Family Court Services

Purpose of Family Court Services

Consistent with the spirit of California law, the purpose of Family Court Services is to:

• Assist families in resolving domestic disputes involving the welfare of children when an action is filed in Family Court.
• Ensure children have frequent and continuing contact with both parents following the dissolution of marriage or the end of a relationship.
• Encourage parents to cooperate and share the rights and responsibilities of parenting during and after a dissolution.

The Court orders all parties to contact Family Court Services to participate in Good Faith Mediation. The Court will not make a permanent order regarding custody or visitation if parties are participating in good faith to mediate their differences.

For additional resources, visit the Self-Help Center and Family Law Facilitator.

Mediation is a process designed to help parents develop a parenting plan in a neutral setting. It provides an opportunity to discuss arrangements for the children, reduce conflict, and establish guidelines for parenting after separation or divorce.

Mediation is currently conducted remotely with a mediator/child custody recommending counselor. During the mediation conference, both parents work together to reach a mutually acceptable agreement that is in the best interest of the child(ren). Sessions typically last 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours. For more information, view the Mediation Orientation.

Although mediators have counseling experience, mediation is not counseling. A neutral mediator meets with both parents and helps them work toward a parenting plan that benefits both them and their child(ren).

Mediation Guidelines

• Treat each other and the mediator with respect.
• Listen to one another to find real solutions.
• Put the child(ren) first and focus on their needs.

Important:

• Do not bring children to any part of the mediation process unless specifically requested by the Judge or Mediator/Child Custody Recommending Counselor.
• Childcare services are not provided at the court.

Mandatory Mediation

If a dispute arises in a dissolution case regarding child custody and visitation, Family Code § 3170 requires the case to be set for mediation before a court hearing.

• If an agreement is reached, the mediator will draft an agreement for both parents to review and sign before it is submitted to the Judge for approval.
• If no agreement is reached, the Mediator/Child Custody Recommending Counselor will submit a recommendation to the Judge, who will make the final decision on the parenting plan.

The Judge, not the Mediator, makes the final decision.

Referral to Mediation:

To request mediation:

1. Complete item 2 on Form FL-300 – Request for Order.
2. File your Request for Order packet with the Clerk’s Office and serve the other party in a timely manner.
3. Contact the Court to schedule a mediation appointment after service is completed.
   • Proof of service must be provided to the Court before an appointment can be scheduled.
4. Complete and submit a Mediation Intake Packet before your appointment.

   Mediation Intake Packet

5. Complete Online Orientation before mediation.

Attendance Requirements

• Both parties must attend mediation for it to proceed.
• If both parties do not confirm attendance with the Court at least two court days before the scheduled appointment, the mediation will be canceled.
• If domestic violence is an issue in your case, you may:
  • Request separate sessions.
  • Bring a support person (not a significant other).

Prior to the first mediation appointment, both parents are required to complete Online Orientation.

Mediation Orientation