Legal Question in Family Law in California

JCC and self-representation

I'm in pro-per, my ex-husband's attorney wants a JCC. The kids (15 & 17) (1) don't want to live with him anymore (they found his drug stash in Aug. and have seen him getting stoned), (2) the ex's girlfriend abused the 15 year old in Feb. (no charges were filed),(3) the kids moved out in Feb. and havne't live their since, (4) I compelled a drug test and it came out negative (how did they do that???)

At what point to the kids get a say in this? A referral to an excellent attorney for a JCC would be appreciated.

I have a court appointed medition in a week, which will result in me saying the kids can decide where to live and him insisting on 50% custody, so that will go no where. I refuse to say anything bad about the father, I encourage them to see him which is now down to once since late August.

What else can I do?


Asked on 10/04/05, 6:47 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Geoffrey Sutliff Geoffrey A. Sutliff, Attorney at Law

Re: JCC and self-representation

I suggest filing a declaration with the mediator's office (no later than five days before the appointment) spelling out the history and your concerns. Don't forget to serve him with it.

E-mail me at [email protected] with your county and I'll try to get you a couple of attorney's names.

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Answered on 10/05/05, 1:13 pm
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: JCC and self-representation

You need an attorney to represent you. Stating the facts, which apparently includes deragatory comments about your ex. This is not the same as making derogatory comments about him to your children. Unless you tell the judge about the drugs and how the children feel that information will never be considered by the judge.

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Answered on 10/05/05, 12:34 am


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