assault, disposition toward violence, intoxication or use of drugs or other such facts, and shall specify the date of each occurrence. The parties are referred to Family Code §6321 for other requirements. C. STAY AWAY ORDERS – DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Requests for orders requiring a party to stay away from the other party’s residence, place of business, or child’s school, shall indicate whether the party to be restrained is residing in the residence or has moved and the date he or she moved, and whether the order requested would be problematic due to the fact that both parties work at the same place or have good cause to go to the child’s school. D. CUSTODY/VISITATION ORDERS A party requesting an order establishing or modifying custody or visitation shall, by declarations, establish the following: (1) the provisions of any existing order; (2) the actual current custody arrangement; (3) the requested relief; (4) the immediate harm or irreparable injury; and (5) the status of any referral to Child Protective Services or law enforcement. E. CIVIL HARASSMENT WORKPLACE VIOLENCE, ELDER & DEPENDENT ADULT ABUSE, POST-SECONDARY SCHOOL VIOLENCE, TRANSITIONAL HOUSING MISCONDUCT, AND GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION RESTRAINING ORDERS. When seeking Civil Harassment, Workplace Violence, Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse, Post-secondary School Violence and Transitional Housing Misconduct and Gun Violence Prevention Temporary Restraining Orders, the current forms adopted by the Judicial Council shall be used. A declaration in support of the TRO shall be included setting forth with specificity, the harassing conduct including dates, specific acts and words and any injuries suffered by the requesting party. (Revised effective July 1, 2026) FAMILY LAW REQUESTS FOR ORDERS AND MOTIONS RULE 9.10 CALENDARING A. CALENDARING. Subject to the time requirements imposed by statute and these rules, dates for hearings on Requests for Orders and motions may be selected without "reserving" the date with the clerk. Available days for the family courts are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Counsel is advised that the family courts set on Mondays the majority of matters in which litigants are representing themselves. Counsel is further advised that the clerk’s office may set a maximum number of cases to be heard on any given day. If the maximum number has been reached, the next available date will be assigned. B. REQUEST FOR PRIOR REVIEW OF PLEADINGS. (Deleted effective January 1, 2008) C. SPECIAL CALENDARING REQUIREMENTS. 1. When TRO’S are granted pending a hearing, the hearing shall be set within twenty-five (25) days of the date of issuance of the TRO’S. 2. If no TRO’S have been granted and mediation is required prior to the hearing pursuant to Rule 9.31, the hearing on custody/visitation issues shall be set after the mediation appointment. However, the hearing on financial issues may be set within the normal time limits. 3. If TRO’S have been granted and mediation is required prior to the hearing pursuant to Rule 9.31, the hearing shall be set within twenty-five (25) days of the date of issuance of the TRO’S. At the time of the hearing on the restraining orders, any custody/visitation issues shall be continued until after the mediation appointment. (Revised Effective July 1, 2023) RULE 9.10.1 REQUEST FOR ORDERS All rules which apply to Orders to Show Cause (“OSC”) and Notice of Motions (“NOM”) shall also apply to Request for Orders (“RFO”). (Effective January 1, 2013) RULE 9.11 FILING AND SERVICE OF PLEADINGS (Deleted effective July 1, 2000) RULE 9.12 HEARINGS A. DAILY CALENDAR. Check-In. Courtrooms shall open their doors prior to scheduled calendar call for “check-in” with the court clerk. At that time, counsel shall inform the clerk if a conference with the court is desirable or if priority is requested. B. MANDATORY SETTLEMENT ATTEMPT. Prior to the scheduled hearing, counsel shall make good faith efforts to resolve the issues pending before the court, to exchange all information required by these rules, and to delineate those issues remaining to be presented to the court at the time of the hearing. C. TIME LIMITATIONS. The law and motion calendar is designed for hearings estimated to take no longer than 30 minutes. If it is anticipated that a longer hearing will be required, participants shall so advise the court at the law and motion hearing. D. PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE. 1. Limitations on Oral Testimony. In granting or denying applications for orders, it is the court's policy whenever possible to determine contested issues based solely on the pleadings, admissible evidence contained in declarations timely filed with the court, and arguments based thereon. All declarations shall be received in evidence at the hearing, subject to legal objections and cross examination. 2. The court shall follow Family Code §217 and California Rules of Court, rule 5.113 when deciding to receive or refuse live testimony at hearings on any order to show cause, notice of motion or request for orders. E. STIPULATED CONTINUANCES OF HEARINGS. 1. If the parties stipulate to a continuance of a hearing, the parties shall immediately advise the secretary of the assigned family law judge by submitting a Request for Continuance (Local Form VN-230), signed by both attorneys/pro per litigants, via facsimile transmission or walk-through. The Request for Continuance must be submitted to the court at least two (2) court days before the hearing. The judicial assistant’s minute order memorializing the continuance will serve as the written record of said continuance. The fee required under Government Code §70677(c) shall be paid within ten (10) days of submission of the Request for Continuance. If the court date is being continued for less than ten (10) days, the fee must be paid prior to the new court date. 2. After one (1) continuance, as set forth in Local Rule 9.12.E.1 above, any further continuance of the hearing will require a showing of good cause by declaration for the continuance, and an order of the court. F. STIPULATED CONTINUANCES OF SPECIALLY SET EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS 1. Motion or application for continuance of specially set evidentiary hearing. (a) Specially set evidentiary hearing dates are firm. To ensure the prompt disposition of family law cases, the dates assigned for specially set evidentiary hearing are firm. All parties and their counsel must regard the date set for a specially set evidentiary hearing as certain. (b) Motion or Application. A party seeking a continuance of the date set for a specially set evidentiary hearing, whether contested or uncontested or stipulated to by the parties, must make the request for a continuance by a noticed motion or an ex parte application with supporting declarations. No appearances are required for an ex parte application supported by a stipulation and supporting declarations, unless otherwise ordered by the court. The party must make the motion or application as soon as practical once the necessity for the continuance is discovered. (c) Grounds for Continuance. (1) A request for continuance made at least thirty (30) days before the specially set evidentiary hearing date may be granted only on an affirmative showing of good cause requiring the continuance. (2) A request for a continuance made less than thirty (30) days before the specially set evidentiary hearing will not be granted except under extraordinary circumstances where there is no alternative means of preventing a substantial injustice to the parties. (d) Change of Specially Set Evidentiary Hearing Date on Court’s Motion. The court on its own motion may, if necessary, change the date of a specially set evidentiary hearing. G. CONTESTED REQUESTS FOR CONTINUANCES. Requests for continuances made at the time of the hearing are strongly disfavored. If a stipulated continuance cannot be obtained, a motion for continuance shall be made at the earliest possible time prior to the hearing. H. PRESENCE OF COUNSEL. Unrepresented parties and counsel shall be present in court when the matter is called for hearing unless they are engaged in another department and have so advised opposing counsel and the clerk of the assigned family law judge. I. NON-APPEARANCE OF MOVING PARTY. If the moving party or counsel is not present at the time a matter is called, the relief requested ordinarily will be denied and any affirmative relief requested by the responding party ordinarily will be heard as an uncontested matter. J. NON-APPEARANCE OF RESPONDING PARTY. If the responding party or counsel fails to appear at the time a matter is called, and valid proof of timely service is presented, the court will hear the OSC or motion as an uncontested matter. If valid proof of timely service is not presented, the court may continue the hearing to allow the moving party to submit such proof or may take the matter off calendar. K. MATTERS TAKEN OFF CALENDAR. After service of the moving papers, no matter shall be taken off calendar without immediate telephonic notice both to the clerk of the assigned family law judge and to the responding party. Once responding papers requesting affirmative relief have been filed, no matter shall be taken off calendar without the written consent of the responding party. Parties may also take matters off calendar by submitting a Request for Continuance/Off Calendar (Local Form VN-230), via facsimile transmission or walk-through. (Revised effective January 1, 2018) RULE 9.13 PREPARATION OF ORDERS AFTER HEARING (Deleted effective January 1, 2000) RULE 9.14 FORM OF ORDERS A. All Findings and Orders After Hearing, Stipulation and Orders and all Judgments shall be submitted to the court in a legible form, either hand printed or typewritten. The court reserves the right to reject any documents that the court determines to be illegible. B. Any document exceeding one page in length which requires the signature of the court, must contain, on the signature page, verbiage from the body of the document or the case name, the case number and the title of the document. (Revised effective July 1, 1997) FAMILY LAW - RULES APPLICABLE TO OSC'S AND MOTIONS REGARDING CHILD, SPOUSAL OR PARTNER SUPPORT OR ATTORNEYS FEES AND COSTS RULE 9.15 POLICIES AFFECTING SUPPORT COMPUTATIONS A. INCOME-BASED COMPUTATIONS. Awards of child support and temporary spousal or partner support allocate the income of the parties in an effort to meet the needs of all parties, recognizing that, in most cases, there is not sufficient income to sustain either party at the same standard of living that existed prior to separation. Neither the current statute governing child support nor the Santa Clara Support Schedule for temporary spousal or partner support address living expenses. B. COMPUTATION OF CHILD SUPPORT. Computation of child support will be strictly in accordance with state law. All orders for child support shall specify the amount of support for each minor child in accordance with Family Code §4055(b)(7). C. COMPUTATION OF TEMPORARY SPOUSAL SUPPORT. Ventura County has adopted the Santa Clara Support Schedule for the purposes of determining the amount of temporary spousal or partner support. The amount of temporary spousal or partner support determined under the Santa Clara Support Schedule is rebuttably presumed to be correct. In calculating the parties' incomes and various offsets for the purpose of applying the Santa Clara Support Schedule, the court will apply the principles set forth in the state child support law. (Revised effective January 1, 2005) RULE 9.16 REQUIRED SERVICE AND FILING OF INCOME AND EXPENSE DECLARATION An Income and Expense Declaration must be filed by each party with either the moving or responsive papers when support or attorneys fees are at issue. If a previously filed Income and Expense Declaration is alleged to be current and is to be relied upon, a copy must be attached to the moving or opposing papers. All blanks on the form must be completed. Notation such as “unk” for “unknown,” “est” for “estimate,” “N/A” for “not applicable” and “none” should be used to avoid leaving any item blank. If attorneys fees and/or costs are requested by either party, the paragraph pertaining to attorneys fees must be completed. (Revised effective January 1, 2015) RULE 9.17 REQUIRED SERVICE AND FILING OF PAY STUBS Each party shall affix to his or her Income and Expense Declaration copies of his or her last two months’ pay stubs, or the most current paycheck stub if it includes the year-to-date gross earnings. If a Social Security number appears on the stub, the party may black out or otherwise redact the number from the stub. (Revised effective January 1, 2006) RULE 9.18 REQUIRED PRODUCTION OF ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS AT TIME OF HEARING A. At the time of hearing on any matter seeking child, spousal or partner support, or attorney fees and costs, each party shall have available the following documents to the extent that they are in the possession or control of that party, and allow inspection by the other party upon request. These documents shall not be filed with the court and shall not in any way limit discovery. 1. If the party is a wage earner or unemployed (a) Copies of the most recently filed individual federal income tax return, including all schedules; (b) Copies of all W-2 and 1099 forms reflecting income received during the last twelve (12) months if not attached to individual tax returns. 2. If the party is self-employed or holds a 30% or more interest in any business entity (a) Copies of the most recently filed individual federal income tax returns, partnership, corporate, or any other business entity returns including all schedules; (b) Copies of all W-2 and 1099 forms reflecting income received by the party or the business entity during the last 12 months but not attached to individual tax returns; (c) Copies of all periodic profit and loss statements and balance sheets prepared in the ordinary course of business either for the individual or for the business entity for the last twelve months. B. (Deleted effective July 1, 2026) (Revised effective July 1, 2026) RULE 9.19 FAMILY LAW TRIALS A. MANDATORY SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES. 1. A Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC) will be calendared by the court for all contested cases. The MSC shall also serve as a trial setting conference. A party may file a “Request for Mandatory Settlement Conference/Trial Setting” (VN- 086) to request an earlier date for the MSC. A counter request may be filed within ten (10) days after service. The MSC will then be set no earlier than the later date requested on either the Request or Counter Request. 2. All parties must complete and file the following five (5) court days before the Mandatory Settlement Conference: (a) Declaration re Final Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141) (Dissolution or Legal Separation only) (b) Current Income and Expense documents (FL-150) or Financial Statement Simplified (FL-155), if support, fees, or costs are requested. (c) Joint Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement (VN-219) with: (1) Property Attachments: A Property Declaration (FL-160), a Propertizer™ or other equivalent spreadsheet must be attached to the Joint Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement. If the parties are unable to agree on the contents of the attachments, each party may complete and attach the required document. (2) Disputed Issues: Each party must attach a concise statement of legal and factual positions on all disputed issues. (3) Proposed Witnesses: The parties must exchange and file a brief statement identifying all witnesses to be called in their case in chief, what each witness will testify to, and a time estimate of the direct examination of each witness. This statement is separate from any witness list required for trial. (d) The parties must file the Joint Mandatory Settlement Conference Statement jointly unless there is a protective order in place. If the parties file the Statement separately, each party must attach a declaration explaining why the Statement is not filed jointly or indicate that a protective order is in place. The Petitioner is responsible for coordinating timely completion and filing of the form. If petitioner fails to act in a timely manner, Respondent may do so. 3. Parties shall immediately notify the court of settlement prior to the scheduled conference. 4. If the parties stipulate to a continuance of a Mandatory Settlement Conference, the parties shall immediately advise the secretary of the assigned family law judge by submitting a Request for Continuance (Local Form VN-230), signed by both attorneys/pro per litigants, via facsimile transmission or walk-through. The Request for Continuance must be submitted to the court at least two (2) court days before the hearing. The judicial assistant’s minute order memorializing the continuance will serve as the written record of said continuance. The fee required under Government Code §70617(c)(1) shall be paid within ten (10) days of submission of the Request for Continuance. 5. After one (1) continuance, as set forth in Local Rule 9.19.B.6 above, any further continuance of the Mandatory Settlement Conference will require a showing of good cause by declaration for the continuance, and an order of the court. 6. If the Mandatory Settlement Conference does not resolve all issues, the court will only set the matter for trial upon a showing that the case is ready for trial. B. UNCONTESTED OR DEFAULT TRIALS. 1. Setting for Default prove-up hearing. Default matters may be set for prove-up hearing by submitting a Request to Enter Default (FL-165) to the clerk at the Family Law filing window and requesting a Default Hearing. 2. Documents required for Default Hearings: The following documents must be filed before or concurrently with the Request to Enter Default (FL-165). (a) If child support, spousal support, partner support, costs or attorney fees are requested, a fully completed Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150) or Financial Statement, Simplified (FL-155) is required. If an order for division of property of debts is requested, a Property Declaration (FL-160) is required. (b) Proof of service of Summons. (c) Declaration re: Service of Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141) (not applicable to Uniform Parentage Actions). (d) Declaration re: Service of Final Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141) or waiver of this requirement as provided in subdivision (d) of §2105 or in §2100 of the Family Code (not applicable in Uniform Parentage Actions). Local form VN-131 may be used to satisfy the waiver requirement. 3. Proposed Judgment. On reporting to the courtroom to which a default matter has been assigned, counsel or parties representing themselves shall provide the original of the proposed judgment, including any marital settlement agreement, to the judicial assistant in the courtroom. The judgment shall be completed in full, with the exception of any child, spousal or partner support, or attorney fees, which may be addressed by the court at the hearing. 4. Uncontested or Default matters without hearing may be processed through the clerk at the Family Law filing window. 5. The following documents are required for default matters without hearing: (a) All of the documents listed in B-1 above. (b) A Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution/Legal Separation (FL-170) or Declaration for Default or Uncontested Judgment (FL-230) for Uniform Parentage Actions. (c) Judgment (FL-180) or (FL-250 Uniform Parentage Action) with either a Settlement Agreement signed by both parties with the Respondent’s signature notarized or the appropriate Judicial Council forms attached. (d) Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190) with 2 envelopes with sufficient postage addressed to the parties or their attorney of record. 6. The following documents are required for uncontested matters: (a) Declaration re: Service of Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141) filed by each party (not applicable to Uniform Parentage Actions). (b) Declaration re: Service of Final Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141) from each party or waiver of this requirement executed by both parties as provided in subdivision (d) of §2105 of the Family Code (not applicable to Uniform Parentage Actions). (c) A separate written declaration executed by both parties that the matter may be treated on an uncontested basis or an Appearance, Stipulations & Waivers (FL-130). (d) A Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution/Legal Separation (FL-170) or Declaration for Default or Uncontested Judgment (FL-230) for Uniform Parentage Actions. (e) Judgment (FL-180) with a Marital Settlement Agreement or Stipulated Judgment signed by both parties attached or Judgment (FL- 250) with Agreement or Stipulations attached for Uniform Parentage Actions. (f) Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190) with stamped envelopes addressed to the parties or their attorney of record. 7. If any party is receiving public assistance, that information shall be disclosed on the Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution/Legal Separation (FL-170) or Declaration for Default or Uncontested Judgment (FL-230) and the local child support agency shall sign the proposed Judgment. C. CONTESTED TRIALS 1. Purpose of Rules; Duties of Counsel. The purpose of these rules is to insure that contested domestic relations matters are thoroughly prepared and expeditiously tried, and to avoid using the trial itself as a vehicle for what should be pretrial deposition, discovery and settlement procedures. Counsel shall resolve as many issues by stipulation as possible. 2. Relief from Rules. Relief from the operation of these rules relating to contested trials may be had in appropriate cases, but only on motion and for good cause shown. 3. Trial Briefs. Trial briefs may be submitted to the court and opposing counsel as set out in California Rules of Court, rule 5.394. 4. Income and Expense Declaration. The updated Income and Expense Declaration for trial purposes shall be filed and served at least seven (7) days prior to trial. Service by mail under this rule does not require the addition of five (5) days for mailing. 5. Final Declaration of Disclosure Pursuant to Family Code §2105. Final Declarations of Disclosure shall be served no later than forty-five (45) days before the first assigned trial date unless mutually waived by the parties. Declarations Regarding Service of the Final Declaration of Disclosure shall be filed no less than seven (7) days before the assigned trial date. 6. Completion of Discovery. Unless otherwise ordered by the court for good cause, all discovery must be completed, as set out by Code of Civil Procedure § 2024.010 et seq. Discovery requests must be served early enough that responses will be due, and depositions will have been taken by the cutoff date. Discovery requests that do not comply with these rules will not be enforced. 7. Motion or application for continuance of trial. (a) Trial dates are firm. To ensure the prompt disposition of family law cases, the dates assigned for trial are firm. All parties and their counsel must regard the date set for trial as certain. (b) Motion or Application. A party seeking a continuance of the date set for trial, whether contested or uncontested or stipulated to by the parties, must make the request for a continuance by a noticed motion or an ex parte application with supporting declarations. No appearances are required for an ex parte application supported by a stipulation and supporting declarations, unless otherwise ordered by the court. The party must make the motion or application as soon as practical once the necessity for the continuance is discovered. (c) Grounds for Continuance. (1) A request for continuance made at least thirty (30) days before the trial date may be granted only on an affirmative showing of good cause requiring the continuance. (2) A request for a continuance made less than thirty (30) days before the trial will not be granted except under extraordinary circumstance where there is no alternative means of preventing a substantial injustice to the parties. (d) Change of Trial Date on Court’s Motion. The court on its own initiative may, if necessary, change the trial date. (Revised effective July 1, 2026) RULE 9.20 FAMILY LAW FACILITATOR A. Pursuant to Family Code §10000 et seq., the County of Ventura shall maintain an office of Family Law Facilitator. Services provided by the family law facilitator shall include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Providing educational materials to parents concerning the process of establishing parentage and establishing, modifying and enforcing child, spousal or partner support in the Court; 2. Distributing necessary court forms and voluntary declarations of paternity; 3. Providing assistance in completing forms; 4. Preparing support schedules based upon statutory guidelines; 5. Providing referrals to the Department of Child Support Services, family court services, and other community agencies and resources that provide services for parents and children. B. IN ADDITION, SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE FAMILY LAW FACILITATOR MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: 1. Meeting with litigants to mediate issues of child spousal or partner support, and maintenance of health insurance; 2. Drafting stipulations to include all issues agreed to by the parties; 3. If the parties are unable to resolve the issues with the assistance of the family law facilitator, prior to or at the hearing, and at the request of the court, the family law facilitator shall review the paperwork, examine documents, prepare support schedules, and advise the judge whether or not the matter is ready to proceed; 4. Assisting the clerk in maintaining records; 5. Preparing formal orders consistent with the court’s announced order in cases where both parties are unrepresented; 6. Serving as special master in proceedings and making findings to the court unless he or she has served as a mediator in that case; 7. Assisting the court with research and any other responsibilities which will enable the court to be responsive to the litigant’s needs; 8. Developing programs for bar and community outreach through day and evening programs, videotapes and other innovative means that will assist unrepresented and financially disadvantaged litigants in gaining meaningful access to family court. (Revised effective January 1, 2012) RULE 9.21 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE If a party alleges that an unprofessional or inappropriate act has occurred on the part of the Family Law Facilitator during the course of providing assistance, he or she must first contact the Senior Family Law Facilitator to resolve any immediate complaints. If the party wishes to address the complaint to a supervisor after speaking with the Senior Family Law Facilitator, the party may obtain a Complaint Resolution Form from the clerk in the Family Law Self-Help Center. The completed form should be returned to the court’s Administrative Office in Room 206 of the Superior Court. The Deputy Executive Officer in charge of the Family Law Facilitator’s Office shall review the form and decide the appropriate course of action to resolve the complaint. (Revised effective January 1, 2006) (RULES 9.22-9.29 – RESERVED) FAMILY LAW CHILD CUSTODY RECOMMENDING COUNSELING RULE 9.30 GENERAL PROVISIONS 1. Mediation of disputes over custody, visitation, or both, is required by law and provided by the Ventura County Family Court Services section of the Superior Court pursuant to the provisions of Family Code Chapter 11, (Sections 3160 et seq.). 2. Additionally, the Ventura County Family Courts require parties involved in the dispute to participate in Family Court Orientation prior to any mediation. It is within the discretion of the court to reschedule the mediation, continue the hearing to which it relates, and make interim orders if either party does not participate in Orientation. There is no fee for Orientation. DO NOT BRING CHILDREN TO ORIENTATION. 3. In accordance with California Family Code §3183, where mediation has not resulted in a full agreement between the parties on all custody and visitation issues, the mediator may recommend the following: (a) A parenting plan, addressing issues of legal and physical custody, visitation or time share, and other orders related to the best interests of the child(ren); (b) More mediation time is needed (and, if agreed by the parties or ordered by the court, the mediator will make specified collateral contacts); (c) Appointment of an attorney to represent the children under Family Code §3150; (d) A psychological evaluation of the parties under Evidence Code §730; (e) An investigation or evaluation pursuant to Family Code §3110; and, (f) Restraining orders be issued to protect the well-being of the child(ren) involved in the controversy under Family Code §3183(c). 4. In accordance with the provisions of Family Code §3183, the mediation process will be referred to as ‘child custody recommending counseling’ (or ‘CCRC’), and the mediator engaged in that process will be referred to as the ‘child custody recommending counselor’ (or ‘RC’). 5. Absent full disclosure and written consent, a RC shall not participate in the mediation process if an attorney-client or psychotherapist-patient relationship or any business relationship exists or existed between the mediator and any party, counsel or witness. 6. There shall be no ex parte communication between the RC and the court without appropriate prior notice to both parties and/or their attorneys providing an opportunity to appear and be heard except as provided in the provisions of Family Code §216. (Revised effective July 1, 2020) RULE 9.31 MATTERS REQUIRING CCRC Whenever a case involves a dispute over parental responsibilities or custody or visitation, the matter shall be referred to Family Court Services for CCRC. Except for temporary orders pending CCRC, the CCRC session must occur prior to any court hearing on the issues. (Revised effective January 1, 2012) RULE 9.32 SETTING A MATTER FOR CCRC A. PROCEDURE. CCRCs shall be calendared at the time of the filing of moving papers requesting a hearing on a contested custody or visitation issue. At the time of filing, the requesting party will be given a CCRC/Orientation Appointment Sheet to be served on the responding party along with the moving papers. In addition, parties shall be required to complete a CCRC Intake Questionnaire. It shall be the responsibility of the requesting party to schedule the appointment, and to give notice to the other party or their counsel at least ten (10) days before the appointment. The CCRC Intake Questionnaire form is available from the court clerk’s office. B. It is within the discretion of the court to hear other issues in the same case prior to the CCRC. It is further within the discretion of the court to make temporary orders to insure that both parents have custodial time with the children, to address safety concerns, or to otherwise protect the best interest of the children pending CCRC. C. If at the time of hearing a matter has not been to CCRC due to the moving party's lack of knowledge that parental responsibility or access was in dispute, or the parties being unfamiliar with procedure, the court may refer the matter to CCRC and continue the hearing in order to allow for CCRC prior to such hearing. The court shall also have the discretion to order CCRC the same day in an emergency or when it is deemed by the court that it would be a burden to the parties not to proceed the same day. D. The assignment of any particular case to one of the RCs will be at the discretion of the manager or supervisor of Family Court Services. If a party from a family whose issues have not been previously mediated objects to being assigned to a particular RC, the party or his or her counsel must make a request for a different RC to Family Court Services at the first possible date after having an opportunity to learn of the RC assignment. Such request will be honored only one time per party per family. Failure to make such peremptory challenge in a timely manner will constitute a waiver of that challenge. E. If a party to a previously mediated matter objects to reassignment to the prior RC, that party, or his or her counsel, may notify Family Court Services of that objection, and request CRC, at the first possible date after having an opportunity to learn of the RC assignment. The CCRC will then be scheduled for co-CCRC, with the original RC and another member of the CCRC staff selected by the Manager or Supervisor of Family Court Services. The co-RC will observe, but not participate in, the CCRC for the purpose of assuring that it is conducted in a fair and appropriate manner. Failure to make such request for a co-CCRC in a timely manner shall constitute a waiver of that challenge. F. Absent a court order to the contrary, children six (6) years of age and older who are involved in the controversy shall always be brought to the initial CCRC session. The court may impose sanctions for the willful failure to produce a child on the party who has the ability to do so. Children under the age of six (6) years of age and other minor siblings need not be brought to CCRC unless Family Court Services specifically directs that they attend, or by order of the court. Children six (6) years of age and older shall also be brought to subsequent CCRC sessions unless otherwise determined by the court or Family Court Services. G. In the discretion of (1) the court or (2) the Manager or Supervisor of Family Court Services (subject to review by the court prior to an evidentiary hearing), CCRC may not be required if one of the following conditions is met: 1. The same issue has been addressed in a CCRC session within the past year; or 2. There has been a previous CCRC in the case and the dispute involves only issues of logistics, procedure or if it otherwise appears that CCRC is unlikely to substantially assist the parties or the court. H. The CCRC appointment may be advanced or continued, so long as it does not impact the date of the corresponding court hearing, by agreement of the parties and Family Court Services or by order of the court. I. Except for good cause shown, the fact that the parties continue to reside in the same home shall not constitute a reason to preclude CCRC, if CCRC will assist the parties in planning for their separation. (Revised effective July 1, 2023) RULE 9.33 CCRC PROCESS A. In all cases in which there is a dispute as to custody and/or visitation, the parties may stipulate to private CCRC instead of having the Ventura Superior Court Family Court Services Department conduct CCRC pursuant to Family Code §3170. Should the parties elect to participate in private CCRC, they shall enter into a written stipulation. The form "Stipulation and Order for Private CCRC" shall be mandatory and may be obtained in the office of the Clerk of the Ventura Superior Court. Any private RC shall meet the minimum statutory requirements of a court RC. B. Attorneys need not be present at the commencement of CCRC but shall be available by telephone during CCRC and shall be present in the CCRC department for the last half hour of CCRC or at another time as directed by the RC. Attorneys are responsible for communicating with the RC at the beginning of the CCRC to determine the time when they will be required to be present. C. CCRC sessions are customarily conducted with only the parties and the children. The RC will interview children involved in the controversy when the RC considers the interview appropriate or necessary. The RC has the discretion to interview or include other immediate or significant family members if the RC believes that it will be helpful to resolution. The RC shall not contact any other source, except as permitted by California Rules of Court, rule 5.215 or to investigate concerns relating to child abuse or neglect under Penal Code §11164 et seq., unless both parties and counsel, if represented, give written consent to the contact, or by order of the court. It is the responsibility of each party to arrange for proposed collateral contacts to be available by telephone during the CCRC appointment. D. Use of audio or visual recording devices of any type is not permitted at CCRC. E. All cases involving allegations of domestic violence shall be screened by a RC for determining the necessity for separate waiting areas for the parties, and separate CCRC sessions, to insure safety and facilitate the CCRC. F. Support persons will be permitted to attend as provided by Family Code §6303. G. The RC may meet with the parties separately or together in a joint session, in order to isolate the points of agreement and disagreement in an effort to settle the dispute. H. Upon completion of the CCRC, the RC shall complete a Report of RC which will incorporate proposed orders for a parenting plan based on the parties’ agreement or the RC’s recommendation, and/or will inform the court of related information and/or the RC’s recommendations as to the need for orders relating to issues such as: 1. More CCRC time and/or collateral contacts; 2. A child custody investigation or evaluation of this family pursuant to Family Code §§3110 et seq.; 3. A psychological evaluation of the parties; 4. Appointment of an attorney for the child(ren); 5. The issuance of restraining orders to protect the well-being of the child(ren). I. Following the CCRC session, the RC shall meet with counsel and/or unrepresented parties. 1. If the parties have reached an agreement, the RC will review the terms of the proposed Order with the parties and/or counsel, obtain their signatures, and deliver it to the court for approval. 2. If no agreement has been reached, the RC will provide them with a copy and review the terms of the Report of the RC and proposed Order and advise them that the RC may be called as a witness by either party, subject to the right of cross examination by the other. (Revised effective July 1, 2025) RULE 9.34 CCRC ORDERS Stipulations and proposed orders which have been signed by both parties and their counsel shall be forwarded to the family law judge for issuance of the order. (Effective January 1, 2012) RULE 9.35 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE If a party alleges that an unprofessional or inappropriate act has occurred on the part of the RC during the course of the CCRC, he or she may bring that to the attention of the court or the Manager of Family Court Services at the first opportunity. If time permits before a scheduled hearing, the party should communicate the allegations in a letter to the court with a copy served on the other party. The court, in assessing the complaint, may ask Family Court Services to evaluate the complaint. The court will determine whether a new RC is to be appointed. (Revised effective July 1, 2024) COURT ORDERED CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATIONS RULE 9.36 COURT ORDERED CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATIONS A. Court appointed evaluators shall abide by the requirements of Rule 5.220 Uniform Standards of Practice for Court Ordered Child Custody Evaluation in the California Rules of Court. B. The court shall allow one peremptory challenge per party to a private, outside evaluator assigned to a case. If the parties are present for the appointment, a peremptory challenge shall be made at the time of the appointment. For parties not present at the appointment, a peremptory challenge shall be made within five (5) days after the appointment of the evaluator. Parties have no right to a peremptory challenge if an evaluator was previously assigned to the case. C. Evaluators may petition to withdraw from a case by submitting a request in writing to the court and mailing copies to counsel for the parties. The request shall include the reason for the request and a status report on any action taken by the evaluator assigned to a case. D. Grievance Procedure: If a party alleges that an unprofessional or inappropriate act has occurred on the part of the evaluator, he or she should bring that to the attention of the court by writing a letter to the court or through filing a motion. The court, in assessing the complaint, may ask Family Court Services to evaluate the complaint and report back to the court. Complaints regarding private child custody evaluators, who are not court employees, should also be directed to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. E. The evaluator may initiate an ex parte communication with the court to define the scope, process and methods of the evaluation only under the provisions of Family Code §216. F. All child custody and visitation evaluations shall be ordered by the court and evaluators will be appointed under Evidence Code §730. The court may elect not to consider evaluations which have not been approved and ordered by the court. G. A copy of the appointment of the evaluator under Evidence Code §730 will be made available to the court assigned evaluator. A court-ordered evaluation may be limited in scope to the issues identified by the court. H. The court relies on the judgment of its experts in making decisions about when, how often, and under what circumstances children are interviewed. The expert shall be able to justify the strategy used in any particular case. I. Interviewing Siblings: The evaluator shall decide in discretion whether interviews with siblings should be separate. J. Any evaluation based on interviews with only one parent shall not include a recommendation regarding custody. K. Except as otherwise ordered by the court in extraordinary circumstances, children will be informed that the information provided by the child will not be confidential. L. Payment of the Evaluation: The court will order payment of the evaluation at the time of the appointment. M. Any court ordered child custody evaluation shall be submitted to the court and counsel for the parties not less than ten (10) days before the hearing or trial. N. "For assistance in obtaining the names of child custody evaluators in Ventura County, contact the Ventura County Bar Association - Family Law Section. The Ventura County Bar Association's telephone number is (805) 650-7599. (Revised effective July 1, 2007) (RULES 9.37 — 9.39 RESERVED) CUSTODY AND VISITATION PROCEEDINGS RULE 9.40 CONTESTED CASES Interim Custody/Visitation Disputed Pending Completion of Mediation. 1. It is the policy of the court not to change the children's living situation during the pendency of custody and visitation disputes. Only under extraordinary circumstances will the court deny access of one parent to the children or change any child's principal place of residence. 2. Any application to change the child's living situation prior to full hearing shall include the following: (a) the current court order, if any. (b) the current child-sharing schedule or agreement, if any. (c) any change in the child's place of residence in the past 120 days and the circumstances surrounding these changes. (d) what time sharing program is proposed. (e) the reasons for any proposed changes in the child's living situation. (f) any other relevant information. (Revised effective July 1, 1999) RULE 9.41 FAMILY LAW COURT COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL In hearing any case involving any issue of child custody or visitation, reasonable efforts will be made to determine the existence of any criminal court protective orders involving any party to the action currently before the court. In any case in which the court is issuing a criminal protective order, reasonable efforts shall be made to determine the existence of child custody or visitation order involving any party to the action currently before the court. Upon a request to modify any custody and/or visitation provision of a criminal protective order, the criminal court shall consult with the issuing family law court prior to granting or denying the request. PROCEDURE FOR FAMILY LAW COURT COMMUNICATION Requirement for issuing custody and/or visitation orders: 1. Upon referral to Family Court Services (FCS) for mediation and prior to issuing a report, FCS shall make a reasonable effort to determine if a criminal protective order exists involving one or both parents in a family law action. If a criminal protective order exists, that information, along with the terms of the criminal protective order, shall be conveyed to the court in the mediator's report. 2. The Juvenile Court, prior to issuing any order involving custody or visitation in a juvenile action, shall make a reasonable effort to determine if a criminal protective order exists for one or both parents in the juvenile action. Requirement for issuing criminal protective orders: 1. Prior to requesting a criminal protective order involving victims and/or witnesses and defendants that have a relationship as defined in Family Code §6211, the District Attorney shall make a reasonable effort to determine if there exists any child custody or visitation order involving the parties to the action. The District Attorney shall verbally advise the criminal judicial officer of the existence of any orders for custody or visitation at the time the proposed criminal protective order is submitted for approval and signature. The criminal court may permit appropriate visitation between a criminal defendant and his/her children pursuant to civil court order, but at the same time provide for the safety of the victim or witness by ensuring that a criminal court protective order is not violated. (Effective July 1, 2004) RULE 9.42 SUPERVISED VISITATION PROVIDERS A. Procedures for filing the Declaration of Supervised Visitation Provider Forms: 1. All supervised visitation providers are required to meet the qualifications listed in Family Code §3200.5 and the Standards of Judicial Administration, standard 5.20. To ensure compliance with these standards, providers are required to file the appropriate Judicial Council Declaration of Supervised Visitation Provider form as follows: (a) Nonprofessional Providers - Before serving as a visitation supervisor, nonprofessional supervised visitation providers must complete and file the Declaration of Supervised Visitation and Exchange Services Provider (Nonprofessional) (Judicial Council Form FL-324(NP)) with the Family Law Clerk’s Office. (b) Professional Providers - Before serving as a visitation supervisor, professional supervised visitation providers must complete and file the Declaration of Supervised Visitation and Exchange Services Provider (Professional) (Judicial Council Form FL- 324(P)) with the Family Law Clerk’s Office. In addition, professional providers are required to complete and file an updated FL-324(P) each time a report is submitted to the court. B. Professional Supervised Visitation Provider List: 1. As a convenience for the parties, the court will provide a list of professional supervised visitation providers that have requested inclusion and declared their compliance with all mandatory requirements for professional providers under Family Code §3200.5 and Standards of Judicial Administration, standard 5.20. In addition to the list, the court will provide a copy of Family Code §3200.5 and standard 5.20 to parties who may be using the services of a supervised visitation provider. 2. Any professional supervised visitation provider requesting to be included on the list must complete and sign the Judicial Council Declaration of Supervised Visitation and Exchange Services Provider (Professional) (Judicial Council Form FL- 324(P)). and submit an unconformed copy to the Ventura Superior Court Family Court Services Department located at the Hall of Justice, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Room 307, Ventura, CA 93009. 3. Supervised visitation providers are encouraged to review the materials available at http://www.courts.ca.gov/cfcc-accesstovisitation.htm regarding the role and duties of a visitation supervisor. 4. The professional supervised visitation provider list will notify recipients that the court does not confirm the statements made by the providers in the FL-324(P) declarations, and does not endorse, evaluate, or monitor the service provided. Providers may be removed from the list without cause, notice, or explanation. (Revised effective July 1, 2026) RULE 9.43 PROCEDURES FOR THE REVIEW AND RESOLUTION OF COMPLAINTS BY PARTIES REGARDING THE PERFORMANCE OF APPOINTED COUNSEL FOR A CHILD In compliance with California Rules of Court, rule 5.240(e), complaints or questions by a party about the performance of appointed counsel for the child in Family Law cases shall be addressed as follows: 1. Complaints or questions shall initially be referred to any agency or law firm appointed to represent the child. 2. If the issue remains unresolved, or if there is no designated agency or law firm, the party may submit the complaint, in writing, to the Family Law Supervising Judge. The Supervising Family Law Judge may follow one of the following procedures. (a) Conduct own review of the complaint or question and take appropriate action if required, or (b) Refer the complaint to the State Bar. 3. This rule does not preclude any party from complaining directly to the State Bar of California. However, parties are encouraged to first seek resolution of the issue using the procedure provided above. (Effective July 1, 2011) (RULES 9.44-9.49 RESERVED) RULE 9.50 TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS IN ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS A. PETITION TO DECLARE CHILD FREE FROM CUSTODY OR CONTROL/PETITION TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS 1. A petition to declare a child free from parental custody and control, (Family Code §7800 et seq. and Probate Code §1516.5), a petition to terminate parental rights, (Family Code §7662) and a petition to find a parent’s consent is not necessary, (Family Code §8604) must be filed under a new case number, separate from the case number for the adoption petition. 2. Any petition filed to declare a child free from parental custody and control and/or terminate parental rights must state in the caption the statutory grounds for the petition or alternatively, the petitioner may file Ventura Superior Court Local Form VN-239 “Statement of Legal Grounds for Petition to Terminate Parental Rights.” Failure to either state the statutory grounds in the caption of the petition or to file VN-239 will result in the petition being rejected for filing. 3. Upon the filing of a petition to declare a child free from parental custody and control under Family Code §7800 et seq. or a petition to terminate parental rights under Probate Code §1516.5, the petitioner shall also submit to the court a proposed order (Local Form VN268) ordering the Ventura County Human Services Agency to conduct an investigation and report to the Court its recommendation as required pursuant to Family Code §7851. The clerk of the Court shall deliver a conformed copy of the signed order and a copy of the petition to the Ventura County Human Services Agency. In any adoption case where a court has made an order finding the child free from parental custody and control, terminating parental rights, or finding a parent’s consent is not necessary, the petitioner(s) must lodge a conformed copy of the court’s order prior to the scheduling of the final adoption hearing. (Revised effective January 1, 2024) RULE 9.50.1 PETITION AND CITATION TO APPEAR AT HEARING UNDER FAMILY CODE §8604(b) A. Any person seeking an order that a birth parent’s consent to the adoption of the parent’s child is not necessary under Family Code §8604(b) must file a petition seeking the order. 1. The petition shall be filed as the first document in a new case file and shall be assigned a case number beginning with the letter “T”. The petition shall not be filed in the adoption file. 2. The petition shall state the grounds upon which the petition is based and shall state the relief sought. The petition shall be verified. 3. The citation to appear shall issue, upon request, after the petition has been filed. B. The citation shall include the following information: 1. A petition has been filed for the purpose of finding the parent’s consent is not necessary for the child to be adopted; 2. The parent has the right to be represented by counsel; 3. If the parent appears without counsel, and is unable to afford counsel, upon request, the court shall appoint counsel to represent the parent; and 4. The parent must appear at the hearing and request appointed counsel in order for counsel to be appointed. C. The proofs of service of the citation and petition shall state within the body of the proofs of service the date of the hearing. D. The hearing on the petition and citation shall be held prior to any hearing seeking to finalize the adoption. (Effective January 1, 2024) RULE 9.51 PROCEDURE TO REQUEST WAIVER OF PERSONAL APPEARANCE AT ADOPTION HEARING A. Petitioners seeking to adopt a child or an adult must be present at the time of the adoption hearing unless the court has previously waived the appearance. (See Family Code §§8612, 8613, 8613.5, 8718, 8823, 8913, 9007, 9324.) B. Any party who seeks a waiver of personal appearance at an adoption hearing under Family Code §8613, 8613.5 or 9324 must first obtain an order from the court waiving the appearance. If the party is seeking an order waiving personal appearance, no hearing on the adoption shall be set prior to obtaining a court order on the request to waive personal appearance. C. A party seeking a waiver of personal appearance shall submit to the court an ex parte application for an order waiving her/his personal appearance, admissible evidence to support that request, and a proposed order. D. The court may grant or deny the application ex parte. (Effective January 1, 2012)
CHAPTER 9: FAMILY LAW RULES/GENERAL RULES RULE 9.00 APPLICATION To assist counsel in family law cases by providing uniform local rules governing these cases, the Superior Court of Ventura County hereby adopts these family law local rules for Ventura County. These rules are and shall be considered as orders of the court to all parties and counsel appearing in Ventura County Superior Court family la
Reviewer note: Composed 2026-10-07 (California T4 Ventura build 2026-10-07) from BenchPath custody ca/t4/ca-ventura/docs/general/ventura_county_rules_of_court.pdf (9476523 bytes, sha256 1d89183a36d880b3483586b9c4f3c9554799c2a7bb7bc9907c2200c2b01483c7; 116 pages; this card is from the rule body, pages 10 to 77, composed once and cut at the chapter headings) with the shared verbatim composer (v2 reflow). The running header (“Ventura County Superior Court Rules”, “July 1, 2026”) and the page numbers removed as chrome; the cover, the judges and officers page, the table of contents, Appendix II (the fee schedule), Appendix III (the local forms lists) and the index belong to no card; Chapters 16, 23, 24 and 27 print only deleted rules (no card); the strike report found no struck text; lines reflowed into the court's paragraphs, each rule heading on its own line; proof 1 (whitespace-only) and proof 2 (same character multiset as the text layer minus chrome) pass. Review note: Published as printed: Rule 9.01 Q and R end without punctuation; Rule 9.03.1's history “(Revised effective July. 1, 2022)”; Rule 9.12 E.1 cites Government Code §70677(c) and Rule 9.19 A.4 §70617(c)(1) for the continuance fee; Rule 9.19 A.5 refers to “Local Rule 9.19.B.6 above”; Rule 9.32 E “request CRC”. The two code sections and the cross-reference are a review task.
Division XI: information forms for data processing (Rule 11.2); required action - action taken on all calendared cases and a future date always set (Rule 11.19); and pro tem judges - an attorney named as a plaintiff in a civil or small claims case may not sit as a judge pro-tem during the case or within six months following its resolution, nor one named as a defendant in two or more such cases (Rule 11.22). Rules 11.1, 11.3 to 11.5, 11.7 to 11.18, 11.20 and 11.21 are repealed, and Rule 11.6 (voluntary arbitration; see Local Rule 10.2) was repealed and renumbered.
Duval County's indigent-defense and magistration rules under the Texas Fair Defense Act (S.B. 7): who may be booked into the county jail and on what paper; arrest-case numbering; presentment to a magistrate within 48 hours (art. 15.16); the magistrate's warnings, counsel inquiry, interpreter duty, indigence determination and appointment of counsel within 24 hours of a request; the alternative appointment plan under art. 26.04(g)-(h) with annual applications, seven attorney categories (capital, first and second degree, third degree/state jail/misdemeanor, competency, appeals, post-conviction, extradition), CLE and experience standards, random rotation within each category, written acceptance within 48 hours, first contact by the end of the next working day, replacement and suspension of counsel, fee applications within five days of completing services and the compensation attachment ($500 pleas; $175/$150 hourly; $1,400 per jury-trial day; appellate caps); bail schedules by offense class with a personal bond office (fee $20 or 3%), pre-trial supervision and revocation hearings within two working days; arraignment settings and notice; repeal of conflicting rules.