Section 3032 Of Chapter 1. General Provisions From California Family Law Code >> Division 8. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 1.
3032
. (a) The Judicial Council shall establish a state-funded
one-year pilot project beginning July 1, 1999, in at least two
counties, including Los Angeles County, pursuant to which, in any
child custody proceeding, including mediation proceedings pursuant to
Section 3170, any action or proceeding under Division 10 (commencing
with Section 6200), any action or proceeding under the Uniform
Parentage Act (Part 3 (commencing with Section 7600) of Division 12),
and any proceeding for dissolution or nullity of marriage or legal
separation of the parties in which a protective order as been granted
or is being sought pursuant to Section 6221, the court shall,
notwithstanding Section 68092 of the Government Code, appoint an
interpreter to interpret the proceedings at court expense, if both of
the following conditions are met:
(1) One or both of the parties is unable to participate fully in
the proceeding due to a lack of proficiency in the English language.
(2) The party who needs an interpreter appears in forma pauperis,
pursuant to Section 68511.3 of the Government Code, or the court
otherwise determines that the parties are financially unable to pay
the cost of an interpreter. In all other cases where an interpreter
is required pursuant to this section, interpreter fees shall be paid
as provided in Section 68092 of the Government Code.
(3) This section shall not prohibit the court doing any of the
following when an interpreter is not present:
(A) Issuing an order when the necessity for the order outweighs
the necessity for an interpreter.
(B) Extending the duration of a previously issued temporary order
if an interpreter is not readily available.
(C) Issuing a permanent order where a party who requires an
interpreter fails to make appropriate arrangements for an interpreter
after receiving proper notice of the hearing, including notice of
the requirement to have an interpreter present, along with
information about obtaining an interpreter.
(b) The Judicial Council shall submit its findings and
recommendations with respect to the pilot project to the Legislature
by January 31, 2001. Measurable objectives of the program may include
increased utilization of the court by parties not fluent in English,
increased efficiency in proceedings, increased compliance with
orders, enhanced coordination between courts and culturally relevant
services in the community, increased client satisfaction, and
increased public satisfaction.