Court Interpreters

Mandatory provision of Interpreter services will occur in:

• Criminal, Traffic, Juvenile Delinquency or Dependency, Mental Competency Hearings with Appointed Counsel, and any other mandated civil matters.

Until sufficient funds are appropriated, the Court will provide interpreters in all other case types in the following priority order:

• Priority 1. Protective order in family law case with domestic violence claim, elder/dependent adult case involving physical abuse or neglect, or civil harassment under CCP§527.6(w). Fee waiver does not have preference.
• Priority 2. Unlawful detainer. Fee waiver does not have preference.
• Priority 3. Action to terminate parental rights. Fee waiver has preference.
• Priority 4. Conservatorship or guardianship. Fee waiver has preference.
• Priority 5. Actions by parent to obtain sole legal or physical custody of child or visitation. Fee waiver has preference.
• Priority 6. Elder/dependent adult abuse not involving physical abuse or neglect or other civil harassment under CCP §527.6. Fee waiver has preference.
• Priority 7. All other family law (not involving domestic violence/custody/visitation). Fee waiver has preference.
• Priority 8. All other civil cases. Fee waiver has preference.

If an interpreter is not available because all of the funding for the foregoing priorities have been exhausted, and provision of an interpreter is not mandatory, the party shall provide, in advance, for the interpreter and shall be responsible for his or her compensation. Parties and counsel are required to provide as much time as possible for the arrangement of an interpreter to be present whether provided by the Court or the party.

If an interpreter is required to assist the mediation process. A family member should not be used as the interpreter without the consent of the other party and opposing counsel.

The interpreter's role shall be limited to that of interpreting, not offering opinions or suggestions.