Demand action from your state representatives, the judicial council, and independent journalists

There is a pressing need for increased public observation of family court proceedings. We encourage concerned citizens to engage as Court Watch observers in family courts throughout California and beyond.

Contact the Judicial Council with your observations and feedback.

Send your observations to independent journalists.

Transparency and accountability within the judicial branch remain essential priorities. Contact your state representative and advocate for:

• Independent oversight mechanisms for Child Custody Recommending Counselors (CCRCs) - to address civil rights and constitutional violations 
• A formal process for litigants to request reviews of custody recommendations they believe are inconsistent with statutory guidelines
• Procedures that align with the legislative mandate to reduce acrimony and support cooperative parenting arrangements

These measures promote efficiency, reduce unnecessary litigation costs, and help families reach sustainable agreements.

Access to justice remains uneven across economic lines. Contact your state representatives and demand:

• Funding and programs to assist pro se litigants in all courts, including federal district courts
• Expanded services for self-represented parties who cannot afford full legal representation
• 
  

Individuals with disabilities face additional barriers when navigating complex court procedures. Advocate for:

• Increased funding for family law facilitators with expanded capacity to address procedural questions in depth
• Low-cost or free representation options for persons with disabilities who may struggle to communicate effectively on their own during proceedings
• Professional assistance to ensure all parties have meaningful access to the judicial process

Note: While attorney pro bono participation is valuable, we also support exploring alternative models—including paralegals, law students, and other legal professionals and others —to expand available assistance.

Accurate records are essential for due process and appellate rights. Contact your state representatives and advocate for:

• Funding for court reporters or electronic recording devices in family court hearings
• Free access to accurate transcripts for all parties involved in cases requiring appeal
• Documentation standards that preserve the record necessary for proper judicial review