§ 3161 Child Custody Mediation Goals

Family Code·California

AI SummaryReview recommended

This law says that a mediation meeting is meant to calm down fighting parents and help them agree on a visitation plan that’s best for the child.

Key Takeaways

•Mediation is used to lower conflict between the parties.
•The goal is to make sure the child keeps close contact with both parents.
•Any visitation agreement must be in the child’s best interest.

Example

Two parents who are getting divorced keep arguing about how often the child should see each of them.

They go to a mediator, who helps them talk calmly, reduces the fighting, and creates a schedule that lets the child spend time with both parents in a way that’s good for the child.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 3161 Child Custody Mediation Goals

The purposes of a mediation proceeding are as follows: (a)To reduce acrimony that may exist between the parties. (b)To develop an agreement assuring the child close and continuing contact with both parents that is in the best interest of the child, consistent with Sections 3011 and 3020. (c)To effect a settlement of the issue of visitation rights of all parties that is in the best interest of the child.

Last verified: February 26, 2026

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Family Code. Section 3161.

Key Takeaways

Example

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Related Statutes

References