Divorce and Family Law
Mediation
There are two types of Mediation involved in family law:
1. Court-ordered mediation regarding custody
2. Voluntary mediation.
Each and every party who has a dispute about custody in California must attend a mandatory custody mediation session at the courthouse. Custody and visitation disputes are now referred by the Court for mandatory counseling at "Conciliation Court" (within the Courthouse) prior to the Court hearing. If an Order to Show Cause (OSC) is filed on your behalf, a copy will be given to you.
Voluntary mediation is the best solution and can be used to resolve all or parts of a dissolution and/or custody dispute(s). The end result is much less strain on the family and on the financial cost of the proceedings. Mostly, in the case of custody, it will greatly reduce the painful burden divorce can place on the child(ren). No matter who the family is, the period of separation and divorce are painful and hard to sometimes understand.
Mediation is aimed at reducing the pain and stress. With the help of the mediator, couples negotiate their own settlement and learn the techniques for resolving future differences. Mediation is for couples who want to retain control over the decisions that affect their lives and don't want their child(ren) caught in the middle. Mediation is not just for couples who already know how to cooperate. Mediators show people how to work together productively in any circumstance.



