In Contra Costa County, when a party files a motion asking the Court to make child custody orders, the parties are ordered to attend a mandatory Child Custody Recommending Counseling session. Both parents attend the session, and with the assistance of a mediator, the parents attempt to resolve their disputes and create a parenting plan.
During the mediation session, the mediator will focus on what is in the best interest of the child. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement during the session, then the recommending mediator will draft a report for the Court to review. This report will contain a recommendation, and the judge will decide whether to adopt the recommendation made within the report.
We work with our clients to prepare and counsel them for the mediation session. We also speak with our clients after their mediation session so that we can continue to gain knowledge and insight to the process. In our experience, the report that the mediator writes is very strongly considered by the judge when the judge determines the custody order. It is an opportunity for us to help our clients succeed in reaching their goals regarding child custody.
To read more about the Child Custody Recommending Counseling session, visit the Court’s website here.
