When parents separate or divorce in Los Angeles California and child custody is contested, the parties can attend child custody mediation in Los Angeles County to sort out their disagreements regarding child custody and visitation. Child custody mediation in Los Angeles County is a form of alternative dispute resolution that may be scheduled by appointment with the Los Angeles County Family Court Services mediation or Conciliation Courts.
In a contested child custody matter in Los Angeles, child custody mediation is required before the parties can have a litigated hearing in the Los Angeles family court. In other words, the parties must first attempt to sort out their child custody and visitation disagreements through child custody mediation in Los Angeles before a Los Angeles Superior Court judge or commissioner will hear the child custody dispute in a litigated hearing.
Typically in child custody mediation, both parents are asked to complete a child custody mediation information intake form. The intake form can help the Los Angeles mediator learn more about the child custody and visitation issues being disputed before meeting with the parents. The mediator may meet with the parents together or individually and will typically facilitate the discussion in attempts to help the parents resolve their disputes. In child custody mediation, the parties may resolve all, some, or none of the child custody issues being disputed.
In Los Angeles County mediation is confidential, which means the mediator will not report to the court what was discussed in mediation. Mediators may report to the court a signed mutual agreement which has been mutually accepted by both parties. Mediators may recommend a child custody evaluation or investigation or that an attorney be appointed to represent the child. Los Angeles County mediators are mandated reporters of child abuse, which means they are required to report suspicion of child abuse to Child Protective Services or CPS.
California Family Code section 3170-3173 describes the availability of child custody mediation and addresses child custody and visitation disputes involving modifications, domestic violence, adoptions, paternity, and stepparent and grandparent petitions. California Family Code section 3160-3165 describes the general provisions of child custody mediation and its purpose. However, since the specific details of child custody mediation and mediators may differ from county to county in California and can change over time, you may want to inquire with the Los Angeles Superior courthouse for more information. Further, you would be wise to consult a Los Angeles family law attorney, Los Angeles divorce attorney, or Los Angeles divorce lawyer to help you learn more about the local processes and local rules for child custody mediation and learn if child custody mediation is the right approach for your Los Angeles child custody situation.
© 2007 Child Custody Coach
Child Custody Coach supplies information, online materials, and coaching services to parents in the field of child custody, namely, divorce, child custody and visitation, child custody evaluations, 730 evaluations, parenting, and all issues related to child custody and divorce. How to Win Child Custody - Proven Strategies that can Win You Custody and Save You Thousands in Attorney Cost!" is a unique child custody strategy guide written by The Custody Coach and made available by Child Custody Coach in an easy to read, understand, and apply E-Book format. Custody Match is an online consumer and family law attorney matching service to help you in your search for the right attorney for your divorce or child custody case. Custody Match can help you find the right family law attorney, divorce lawyer, or child custody attorney in your area.
