Family Court Services in San Bernardino and Custody Counseling

A custody dispute can affect a child’s routine before a judge makes a decision. Family court services in San Bernardino include Child Custody Recommending Counseling, a court-connected process that helps parents address custody and visitation disagreements and develop recommendations. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare.

When parenting arrangements are changing, clear information can make the next steps easier to understand. This guide explains how custody recommending counseling works, which family matters the court handles, and what to expect from local services.

You’ll also find the locations and public office hours for Family Court Services in San Bernardino County. With a clearer picture of the process and where services are provided, you can better prepare for the next step in your family law matter.

Family court jurisdiction and domestic matters

San Bernardino County family court handles legal disputes involving family relationships, children, and domestic partnerships. Jurisdiction determines whether a California court can decide a particular custody or visitation matter.

Family Court Services

Family Court Services is a San Bernardino County Superior Court program that assists with specified family matters. Services include child custody recommending counseling, marital and relationship counseling, and premarital assessments for minors petitioning to marry. Counselors may interview children when the court orders it or when parental disagreements make it necessary. They must report suspected child abuse or neglect to the proper authorities.

Custody jurisdiction means a court’s authority to make decisions about a child’s custody or visitation. According to California Courts, a California court might not have authority to decide custody or visitation if the child has not lived in California for at least 6 months. A child’s residence can therefore affect which court may address a parenting dispute. Before focusing only on a proposed schedule, identify where the child has lived and raise jurisdiction concerns in the family court matter.

Domestic matters include divorce, custody, visitation, child support, and domestic partnership cases. In San Bernardino County, minors under 18 need court approval to marry, and Family Court Services provides premarital assessments for minors petitioning to marry. California domestic partnerships can also be ended through court proceedings; both partners do not have to agree, and ending a partnership takes at least 6 months to become final. Child support is generally payable until a child turns 18, or 19 if the child remains in high school, lives at home, and cannot support themselves.

Custody Mediation Preparation

To prepare for custody counseling, organize information that explains your child’s needs and the parenting arrangements under discussion. Bring copies of any current custody or visitation orders, a proposed schedule, and a calendar showing school, care, and activity commitments. Relevant written communications can clarify specific disagreements. Keep materials focused on your child and the practical decisions to be addressed.

For an interpreter, disability accommodation, or remote mediation, call the San Bernardino County Family Law line at (909) 521-3136 and explain what access support you need. Ask how to make the request for your appointment, and provide enough detail for staff to understand the accommodation sought. If a parent misses mediation or does not follow recommendations, the disagreement may remain unresolved; contact the court about the next procedural step and distinguish recommendations from any existing court order.

Family Court Support Resources

Family court support resources help people locate court forms, self-help assistance, and domestic violence-related information. Call the San Bernardino County Family Law line at (909) 521-3136 to ask where to access forms and self-help services for your matter. If domestic violence affects custody discussions or safe participation, state that concern when asking about available court resources. For urgent danger, contact emergency services.

Divorce and dissolution of marriage

Divorce, also called dissolution of marriage, is the legal process for ending a marriage. In San Bernardino County, filing eligibility, required paperwork, and unresolved family issues shape how a case proceeds.

Residency means meeting location requirements before filing a divorce case. According to California Courts, one spouse must have lived in San Bernardino County for at least 3 months and in California for at least 6 months. These are separate requirements: county residence and state residence both matter. For example, living in the county for the required period does not replace the California residency requirement.

Filing begins the court process for ending a marriage. Either spouse can file in California, even if the other spouse does not agree to the divorce. Agreement can affect how many issues remain disputed, but it is not required to file. The spouse starting the case should identify matters that may need court resolution, such as property division or spousal support.

Finalization period is the minimum waiting period before a California divorce can become final. A divorce takes at least 6 months and 1 day after the other person is served or files a Response. That period does not mean every issue resolves automatically. If property, support, or parenting questions remain contested, those matters may require additional steps before the case is complete.

Separate the decision to end the marriage from the issues that still need resolution. List shared property, debts, income concerns, and parenting arrangements that require discussion. For instance, spouses may agree to divorce but disagree about property division or support. Identifying each disagreement clarifies what remains to be addressed in the case.

Uncontested and contested divorces describe whether spouses agree on the issues in their case. An uncontested matter generally involves agreement on the decisions needed to complete the divorce; a contested matter involves unresolved disputes. Agreement can narrow the questions before the court, while disagreement may require a more structured legal process. The label alone does not reflect the personal or financial complexity of a case.

If filing eligibility is met but disagreements remain, focused legal guidance can help organize the issues and clarify the next steps. Discuss your divorce options when you need support with the legal process, property division, or spousal support.

Family Court Services locations and office hours

San Bernardino County Family Court Services has district offices in San Bernardino, Victorville, and Joshua Tree. Each location has its own address, telephone number, and public office hours. Use the details for the district you need when planning an in-person visit.

San Bernardino District office

The San Bernardino District office is the Family Court Services location at 351 North Arrowhead Avenue. Its address is 351 North Arrowhead Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0240, and its telephone number is (909) 521-3180. Public office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. For example, someone planning a weekday visit can use those posted hours to identify the public service window.

Victorville District office

The Victorville District office is the Family Court Services location at 14455 Civic Drive. It is located at 14455 Civic Drive, Victorville, CA 92392, and its telephone number is (760) 269-4795. Public office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. The schedule matches the San Bernardino District office, but the addresses and phone numbers are different; use the Victorville details for that location.

Joshua Tree District office

The Joshua Tree District office is the Family Court Services location at 6527 White Feather Road. Its address is 6527 White Feather Road, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, and its telephone number is (760) 974-3039. Public hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Unlike the other two offices, its listed schedule does not include Tuesday or Thursday.

These schedules make the key planning distinction clear: San Bernardino and Victorville list weekday hours, while Joshua Tree lists three public days. The Joshua Tree schedule also has a midday break, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. A visit planned for Tuesday, Thursday, or that break would fall outside its listed public hours.

Before setting out, match the district name with its complete address and telephone number. The San Bernardino and Victorville offices have different locations, even if their weekday schedules are similar. Keep the office’s phone number with the address when arranging directions or clarifying which district applies to your court matter. The three offices are separate destinations, and their listed hours help you plan your visit.

What family court services does San Bernardino County Superior Court provide?

Child Custody Recommending Counseling is a court-connected service for parents disputing custody or visitation. In San Bernardino County, both parties must complete orientation before the scheduled counseling appointment. The service is free and generally takes place before the first court appearance. It gives parents a structured opportunity to address parenting disagreements.

Preparation begins with the required orientation, followed by the scheduled counseling appointment. San Bernardino County counselors may interview children when the court orders an interview or the counselor considers one necessary because of parental disagreements. According to the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, children under 5 are not usually interviewed during child custody recommending counseling. A child’s age alone therefore does not establish whether an interview will occur.

Counselor qualifications are part of the program’s framework. According to the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, child custody recommending counselors have at least a Master’s Degree and extensive clinical experience in specified counseling and social-work fields. Counselors are also trained in domestic violence, child development, substance abuse, and family dynamics, issues that may arise during custody discussions.

Reporting suspected abuse is a separate responsibility in this work. San Bernardino County child custody recommending counselors are required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the proper authorities. If you raise a safety concern during the process, state it clearly rather than folding it into routine scheduling disagreements. Custody discussions can involve both parenting routines and child welfare.

Marital and relationship counseling is a court service intended to address marital or relationship concerns. San Bernardino County Family Court Services provides this counseling under California Family Code section 1831. Both parents must agree to participate in marriage or relationship counseling. It is distinct from custody recommending counseling, which focuses on disputed parenting arrangements.

A premarital assessment is an evaluation provided for minors petitioning to marry. San Bernardino County Family Court Services provides these assessments under California Family Code sections 302 and 304. Minors under 18 requesting a marriage license may receive premarital counseling through Family Court Services. This service concerns a marriage petition, not a custody dispute.

These services address different family-law needs: custody disagreements, relationship counseling, and minor marriage petitions. Identifying your issue helps clarify which process applies. For example, parents disputing visitation should distinguish custody recommending counseling from marital counseling because the services have different purposes and participation requirements.

What are the fees for family court services in San Bernardino County?

Family Court Services fees and family-law filing fees are separate. San Bernardino County provides child custody recommending counseling free of charge. The court charges a fee to file divorce paperwork, and people who meet certain requirements may qualify for a fee waiver. Distinguishing counseling from filing clarifies which expense applies.

A counseling fee is a charge for attending child custody recommending counseling. San Bernardino County does not charge for this counseling. A parent scheduled for counseling should distinguish the appointment from filing divorce paperwork, which carries a court fee. Free counseling does not mean every step in a family-law case is free.

A filing fee is a court charge associated with submitting divorce paperwork. The San Bernardino County court charges this fee, but no amount is needed to understand the basic distinction: it relates to filing, not the free counseling appointment. If your immediate concern is a custody counseling session, focus on the appointment; if you are submitting divorce papers, consider the filing fee and possible waiver.

A fee waiver is a court option that may excuse a qualifying person from paying a filing fee. San Bernardino County says people who meet certain requirements may qualify. Eligibility depends on those requirements, so a waiver is not automatic just because paying would be difficult. When preparing divorce paperwork, treat the filing charge as a separate issue and learn about the court’s waiver process.

To identify which fee applies, first name the service or filing involved. A scheduled custody counseling appointment is part of the free counseling service; divorce paperwork is subject to the court’s filing fee. Keep these expenses separate when planning. If your case involves both, consider them independently rather than assuming one fee covers both.

For questions about family-law issues in San Bernardino County, call the Family Law line at (909) 521-3136. Explain whether your question concerns counseling, divorce filing, or a fee waiver, so the issue is clear. A specific question, such as whether a waiver process applies to your divorce filing, is more useful than asking generally about “family court costs.”

Before submitting divorce paperwork, consider the filing question separately from any custody counseling appointment. Note the type of paperwork and whether you need information about a fee waiver. San Bernardino County’s distinction is clear: counseling is free, while filing divorce paperwork has a fee and possible waiver eligibility. Understanding the difference helps you plan the procedural next step without confusing filing charges with counseling.

If a divorce filing raises broader questions about support or related legal decisions, discuss your family law options.

The Sands Law Group, APLC

The Sands Law Group, APLC can help address legal issues that remain after you learn how San Bernardino County Family Court Services works. Court counseling and legal representation have different roles: counseling addresses custody disagreements, while an attorney represents your interests in a family-law case.

Consider legal guidance if custody or visitation remains disputed, or if divorce, spousal support, or property division needs resolution. Representation can help you understand the issues in your case and prepare for the legal steps ahead, with your priorities and family circumstances in view.

If you need help with a family-law matter, contact The Sands Law Group, APLC to discuss your situation.

Move forward with informed support

Understanding family court services in San Bernardino can clarify what to expect, but court procedures and legal representation serve different roles. Identify the decisions that need attention and the outcome you hope to work toward. This focus can keep important family considerations central to your legal strategy.

The Sands Law Group, APLC provides Divorce Legal Representation, Child Custody and Visitation Representation, and Spousal Support Representation. If your matter involves property division or parenting arrangements, legal counsel can help you understand the issues and prepare for the path ahead. The appropriate focus depends on the concerns and decisions in your case.

You don’t have to make every decision at once. A thoughtful conversation can help clarify your priorities and possible next steps. Contact The Sands Law Group, APLC to discuss your family-law concerns and consider a clear way forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Child Custody Recommending Counseling?

Child Custody Recommending Counseling is a court-connected process that helps parents address custody and visitation disputes. A counselor discusses the disagreement and may provide recommendations for the court to consider. These recommendations are not a final court order. For example, parents disputing weekday care can discuss practical arrangements through the process while their court matter continues.

What is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a written outline of how parents will share care and make arrangements for their child. It can set out regular schedules, exchanges, holidays, and how parents will communicate about the child’s needs. For example, a plan might specify which parent handles school-day transportation. Clear terms can help identify where parents agree and which decisions remain unresolved.

Where are San Bernardino County Family Court Services offices located, and what are their hours?

The offices are in San Bernardino, Victorville, and Joshua Tree. San Bernardino is at 351 North Arrowhead Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0240, and Victorville is at 14455 Civic Drive, Victorville, CA 92392; both are open Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Joshua Tree is at 6527 White Feather Road, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, with public hours Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

How do I contact San Bernardino County Family Court Services?

Call the district office connected with your matter: San Bernardino, (909) 521-3180; Victorville, (760) 269-4795; or Joshua Tree, (760) 974-3039. For general family-law information, the county Family Law telephone number is (909) 521-3136. For example, you can call the relevant district office with a question about its location, while the Family Law line is available for broader family-law inquiries.

How do I request child custody mediation or recommending counseling in San Bernardino County?

Start by contacting the Family Law line at (909) 521-3136 or the district office handling your matter, and ask how counseling is arranged for your case. Both parties must complete orientation before their scheduled appointment. Have your case information available when you call so staff can direct your question to the relevant process. Counseling is generally scheduled before the first court appearance.

What are the rules for parents and children during custody mediation?

Both parents must complete orientation before the scheduled counseling appointment. Children are not routinely interviewed in every case: the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino says children under 5 are not usually interviewed. A counselor may interview a child if the court orders it or the counselor considers it necessary because of parental disagreement. Counselors must report suspected child abuse or neglect to proper authorities.

The information here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Article by

Thomas D. Sands, Esq.

Thomas D. Sands is the founder and CEO of The Sands Law Group, APLC. A California attorney with more than two decades of experience, he represents clients in divorce and family law matters as well as civil litigation and real property disputes. His approach emphasizes attentive, practical, and cost-conscious representation.

Sands is a 2023 Litigator of the Year honoree of the American Institute of Trial Lawyers and a 2023 Lawyer of the Year honoree of the American Institute of Legal Professionals. His firm has also received recognition among the 2025 Best Law Firms in America, a 2026 Benchmark Best of award, and a 2026 Law Firm of the Year honor.