Court Ordered Services
Supporting families through high-conflict custody cases, including parenting coordination, court-related counseling, private child custody recommending counseling (PCCRC), 3111 custody evaluation, and 3118 custody evaluation. In Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, & Yolo Counties.
Custody cases can make you feel like your whole life is under a microscope, all while your child’s future hangs in the balance.
Every interaction with your co-parent feels charged, and nothing is simple. Whether the court sent you here or you agreed to this process together, it’s draining—and terrifying to think about what all this means for your kids.
I help families in high-conflict situations find a path forward. I don’t take sides—instead, I take the time to understand what’s really happening so I can offer clear, fair recommendations that keep your child’s well-being at the center.
HOW IT WORKS
Depending on the court’s order, you may be involved in one of the following types of evaluations or services. Here’s what to expect:
PCCRC (Private Child Custody Recommending Counseling)
This service is used when families are court-ordered into mediation and decision-making support. The goal is to reduce conflict, address concerns, and create a parenting plan that prioritizes your child’s best interest.
The court assigns or you agree on a custody mediator.
Intake session with both parents to identify concerns and goals.
Individual meetings to explore each parent’s perspective and concerns.
2–4 joint sessions to attempt resolution and build agreements.
If agreements aren’t possible, I may consult with collateral sources (teachers, doctors, relatives) or review documentation.
I prepare a report detailing the agreements made and recommendations for unresolved areas.
A judge reviews the report and makes the final determination.
3111 Custody Evaluation
This service is used when the court needs an in-depth, neutral evaluation to guide custody decisions. The goal is to create a custody arrangement that reflects your child’s best interests and real family dynamics.
The parents either agree on a 3111 evaluator or one is appointed by the court.
Intake and individual sessions with each parent.
Joint or separate interviews to gather detailed family dynamics.
Collateral sources (like teachers, doctors, or relatives) may be consulted, documents reviewed, and home or visitation observations may occur.
A written report is provided to the court with a recommended custody arrangement.
A judge reviews the report and makes the final decision.
3118 Custody Evaluation (Sexual Abuse Allegations)
This evaluation is required when there are allegations of sexual abuse against a parent. It is one of the most serious court-ordered processes, and the focus is always on safety, clarity, and protecting the children involved.
Parents either agree on a 3118 evaluator or one is appointed by the court.
Intake and individual interviews conducted with each parent.
Medical and mental health records reviewed.
Children are interviewed by trained professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team, and collateral contacts may also be consulted.
Home visits and observation of visitation may be included.
In some cases, psychological evaluations are recommended at additional cost.
A final report is submitted to the court, addressing: (1) the likelihood of abuse, (2) the impact of the allegations on the child(ren), and (3) recommendations for custody and safety moving forward.
A judge reviews the report, hears arguments, and issues a final ruling.
WALK AWAY WITH…
01
A custody plan that meets your child’s current needs and adapts as they grow.
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Recommendations that put your child’s safety, stability, and development first.
03
Clear structure around custody, visitation, and how to handle disagreements.
04
Confidence the process was fair, thorough, and centered on your kids — even if the outcome wasn’t exactly what you hoped for.
Let’s make sure the court has a clear, child-centered view of your family’s reality.
FAQs
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Depending on the type of service, and the specific needs of your family, possibly. In custody evaluations, part of the process may involve observing or speaking with your children to understand their experience and needs. My goal is always to keep this as supportive and non-disruptive as possible.
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That’s okay—this process isn’t about one parent “winning.” If you disagree with the recommendations, you’ll have a chance to express that at your hearing. The court considers the report as one part of the overall decision-making process.
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No. This is not therapy—it’s an evaluative process required by the court. My role is to remain neutral and assess the family dynamics, concerns, and needs in order to provide recommendations to the court that serve the child’s best interests.
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Timelines vary depending on the type of evaluation, court deadlines, whether parents can compromise and come to agreements quickly, and how long both parents take to complete the required steps. On average, PCCRC takes 6-8 weeks, while 3111 and 3118 evaluations often take 3 months or longer.