WHY MEDIATION:

Family Court Custody Mediation is required under Family Code Section 3170 anytime the issue of custody or visitation is brought before the court. Prior to a hearing on the issues parties will be referred to mediation to allow them an opportunity to arrive at an agreement which will be in the "best interests of the child".

WHAT IS A RECOMMENDING MEDIATION:

Superior Court of California, County of Humboldt is a “recommending” county. This means that if the parties are unable to come to an agreement at the mediation regarding custody and/or visitation the mediator will write a report to the court recommending a possible resolution. The mediator will base this recommendation on the statements of both parties and a background check of any ancillary sources the mediator finds necessary to arrive at a recommendation. This is only a recommendation which the Court, the parties and their attorney will be provided prior to a hearing on the issues.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING:

Parties are not expected to bring any documentation to the mediation. The mediators will discover any documentation necessary and request the parties sign a Release of Information allowing them to contact any sources needed to write their report. Any minor child age of seven (7) and over will be required to attend the mediation as well.

MEDIATION ORIENTATION:

Parties are required to review the following material to familiarize themselves with mediation and concepts which could assist them in arriving at a parenting plan which will be in the best interest of their child.

Below is a link to the Mediation Orientation slide show to watch click on View then select "slide show". If you do not have a PowerPoint viewer you can download it here.

• Mediation Orientation Presentation (PPT, 2Mb)