West Hills, CA asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for California

Q: I was served with TRO & Divorce papers and there was a mediation session scheduled. what to do/not to do?

Need info on below

1)What is LA Court mediation?

2)Is it attended by only the petitioner and respondent? or attorney's involved?

3)What can be the outcomes of the mediation session

4)Is it regarding Child Custody/support as a minor child is involved in my case? I have a TRO in effect. How does this work?

5)Who initiates the mediation? Is it by Court or the petitioner?

6)Can we request a mediation session to be rescheduled?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Under California law, LA Court mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps the involved parties to reach a mutual agreement on their disputes. It's often used in family law cases, including divorces and issues related to child custody and support.

Typically, both the petitioner and respondent attend the mediation, and attorneys may also be present. Their involvement can provide legal guidance and help in understanding the implications of any agreements reached.

The outcomes of mediation can vary greatly. They might include agreements on child custody, visitation schedules, child support, spousal support, and division of assets and debts. The goal is to find a solution that both parties can agree on, outside of a court ruling.

If your case involves a minor child and a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), the mediation will likely address these issues. The mediator will take into account the safety and well-being of the child, as well as the specifics of the TRO.

Mediation can be initiated either by the court or at the request of either party. In many family law cases, courts encourage or require mediation as a step towards resolving issues amicably.

If you need to reschedule a mediation session, it's usually possible to do so. However, this depends on the specific circumstances of your case and the policies of the mediation service or court. It's advisable to request a reschedule as soon as you know you need one.

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