Is mediation free in California?
All parties litigating custody and visitation in California are required to attend free mediation if they cannot reach full resolution on their own. Some counties require parents to complete an orientation before mediation; check with your attorney or superior court.
Do I have to go to mediation before family court?
Yes, attending mediation (a MIAM, or Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is a required step before going to court in most cases. While parties are encouraged to attend mediation meetings together, it is also possible to meet separately, as long as the same authorised family mediator is present.
What does family court services do in Orange County?
Family Court Services also oversees the Keeping Kids Safe Program that, through community partners, provides supervised visitation services for children and their parents. Welcome to the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, Family Court Services. In this page you will find links for information about our services.
What does mediation mean in California Family Court?
Answer: In California, child custody mediation is a mandatory process (Family Code Section 3170) that provides parents an opportunity to discuss and resolve issues relating to the best interest of their children.
Are there mediators in the family court system?
Family Court Services has mediators who help resolve disagreements between parents who are separating about the care of their children. Most superior courts have a Family Court Services program or other mediation program to help parents with parenting issues.
How to contact the Orange County mediation office?
Notice – All in person mediations have been cancelled and are being rescheduled for virtual mediation. For Orange, they can contact the office at [email protected] . In mediations, a neutral and impartial facilitator assists the parties and encourages the resolution of a dispute.