Mediation
Mediation is problem-solving, not counseling. Your disagreement is seen as a problem to solve, not as a fight. Mediation lets you make your own decisions. You can come up with your own personal contract on how you will care for your children now that you no longer live together. The legal term for this personal contract is “stipulation.” It can also be called a “parenting plan” or a “parenting agreement.”
What Do Mediators Do?
A mediator meets with both parents, listens to each of you, and then works with you so you can come up with a plan you can both agree is best for your child. The mediator's job is to be impartial, keep things fair, help you look at different options, help you come up with a calendar for times with the children, and support you in your efforts.
Mediation Rules
- Each parent is treated with respect and has an equal chance to explain his or her viewpoint and concerns.
- Each parent listens to the other and tries to find realistic solutions.
- Each parent is asked to put the children first and focus on what the children need and can handle.
- Each parent is asked to show respect for the other and to recognize that their child has a right to a relationship with each of them.
- Hitting, pushing, shoving, and threats of any type are not allowed and considered domestic violence. Mediation is to be a safe place for both parents.
The mediator's job is to see that these rules are followed.
If There Has Been Domestic Violence
If you or a family member has any concerns about domestic violence, please do three things:
- Tell your lawyer if you have one.
- Answer all of the questions from the judge or mediation intake person about this problem.
- Talk to your mediator about this problem at the beginning of the mediation session.
KEEP IN MIND: The course of your session with the mediator can be determined by whether you have a domestic violence restraining order in effect and whether there has been a history of domestic violence between you and the other parent. In these cases, you have a right, subject to certain limitations, to have a support person with you during mediation and in the courtroom. You may also choose to see the mediator alone and at a different time from the other parent.
Also, if a mediator suspects any kind of child abuse, he or she is required by law to report it. Anyone who knowingly submits a false report of abuse is committing a crime. Ask your mediator for a list of community resources available to assist you and your children.
Visit our FAQ page for more information.
Orientation to Mediation
The Mediation/Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC) process begins with your completion of the mandatory Orientation to Mediation. Orientation consists of viewing the Orientation to Family court Mediation and Child Custody Recommending Counseling video, reviewing the Orientation to Mediation Packet and filling out and submitting the Child Custody Mediation Intake Form and the Information for Custody/Visitation Form. The Court asks that the Orientation to Mediation be completed at least 5 days prior to your scheduled mediation appointment.
The purpose of the Orientation is to familiarize you with the Mediation/CCRC process and help you prepare for your appointment. Please remember, Orientation to Mediation is mandatory and must be completed prior to your Mediation /CCRC appointment. You are responsible for scheduling your own time to complete the online orientation process which takes approximately 1 hour. Mediation /CCRC and Orientation are for the parties in the case ONLY. Please make arrangements for the care of you child/ren to be in a separate location from you during the time of your mediation and while you complete the Orientation to Mediation. If you have special needs, please contact us so that we may accommodate you.
Orientation should be completed in the following order by clicking on the following links:
- Review the Instructions for Submission of the Child Custody Mediation Intake and Information for Custody/Visitation Forms.
- View the Orientation to Family court Mediation and Child Custody Recommending Counseling video (approximately 30 minutes long).
- Review the Orientation to Mediation Packet.
- You may either print, fill out and return a hard copy of the Child Custody Mediation Intake Form or you may fill out the form online and follow the instructions for Submission of the Child Custody Mediation Intake and Information for Custody/Visitation forms and submit your completed form online via email.
- You may either print, fill out and return a hard copy of the Information for custody/Visitation Matters or you may fill out the form online and follow the instructions for Submission of the Child Custody Mediation Intake and Information for Custody/Visitation Matters Forms and submit your completed form online via email.
Thank you for participating in Glenn County Superior Court’s Orientation to Mediation!