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HomeFamily CodeDiv. 5Pt. 1Ch. 3§ 1838 Marriage Reconciliation Hearings

§ 1838 Marriage Reconciliation Hearings

Family Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 1838 Marriage Reconciliation Hearings

This law says that when a married couple is having problems and goes to court, the judge will try to help them work things out in a friendly way instead of fighting. The judge can also suggest getting help from experts or religious leaders if both people agree.

Key Takeaways

  • •The court wants to help couples solve their problems in a friendly way.
  • •The judge can suggest talking to experts or religious leaders, but only if both people agree.
  • •The couple usually has to pay for this extra help unless the judge or county says they will cover it.

Example

A husband and wife are arguing a lot and thinking about divorce. They go to court to figure things out.

The judge will talk to them in a relaxed way, like a meeting, to help them fix their problems or agree on things like who gets the house. If they both say yes, the judge might suggest they talk to a counselor or their church leader to help them.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1838 Marriage Reconciliation Hearings

(a) The hearing shall be conducted informally as a conference or a series of conferences to effect a reconciliation of the spouses or an amicable adjustment or settlement of the issues in controversy. (b) To facilitate and promote the purposes of this part, the court may, with the consent of both parties to the proceeding, recommend or invoke the aid of medical or other specialists or scientific experts, or of the pastor or director of any religious denomination to which the parties may belong. Aid under this subdivision shall not be at the expense of the court unless the presiding judge specifically authorizes the aid, nor at the expense of the county unless the board of supervisors of the county specifically provides and authorizes the aid. (Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 470, Sec. 15. (AB 1529) Effective January 1, 2013.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

hearingreconciliationamicable adjustmentspecialistsreligious denomination

Related Statutes

  • § 1842 Spousal Conciliation Without Children
  • § 1831 Pre-Filing Marriage Reconciliation
  • § 1833 Family Dispute Petition Requirements
  • § 1836 Hearing Notice And Citation
  • § 1841 Family Court Reconciliation Transfer

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Family Code. Section 1838.
View Official Source