Family Law COVID-19 Information
How to Appear in Court
Face-coverings at the Courthouse: Effective Monday, March 7, 2022 the Court is modifying face-covering rules. The Court strongly encourages, but will not require, face-coverings for those who are fully vaccinated in all court facilities. All other unvaccinated persons entering court facilities will continue to be required to wear face-coverings. The Self-Help Center and Law Library will still require face-coverings upon entry regardless of vaccination status.
Remote appearances for Family Law are through Zoom. Attorneys and parties can appear in person or by Zoom unless otherwise directed by the judge.
You may access the court's Local Rule 1.4 on remote appearances on the Local Rules page. You will need to give notice to the court and other parties of your intent to appear remotely using form RA-010. If appearing remotely, you may need to submit your evidence to the court and serve your evidence on the other side before your court date. Make sure to read the Guidelines for Evidence Submission for Non-Criminal Trials and Evidentiary Hearings on when and how to do so. It can be found on the Local Rules page.
To access Zoom links and other helpful Zoom information please go to our page, Participating Remotely by Zoom.
General Information
DCSS
Remote appearances are strongly preferred. Remote appearances are conducted through Zoom. Login information can be found on the Remote Appearance page.
Mediations
All family court mediations are being offered by phone or through video. If you do not have phone or video/computer capability contact Family Court services. Call (831) 786-7325 (leave a message and staff will return your call) or email fcsinfo@santacruzcourt.org to find out more about mediation options.
Self-Represented Litigants
If you are self-represented and need direction, please contact the Self Help Center at (831) 786-7200 option 4 (leave a message) or email selfhelp.information@santacruzcourt.org
- Court phone: (831) 786-7200 or (831) 420-2200
- Clerk Family Law: familylawinfo@santacruzcourt.org