Inside the Room With a Family Court Mediator

Custody mediation in California is usually run by Family Court Services, through a mediator employed by the court. Sessions often last one to two hours. The mediator's job is to help parents reach an agreement about custody and visitation that serves the child.

A typical session includes:

•       Reviewing the current situation and any existing orders

•       Each parent explaining their concerns and proposed schedule

•       Discussion of the child's needs, school and routine

•       Working toward a written agreement, if possible

One of the most important things to know is whether your county is a recommending county. In those counties, if parents don't agree, the mediator (often called a child custody recommending counselor) makes a recommendation to the judge. Judges often follow it. In confidential counties, what's said in mediation generally stays there.

That difference changes how you should approach the session. In a recommending county, everything you say and how you say it can end up in front of the judge.

If there's a history of domestic violence, you can usually ask for separate sessions.

Related reading: [how to prepare for custody mediation in California](link to Post 8).

If you have mediation coming up, call me at 877-4CA-FCLS (877-422-3257) for a free consultation.