San Mateo County Family Court: Where to Go & Who Can Help
San Mateo County family law cases are heard at the Southern Branch (the Hall of Justice and Records in Redwood City), under a direct calendaring system. Below are official links for the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo: courthouse locations, mediation, free self-help, local rules and forms, plus child support and domestic violence resources. Always check the court's website for current hours and procedures.
Family court locations
- Southern Branch: Hall of Justice and Records400 County Center, 1st Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063 · (650) 261-5100Address and phone as listed on the Family Law Division page.
Remote hearings (attending by video)
How to join, as the court explains it:
- For Requests for Order, you may appear remotely or in person. The Zoom details are on your judge's page under Family Law Direct Calendaring.
- The court strongly asks you to appear by video. Sign in at least 15 minutes early using your full first and last name.
- Be in a quiet place and stay muted until your case is called.
- If you join by phone only, you must dial in. Do not put the call on hold, or you will be disconnected.
Tips: test your camera, microphone and internet a day ahead, keep your hearing notice and case number handy, and join early.
Zoom meeting IDs published by the court
As of Oct 27, 2026. Check the court's page before your hearing, because departments and IDs can change. Your hearing notice controls.
| Department | Meeting ID | Passcode | Join |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department 15 (Courtroom 8C) | 161 695 5451 | 163791 | Join Zoom Hearing |
| Department 17 (Courtroom 7C) | 161 405 8960 | 743824 | Join Zoom Hearing |
| Department 21 (Courtroom J) | 161 514 9089 | 006757 | Join Zoom Hearing |
| Department 23 (Courtroom 6A) | 160 998 7125 | 413466 | Join Zoom Hearing |
| Department 32, status, settlement and trial readiness conferences | 160 493 0408 | 515372 | Join Zoom Hearing |
| Department 32, DVPA calendar (domestic violence) | 160 496 1372 | 412529 | Join Zoom Hearing |
| Department 32, firearm relinquishment calendar | 161 455 7578 | 796917 | Join Zoom Hearing |
From each judge's page under Family Law Direct Calendaring. Dial in: +1 (669) 254-5252.
Family law departments
- Dept. 21 (Courtroom J), (650) 261-5121
- Dept. 15 (Courtroom 8C), (650) 261-5115
- Dept. 23 (Courtroom 6A), (650) 261-5123
- Dept. 17 (Courtroom 7C), (650) 261-5117
- Dept. 32 (Commissioner, Courtroom 7A), (650) 261-5132
Assignments change; confirm on the court site.
Custody mediation (Family Court Services)
- Family Court Services (FCS), Child Custody Recommending CounselingParents meet with a Child Custody Recommending Counselor (CCRC); if no agreement, the counselor makes a recommendation to the court. An online Parent Orientation is required first. Phone 650-261-5080.
Self-help center & family law facilitator
- Self-Help Center / Family Law Facilitator
- California Courts Self-Help GuideStatewide, plain-language guides and Judicial Council forms.
Local family court forms
Forms this court adds to the statewide ones, in number order. Always download from the court, since local forms change.
- FCS-4 Information Sheet Mediation & EvaluationWhat to expect from Family Court Services mediation and evaluation.
- FL-1 Stipulation and Order RE ContinuanceBoth sides agree to move a hearing.
- FL-3 Status Conference StatementTells the judge where your case stands before a status conference.
- FL-8 Declaration Re Notice of Ex-parte Appl. for OrdersShows how you told the other side about your emergency request.
- FL-14 Request to Set Status ConferenceAsks the court to schedule a status conference.
- FL-18 Stipulation for Appointment or Removal of MediatorBoth sides agree to appoint or change a mediator.
Local rules (family law)
Local Rules
Tentative rulings
The court lists tentative rulings for civil law & motion, complex and special-set calendars; we did not find a family law listing.
Child support agency
- San Mateo County Department of Child Support ServicesToll-free (866) 901-3212 (per San Mateo County DCSS).
- California Department of Child Support ServicesStatewide agency; guideline calculator and online services.
Co-parenting class
- Families Change (Judicial Council of California)Free California Courts website with age-appropriate guidance for separating parents, teens and kids.
Court-required parent orientation for mediation is listed under Family Court Services above.
Domestic violence help
In immediate danger, call 911.
- Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders (court page)
- CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse)24-hour crisis hotline (800) 300-1080 (as listed by the court).
- Bay Area Legal Aid, DVRO helpNonprofit legal aid linked by the court.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline24/7, confidential. 1-800-799-7233 (TDD 1-800-787-3224).
Court Provider Lists
These lists come from the court. The court does not endorse any provider on them. Check the list for current details before you call, and ask your attorney or Family Court Services which programs your order requires.
Have questions about a family law matter in San Mateo County? The Geller Firm can talk through your situation and options.
Call 415-840-0570 Contact UsGeneral information, not legal advice. Questions? Call 415-840-0570.