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Free Guide: Your Child's Voice in FCS Mediation

What to do — and never do — when Family Court Services interviews your child: the dos and don'ts that protect your kids and your credibility, plus how the court hears teens 14 and older. From Jennifer J. Moore, California family law attorney. Free when you join the list.

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    Before: One Honest Sentence

    Exactly what to say to your child before the interview — calm, honest, and short — and the reassurance every child needs to hear: you're not in trouble, and nothing is your fault.

    After: No Debriefing

    Why “What did they ask?” is the one question never to ask — coaching and debriefing hurt your child, destroy trust, and are transparent to the professionals.

    Teens: A Voice, Not a Vote

    How California courts hear children 14 and older — usually through the FCS interview, not the witness stand — and why an un-coached preference carries the most weight.