FCS Witness Fees and Depositions

If you would like your FCS report considered by the court at trial, you must pay a deposit and subpoena the Mediator at least 10 calendar days in advance, using the Civil Subpoena for Personal Appearance at Trial or Hearing (SUBP-001) form. To subpoena a Mediator, please follow the steps below:

1. Due to time constraints, please contact FCS in advance (at FCS@saccourt.ca.gov or 916-875-3400) to make certain the Mediator is available on the date of your trial.
2. When availability is confirmed, bring the completed subpoena and the deposit fee of $275.00 to the courthouse. The deposit my be paid by cashier’s check, personal check, money order, or by cash. If the subpoena is for a trial related to a petition for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order, no deposit is required.
3. When you arrive at the courthouse, go to the Reception booth to obtain a ticket for FCS and be certain to indicate that your purpose is to subpoena a mediator. Tickets are issued between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

When called to testify, a subpoenaed mediator will bring a copy of their report to the stand. If you wish them to bring other FCS records, be advised that, by law, the mediator would only be able to bring those documents that each party served on the other, the subpoenaing party’s Parenting Plan Questionnaire, and any prior FCS reports or court orders upon which the mediator may have relied in writing their report.

Depositions also require advance notice and a subpoena. Depositions take place by Zoom or at the Family Relations Courthouse after 3:00 p.m. on a regular court day or at another mutually agreed upon time during regular business hours. To schedule a Deposition, please contact the FCS Manager at FCS@saccourt.ca.gov.

In order to process a refund of any unused portion of your deposit, a written request must be submitted to FCS in-person or by U.S. Mail (at 3341 Power Inn Road, Room 104, Sacramento, CA 95826) following the conclusion of the trial.