California · Court Process Guide

Family Court Services in California: How Custody Mediation Works

If you and your child's other parent disagree about custody or parenting time and one of you has asked a California court to decide, the court sends you to Family Court Services before a judge hears the case. This guide explains what that is, what happens in the session, what changes if there has been domestic violence, and how the process differs in eight counties.

⚖️ This page describes court procedure. It is not legal advice. Every county fact links to the court's own page and every statewide fact links to the Family Code, the California Rules of Court or the Judicial Council. Last verified October 22, 2026. If a court page and this page disagree, the court page wins; tell us and we will fix it.

The short version

It is mandatory. When custody or visitation is contested, the court "shall set the contested issues for mediation." Family Code 3170
It is free. Courts "make available professionally trained mediators to meet with families at no cost." Judicial Council
It happens before the judge. "In general, mediation is before your court date or on the same day of your court date." California Courts Self-Help
There are two models. In a confidential county, what you say stays out of the courtroom. In a recommending county, the counselor writes a recommendation to the judge if you do not agree. Which one you get depends on your county. See the comparison.
Most counties require an orientation first. Usually a video, sometimes a class. "You must attend an orientation before going to mediation." Self-Help
Children do not come unless the court or the mediator asks for them. "Do not bring your children to mediation." Self-Help

The path, step by step

The names of the forms and the order of events are the same everywhere in California. The details inside each step vary by county, and those are covered further down.

One parent asks the court for an order

The request is a Request for Order, form FL-300, with the Child Custody and Visitation Application Attachment, FL-311, for the schedule you are asking for, and the UCCJEA declaration, FL-105, which lists where the child has lived for five years. Item 6 of the FL-300 is the mediation appointment: "In some counties, the court clerk will check item 6 and provide the details for your required child custody mediation or recommending counseling appointment. Other courts require the party or the party's lawyer to make the appointment." If you are the parent being served, your response is due nine court days before the hearing. Sources: FL-300-INFO, FL-311, FL-105, Self-Help on responding.
Both parents complete the court's orientation

The Rules of Court require mediation to include "oral or written orientation or parent education that facilitates the parties' informed and self-determined decision making." Every county in this guide delivers it differently: Los Angeles has an hour-long online program with a certificate you file, Orange County has a video in seven languages, San Bernardino has a 40-minute online class, Alameda schedules it through the mediation office. This orientation is run by the court and is separate from any co-parenting class a judge might later order. Source: Rule of Court 5.210(e)(2).
The mediation or recommending counseling session

You meet a court mediator, a mental health professional with "a master's degree in a behavioral science" and at least two years of experience. The session covers "the legal and physical custody of the child and visitation." It does not cover child support, spousal support, or evidence against the other parent. Counties report sessions of roughly one and a half to two hours, and most now hold them by video. The mediator may interview your child "when the mediator considers the interview appropriate or necessary," but may not require the child to state a preference. Sources: Judicial Council, Self-Help, Family Code 3180, Rule 5.210(h)(8).
If you agree: the plan becomes an order

The mediator writes up the agreement. It becomes an order only after each parent "has affirmed and assented to the agreement in open court or by written stipulation" and the judge signs it. Several counties build in a cooling-off period first: five calendar days in Los Angeles, ten days in San Bernardino, fifteen in Santa Clara. The schedule itself goes on the Child Custody and Visitation Order Attachment, FL-341, with a holiday schedule on FL-341(C). Sources: Family Code 3186, FL-341, county rules linked below.
If you do not agree: it depends on your county

In a confidential county the mediator tells the court only that there was no agreement, and the judge decides at the hearing. In a recommending county the counselor submits "a recommendation to the court as to the custody of or visitation with the child," in writing, before the hearing, and the judge must ask whether you received it. Either way the court may also order a custody evaluation, which "generally takes at least 2 months" and usually carries a fee. Sources: Family Code 3183, Family Code 3185, Self-Help on evaluations, Rule 5.220.
The hearing, the order, and anything the judge adds

"Usually, the judge will make a decision that day." The order is written on form FL-340 with the FL-341 attachment. Judges can add conditions. The Family Code lets a court require parents "to participate in outpatient counseling," and lets Family Court Services offer "parent education programs." Courts in this guide do not run their own co-parenting class; Santa Clara, San Diego and Riverside publish provider lists they expressly do not endorse. If your order or a stipulated plan calls for a co-parenting class, our 4-hour online class is built for that purpose. It does not replace the court's orientation or mediation, and it is not required unless your paperwork says so. Sources: Self-Help on hearings, Family Code 3190, Family Code 3170(b).

Confidential mediation vs. child custody recommending counseling

The Judicial Council describes "two primary types of mediation: confidential, also known as non-recommending, and recommending," and notes that "some local courts use a mixed model." The difference changes what you should expect to say in the room.

Confidential mediation

What you say stays in the room

"Mediation proceedings pursuant to this chapter shall be held in private and shall be confidential." If you do not reach an agreement, the mediator reports only that fact, and the judge decides on what is presented at the hearing.

No written recommendation goes to the judge
Pressure to agree comes only from the hearing ahead
The court's information sheet is FL-314-INFO
Used in Los Angeles, Orange and Santa Clara; offered as an option in Sacramento

Recommending counseling

The counselor advises the judge

Where local rules allow, "the mediator may submit a recommendation to the court as to the custody of or visitation with the child." The law calls this "child custody recommending counseling" and the mediator a "child custody recommending counselor."

If you do not agree, you get the recommendation in writing before the hearing
The judge may adopt it as the basis of the order
The court's information sheet is FL-313-INFO
Used in San Diego, Riverside, Alameda, San Bernardino, and Sacramento when a hearing is set

Why it matters: in a recommending county the counselor is listening as a future witness to the judge, and in several counties may be called to testify. In a confidential county the counselor cannot be compelled to repeat what you said. Sources: Judicial Council FCS page, Family Code 3177, Family Code 3183.

Eight counties at a glance

County	Model	Orientation	Session format	If no agreement
Los Angeles	Confidential	Our Children First, online, about 60 min, certificate filed with the clerk	Video or phone, up to 2 hours	Judge decides at the hearing
Orange	Confidential	Orientation to Mediation video, 7 languages	Zoom by default	"No recommendations are made"
San Diego	Recommending	Orientation video, English and Spanish	In person or virtual, 1.5 to 2 hours	Written recommendation before the hearing
Riverside	Recommending	Free Up to Parents online course plus the CCRC questionnaire, both printed and brought; orientation video encouraged	In person, arrive 30 min early, up to 2 hours	Recommendation filed at least 2 court days before the hearing
San Bernardino	Recommending	Online Orientation Class, about 40 min, bring the certificate	Video, phone or in person, your choice	Recommendation considered at the hearing
Sacramento	Both	FCS Orientation Program, within the last 12 months	Zoom encouraged, in person allowed	Recommendation (CCRC) or case closed (confidential)
Alameda	Recommending	Parent Orientation, scheduled through the mediation office	Zoom	Report emailed 3 court days before the hearing
Santa Clara	Confidential	Parent Orientation video, online, intake at the end	Microsoft Teams	Referral to a Post-Mediation Hearing

If there has been domestic violence

The rules change in four specific ways, and you do not need a court order to use them.

Separate sessions on request. At the request of a party "alleging domestic violence in a written declaration under penalty of perjury or protected by the order," the mediator "shall meet with the parties separately and at separate times." The FL-311 form itself says "A court order for separate sessions is not required." Family Code 3181
Asking is not held against you. Mediators "must not respond to a party's request for separate sessions as though it were evidence of his or her lack of cooperation." Rule 5.215(d)(6)
You may bring a support person. Courts must advise a protected party "of the right to have a support person attend any mediation orientation or mediation sessions." The support person may not speak for you or act as an advocate. Rule 5.215(h)
Your child will not be used as an interpreter, and the mediator "must not negotiate with the parties about using violence with each other" or about whether to seek or drop a restraining order. Rule 5.215(d)(3), (i)(1)

Several counties ask about safety on the intake form so the arrangements are in place before the appointment; Alameda and San Diego have specific forms for it, listed in their sections below. If you are in danger now, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233.

How to prepare

Pulled from the courts' own instructions. The county sections below say which apply where you are.

Finish the orientation and the intake form early. In Alameda the appointment "cannot be scheduled until the completed Intake Form is received." In Orange County, without the intake, "services are delayed." In Sacramento the questionnaire and orientation are due at least five days before.
Bring two schedule proposals, not one. San Diego's FCS FAQ suggests at least two. A calendar you have already worked through makes the session faster; our free custody schedule calculator lets you compare the common ones and count overnights.
Check the document rules before you print anything. San Diego accepts none "absent either a court order or a specific request." Sacramento allows up to ten pages, served on the other parent in advance. Alameda wants anything you rely on filed with the court first.
Do not bring the children unless the court ordered it or the mediator asked. Orange County and San Bernardino generally interview children from age 12, and San Bernardino notes "Children under 5 are not usually interviewed."
Treat it as a court date. Sacramento cancels if you are 15 minutes late. San Bernardino asks you to check in 15 minutes early. San Diego can sanction a no-show up to $1,500. Santa Clara charges $100 for a no-show or a cancellation inside 48 hours.
For video sessions, Orange County's tip sheet: be in "a private location with no 3rd parties present, including children," do not record, do not drive.
Ask for an interpreter in advance. Courts try to provide one "whenever possible." Request it on the intake form or by phone when you schedule.

County by county

What follows is drawn only from each court's own website, local rules and forms, fetched on October 22, 2026. Where a court does not publish something, we say so rather than guess. Each section ends with the sources and a link to our guide for that county's family courts.

Los Angeles County

Model: Confidential. "What the parties say to each other and to the Family Court Services Specialist in the mediation may not be revealed to the judicial officer." Staff "may not be compelled to testify."
Orientation: Our Children First, mandatory, online at lacourt.org, about 60 minutes, in English and Spanish. You need your case number to start. "Parents will receive a certificate of completion which the parent must file with the Clerk of the Court." An in-person alternative, PACT, is "offered on the first Thursday of each month at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse." Not required in domestic violence restraining order cases. The court may fine a parent who skips it, but mediation goes ahead anyway.
How it is scheduled: The parent asking for the order "will receive an Order to Participate in Mediation and must serve a copy of the order on the other party." You then confirm the appointment with the online Confidential Mediation Form; the FCS Mediation Office is 213-830-0835.
The session: By video or phone. "A mediation session may last up to two hours." Child interviews are done by a separate evaluation unit on court order, not in mediation.
Domestic violence: A party in a restraining order case "may request a mediation which will not involve the parents participating together at the same time."
Afterward: "A party has five calendar days within which to cancel any agreement reached." After that the plan goes to the judge for signature, who "may, however, require the parents to appear at a hearing" first.
Cost: "Mediation is provided at no cost through the Family Court Services Department."

Sources: LASC Local Rule 5.19, Child Custody Mediation, Our Children First, FL0015. Verified October 22, 2026. Our guide: Los Angeles County family courts and co-parenting classes.

Orange County

Model: Confidential. Mediation is "private and confidential, except when disclosure is required by law." If no agreement, "No recommendations are made. Unresolved issues return to the Court."
Orientation: The Orientation to Mediation video, required before mediation, available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Mandarin, Farsi and Arabic from the FCS page.
How it is scheduled: Parties "must complete the Mediation Intake Form & Questionnaire" online, or on paper at the 5th-floor FCS window. "Once an appointment is scheduled, it cannot be rescheduled." Same-day service exists for some hearings.
The session: "All FCS appointments are scheduled to be conducted remotely by Zoom videoconference." In-person can be requested if technology is a barrier. Attorneys "do not participate in the session but may advise clients outside it." Children attend only if the mediator requests or approves; minor interviews are "limited to 12+ years of age."
Domestic violence: "Safety measures include separate waiting areas, individual sessions, and the option for alleged victims to have a support person present."
Afterward: The mediator documents an agreement as a proposed parenting plan; "Once the judicial officer approves it, it becomes a court order."
Cost: Mediation is listed as "No Cost." Investigations and minor interviews carry deposits.
Where: Lamoreaux Justice Center, 341 The City Drive, Orange, 5th floor, Room C507. 657-622-6196.

Sources: OC Family Court Services, FCS service list (rev. 8/2026), remote appointment tip sheet. Verified October 22, 2026. Our guide: Orange County family courts and co-parenting classes.

San Diego County

Model: Recommending. The local rules state it plainly: "San Diego is a 'Recommending' County." Counseling "is non-confidential as between the counselor, the court, the parties and their attorneys, but remains confidential as to the public."
Orientation: The Family Court Services Orientation Video, English and Spanish. "You will view an orientation video before seeing a counselor."
How it is scheduled: The parent filing the Request for Order files a Screening Form (FCS-046); each parent sends a Data Sheet (FCS-002) to FCS before the appointment. The information sheet FCS-022 "should be read by the parties no later than one week before the session." "Absent a court order, an FCS session may be set only once every 12 months."
The session: In person or virtual. "The FCS conference will last 1½ to 2 hours." "No documents may be submitted to FCS for the counselor's review absent either a court order or a specific request." Do not bring children unless ordered; interviews are arranged separately.
Domestic violence: "Parties are seen together unless there is a restraining order or allegations of domestic violence." Without a restraining order, file the Declaration Alleging Domestic Violence for Separate Session (FCS-017). A support person is allowed with the Support Person Agreement (FCS-038).
Afterward: If no agreement, "the counselor will submit a comprehensive written report to the court that includes a custody and visitation recommendation and the reasons," provided to the parties before the hearing. "Absent timely evidentiary objections, the entire FCS report will be considered by the court."
Cost: The court's pages do not state a fee for FCS counseling.
Where: Central, 1100 Union St., San Diego, 619-844-2888. East County, 250 E. Main St., El Cajon, 619-456-4181. North County, 325 S. Melrose Dr., Vista, 760-201-8300. South County, 500 3rd Ave., Chula Vista, 619-746-6097.

Sources: SD Family Court Services, Local Rules Division V (2026), rules 5.11.1 and 5.11.2, FCS-022 information sheet. Verified October 22, 2026. Our guide: San Diego County family courts and co-parenting classes.

Riverside County

Model: Recommending. "In Riverside County child custody mediation is conducted by a Child Custody Recommending Counselor (CCRC) pursuant to Family Law Code §3183, whereby, in the event the parties do not reach an agreement during mediation, the CCRC will prepare a recommendation for the court's consideration."
Orientation: Two required items and one encouraged. "Each parent is required to complete an online course" at the Up to Parents website, which is free; print the certificate and bring it. Each parent must also complete the Child Custody Recommending Counseling Questionnaire (local form RI-FL024) and bring a printed copy. Parents "are also encouraged to view the Riverside Parent Orientation Program video."
How it is scheduled: Mediation "is set when a petition or other pleading has been filed requesting to obtain custody or visitation orders when parties do not agree." The court's page does not describe the booking mechanics beyond that.
The session: "Please arrive at least 30 minutes early." "Both parties must attend the CCRC appointment in order for CCRC services to occur. Be prepared to spend up to two hours." "No additional third parties nor children may be included in the CCRC session"; a child interview, if ordered or scheduled, gets a separate date. Counselors "will consider documents that have been filed with the court" and "are prohibited from reviewing/accepting unfiled documents."
Domestic violence: The court links the Judicial Council's Domestic Violence and Child Custody sheet (Family Code 3044) from its FCS page. The statewide rules on separate sessions and a support person apply; the court's page does not add local detail.
Afterward: "Neither parent can have further communication of any type with the Child Custody Recommending Counselor." The counselor prepares the stipulated agreement, or a recommendation, and "will typically submit the proposed agreement or recommendation to the court a minimum of 2 court days prior to the hearing." Disagreements with the recommendation are raised "at your hearing date." Complaints and requests to change counselor go to RCFLCCRC@riverside.courts.ca.gov, answered within 30 days under Local Rule 5155(J).
Cost: The court's page states the required online course is free; it does not state a fee for CCRC itself. Court-connected mediation is free statewide.
Where: Family Court Services is directed from the Riverside Family Law Court, 4175 Main Street, 2nd floor, Riverside. Confirm the location of your own appointment on your notice.
Class lists: The court publishes a co-parenting classes resource list as "a public service to court users," without endorsement, and accepts provider applications annually.

Sources: Riverside Family Court Services (overview, "Preparing for" and "After" sections), RI-FL024 questionnaire. Read in a browser on October 22, 2026; the court's site challenges automated access, so re-check it directly. Our guide: Riverside County family courts and co-parenting classes.

San Bernardino County

Model: Recommending. "If parents don't agree, the counselor makes a recommendation to the court." The counselor "may be called as a witness by either party, subject to cross examination."
Orientation: The Online Orientation Class, about 40 minutes, four video parts, in English or Spanish. "Both parents must complete this class before their counseling session." You print a certificate at the end: "PLEASE BRING YOUR CERTIFICATE TO YOUR APPOINTMENT for proof of completion."
How it is scheduled: After the judge orders it, "you should go immediately after your hearing to the Family Court Services office to obtain an appointment date and time." The service "usually happens before the first court date." A mandatory questionnaire comes with the appointment.
The session: "Remotely by videoconference or telephone" or "in-person at the court," your choice. Check in 15 minutes early. "The parties' attorneys do not participate." Children may be interviewed if the court orders it or the counselor decides it is necessary; "Children under 5 are not usually interviewed."
Afterward: A full agreement is written up on the spot and signed; "each party shall have ten days to object to or rescind the Agreement." If only custody and visitation are at issue, no court appearance is then required. Otherwise "The Court will consider the recommendation at the time of the RFO hearing."
Cost: "This service is free."
Where: San Bernardino, 351 North Arrowhead Avenue, 909-521-3180. Barstow, 235 East Mountain View Street, 760-718-3715. Joshua Tree, 6527 White Feather Road, 760-974-3039. Victorville, 14455 Civic Drive, 760-269-4795.

Sources: SB Family Court Services, Online Orientation Class, Local Rules 1510 and 1511.1, agreement procedure. Verified October 22, 2026. Our guide: San Bernardino County family courts and co-parenting classes.

Sacramento County

Model: Both. "FCS performs Confidential Mediation and Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC)." When a hearing is set on a disputed request, CCRC applies: "Family Code section 3170 requires that Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC) take place whenever issues of custody or visitation are in dispute." Parents who are communicating can instead file a Petition for Confidential Mediation without a Request for Order; in that track, "If you do not reach an agreement, no report or recommendations will be issued."
Orientation: You must "Complete the required Family Court Services Orientation Program within the last 12 months," at least five days before the appointment.
How it is scheduled: Filing the Request for Order sets both the hearing and the CCRC appointment. "If a CCRC report was issued within 6 months of the date you file your request, a CCRC appointment will not be scheduled." Before the appointment: file the Case Participant Enrollment Form, submit the Parenting Plan Questionnaire (ME-802), and file a Notice of Remote Appearance if attending by Zoom.
The session: "You must arrive at least 10 minutes before the appointment, and if you are 15 minutes late, it may be canceled." Parties may submit "up to 10 single-sided pages" of documents, served on the other side in advance; attorneys may send a one-page input letter. "Children are only interviewed by order of the Court or at the mediator's discretion."
Domestic violence: With a restraining order or a report of violence, "the mediator may interview the parties separately. The victim may request to have a support person present."
Afterward: Full agreement: a report of it is available to you and the court before the hearing. Partial or none: "the mediator will make recommendations to the Court." "You must have a copy of your agreement or report when you attend the hearing." A missed appointment "may not be rescheduled."
Cost: "These services are provided free of charge."
Where: William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse, 3341 Power Inn Road, Room 104, Sacramento. 916-875-3400. FCS@saccourt.ca.gov.

Sources: Sacramento Family Court Services, Set a Hearing (CCRC), Confidential Mediation, Subpoena a Mediator. Verified October 22, 2026. Our guide: Sacramento County family courts and co-parenting classes.

Alameda County

Model: Recommending. "If the parties do not agree on a parenting plan, the CCRC will submit a report and recommendations." Plainly: "If you cannot agree, the mediator will recommend a parenting plan to court."
Orientation: A Parent Orientation exists; the court says to "Call the Child Custody Mediation Services office to schedule a Parent Orientation and Mediation." The court's pages do not state its format or length.
How it is scheduled: You email the FCS Intake Form; "Your mediation appointment cannot be scheduled until the completed Intake Form is received." The appointment notice comes by email or text. "Attending scheduled mediation is mandatory pursuant to Family Code 3170."
The session: "Mediation appointments are conducted remotely via Zoom." Anything you want reviewed should be filed with the court first. "Children are not to be brought to CCRC sessions without prior approval." The counselor "generally does not have private discussions with parents or their attorneys."
Domestic violence: "If there are sworn allegations of domestic violence between the parties, the appointments will be scheduled separately." A support person "may not participate in the session." Bring your restraining order papers.
Afterward: "The report will be submitted to you by email three (3) court days prior to the hearing date." "Only a judicial officer can make a court order," and the judge weighs "many sources of information, not just on the CCRC's report." Do not contact the counselor after the session.
Cost: The court's pages do not state a fee for CCRC.
Where: Hayward Hall of Justice, 24405 Amador Street, Hayward. 510-690-2500. familycourtservices@alameda.courts.ca.gov. Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:00.

Sources: Alameda Family Court Services, Child Custody, Support and Visitation, scheduling instructions (rev. 4/2026), what to know before mediation, after mediation. Verified October 22, 2026. Our guide: Alameda County family courts and co-parenting classes.

Santa Clara County

Model: Confidential. "What is discussed between the parents and the Court Mediator is not shared with anyone, including the Court (with the exception of mandated reporting requirements)." If there is no agreement, the mediator issues a Referral to Post-Mediation Hearing.
Orientation: The Parent Orientation video, online in English and Spanish. "Parties must first view the Parent Orientation video prior to scheduling and participating in mediation." The intake form is submitted at the end of the video. Every custody Request for Order carries the order: "Each party is ordered to complete Orientation and schedule Mediation before going to the hearing."
How it is scheduled: "Mediations are generated by referrals from the court based on filings." After orientation, "FCS shall schedule the first available mediation appointment." You may reschedule once. Parents without a pending motion can stipulate to mediation with form FM-1195.
The session: "Mediation appointments are conducted remotely through the Microsoft Teams application." In-person can be requested if you lack the technology. "The mediation appointment shall be considered a court date."
Domestic violence: A party with concerns "should contact Family Court Services." The waiver of the objection period is not available in cases with domestic violence allegations.
Afterward: The mediator mails the written agreement; "If FCS receives no written objections with proof of service within 15 calendar days," it is submitted to become the order. Parents may waive the wait and have the order filed the same day.
Cost: "There are no fees for FCS mediation, provided that there is a pending custody or visitation motion." No-shows and cancellations inside 48 hours "will be subject to a $100.00 fee."
Where: Family Justice Center Courthouse, 201 N. First Street, 5th floor, San Jose. 408-534-5760. fcscalendar@scscourt.org.

Sources: Santa Clara Family Court Services, Local Family Rules 2A to 2C, FM-1195. Verified October 22, 2026. Our guide: Santa Clara County family courts and co-parenting classes.

Questions parents ask

Do I have to go to Family Court Services mediation?

Yes, if custody or visitation is contested in a California case. Family Code 3170 says the court "shall set the contested issues for mediation," and the Self-Help Center puts it as "the law says you will have to go to mediation before seeing the judge." Counties treat the appointment as a court date; missing it can mean sanctions or losing the appointment.

Is Family Court Services free?

Court-connected mediation is provided "at no cost" statewide. Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Sacramento and Santa Clara say so on their own pages. Custody evaluations, investigations and private mediators are different and usually carry fees. Santa Clara charges $100 for a no-show.

Is what I say in mediation confidential?

It depends on your county. In Los Angeles, Orange and Santa Clara it is confidential and cannot reach the judge. In San Diego, Riverside, Alameda, San Bernardino, and in Sacramento when a hearing is set, the counselor writes a recommendation to the judge if you do not agree, so what you say can shape it. Every mediator must report suspected child abuse regardless of model.

Can my lawyer come to the session?

Family Code 3182 gives the mediator "authority to exclude counsel." Orange County and San Bernardino say attorneys do not participate. The Judicial Council's advice: "Some courts permit attorney involvement; some do not. Parents should confirm in advance with Family Court Services in their county."

Will my child be interviewed?

Only when the court orders it or the mediator decides it is necessary, and never to make the child pick a parent. Orange County generally interviews from age 12; San Bernardino says children under 5 usually are not interviewed; San Diego and Alameda arrange any interview at a separate time. Do not bring children unless told to.

What if there has been domestic violence?

You can ask for separate sessions by filing a declaration under penalty of perjury or by holding a protective order, and you do not need a court order to get them. You may bring a support person who does not speak for you. Tell the mediator or put it on the intake form as early as possible so arrangements are made before the appointment.

What happens if the other parent does not show up?

The mediator informs the court. In San Diego a no-show can bring sanctions "up to $1,500." Sacramento says a missed appointment "may not be rescheduled," so the hearing goes ahead on what the judge has. Family Code 3186 also lets an agreement be confirmed as an order "if a party fails to appear at a noticed hearing."

Is a co-parenting class the same as mediation or the orientation?

No. The orientation and the mediation are run by the court and are free. A co-parenting or parent-education class is a separate thing a judge may order, or parents may agree to in a parenting plan. Courts publish provider lists but do not run the classes themselves. Our 4-hour online class is built for that order; it does not replace any step on this page.

Statewide sources used on this page

Family Code sections 3160 to 3188, Mediation of Custody and Visitation Issues, including 3170, 3175, 3177, 3180, 3181, 3182, 3183, 3185 and 3186
Family Code section 3190, court-ordered counseling
California Rules of Court, rule 5.210, court-connected child custody mediation (amended January 1, 2023)
Rule 5.215, domestic violence protocol for Family Court Services
Rule 5.220, child custody evaluations
Judicial Council, Family Court Services program page
California Courts Self-Help, what to expect from family court mediation; also the pages on asking for a custody order, evaluations and the hearing
Judicial Council forms and information sheets: FL-300-INFO, FL-311, FL-341, FL-105, FL-313-INFO, FL-314-INFO

County sources are listed under each county above. Something out of date? Tell us and we will correct it and update the verified date.

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