| Mediation in California is a form of alternative dispute | | | | California mediation. |
| resolution, or ADR, facilitated by a mediator, which | | | | Mediation Purpose |
| allows parents of a child custody and visitation dispute | | | | The purpose of mediation is to help the parents of a |
| an opportunity to resolve their disagreements without a | | | | child custody dispute resolve their disagreements and |
| litigated hearing. As pointed out in Family Code 3170, | | | | build a parenting plan together in mediation that reflects |
| mediation is a mandatory process in California that | | | | the overall best interest of the children. The purpose of |
| must take place before a contested issue regarding | | | | mediation is outlined in Family Code 3161. |
| custody and visitation is heard in a litigated hearing. | | | | Mediation Limitations |
| Mediation has a specific purpose and mediators should | | | | Mediation may not be able to help all parents work out |
| adhere to certain guidelines and standards when | | | | their disputes. Some cases are too complex or far too |
| conducting mediation. | | | | acrimonious. In some cases, a parent will change his |
| Mediation Standards | | | | her mind after signing an agreement in mediation. If you |
| There are certain standards that apply to mediation | | | | sign an agreement in mediation and later change your |
| services. The rules for mediation are set forth in the | | | | mind, you may be able to cancel your agreement by |
| California Rules of Court 5.210. Rule 5.210 applies to | | | | submitting your cancellation request to mediation |
| court-connected child custody mediation and | | | | services in writing. However, you will want to consult |
| addresses the authority of mediation, purpose of | | | | an attorney to learn how to properly cancel your |
| mediation, mediation definitions, Responsibility for | | | | agreement and the timeline upon which you can do it. |
| mediation services, mediation process, training, | | | | If you are involved in mediation you will want to consult |
| continuing education, and experience requirements for | | | | an attorney in your area to help you learn about the |
| mediator, mediation supervisor, and family court | | | | mediation process, standards, purpose, your rights, and |
| services director, education and training providers, and | | | | what mediators can and cannot do in mediation. |
| ethics as it relates to California mediators and | | | | |