| When parents separate or divorce in Orange County | | | | means the mediator will not report to the court what |
| California and child custody is contested, the parties | | | | was discussed in mediation. Mediators may report to |
| can attend child custody mediation in Orange County | | | | the court a signed mutual agreement which has been |
| to sort out their disagreements regarding child | | | | mutually accepted by both parties. Mediators may |
| custody and visitation. Child custody mediation in | | | | recommend a child custody evaluation or investigation |
| Orange County is a form of alternative dispute | | | | or that an attorney be appointed to represent the |
| resolution that may be scheduled by appointment | | | | child. Orange County mediators are mandated |
| with the Orange County Family Court Services | | | | reporters of child abuse, which means they are |
| mediation or Conciliation Courts. | | | | required to report suspicion of child abuse to Child |
| In a contested child custody matter in Orange | | | | Protective Services or CPS. |
| County, child custody mediation is required before | | | | California Family Code section 3170-3173 describes |
| the parties can have a litigated hearing in the Orange | | | | the availability of child custody mediation and |
| County family court. In other words, the parties must | | | | addresses child custody and visitation disputes |
| first attempt to sort out their child custody and | | | | involving modifications, domestic violence, adoptions, |
| visitation disagreements through child custody | | | | paternity, and stepparent and grandparent petitions. |
| mediation in Orange County before a Orange County | | | | California Family Code section 3160-3165 describes |
| Superior Court judge or commissioner will hear the | | | | the general provisions of child custody mediation and |
| child custody dispute in a litigated hearing. | | | | its purpose. |
| Typically in child custody mediation, both parents are | | | | However, since the specific details of child custody |
| asked to complete a child custody mediation | | | | mediation and mediators may differ from county to |
| information intake form. The intake form can help the | | | | county in California and can change over time, you |
| Orange County mediator learn more about the child | | | | may want to inquire with the Orange County |
| custody and visitation issues being disputed before | | | | Superior courthouse for more information. Further, |
| meeting with the parents. The mediator may meet | | | | you would be wise to consult a Orange County |
| with the parents together or individually and will | | | | family law attorney, Orange County divorce |
| typically facilitate the discussion in attempts to help | | | | attorney, or Orange County divorce lawyer to help |
| the parents resolve their disputes. In child custody | | | | you learn more about the local processes and local |
| mediation, the parties may resolve all, some, or none | | | | rules for child custody mediation and learn if child |
| of the child custody issues being disputed. | | | | custody mediation is the right approach for your |
| In Orange County mediation is confidential, which | | | | Orange County child custody situation. |