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HomeFamily CodeDiv. 8Pt. 2Ch. 11Art. 2§ 3171 Stepparent Grandparent Visitation Mediation

§ 3171 Stepparent Grandparent Visitation Mediation

Family Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 3171 Stepparent Grandparent Visitation Mediation

This law says that if a stepparent or grandparent asks the court for visitation rights with a child, the court must first send them to mediation. It also says that if one parent doesn't join the mediation, they can't later complain about the agreement made or ask for a court hearing.

Key Takeaways

  • •If a stepparent or grandparent wants to visit a child, the court will make them try mediation first.
  • •If one parent doesn't join the mediation, they can't later complain about the agreement or ask for a court hearing.
  • •Mediation is a way to solve problems without going to court.

Example

A grandparent wants to visit their grandchild, but the parents are divorced and one parent doesn't want the grandparent to see the child.

The grandparent can ask the court for visitation rights, but the court will first make them go to mediation. If one parent doesn't go to mediation, they can't later say they don't like the agreement or ask for a court hearing.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 3171 Stepparent Grandparent Visitation Mediation

(a) If a stepparent or grandparent has petitioned, or otherwise applied, for a visitation order pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 3100), the court shall set the matter for mediation. (b) A natural or adoptive parent who is not a party to the proceeding is not required to participate in the mediation proceeding, but failure to participate is a waiver of that parent’s right to object to a settlement reached by the other parties during mediation or to require a hearing on the matter. (Repealed and added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 219, Sec. 116.87. Effective January 1, 1994.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

stepparentgrandparentvisitation ordermediationnatural or adoptive parentwaiver

Related Statutes

  • § 3185 Mediation Failure Court Hearing
  • § 3173 Custody Mediation Petition Process
  • § 3170 Custody Mediation Requirements
  • § 3172 Mediation In Paternity Cases
  • § 3175 Mediation Timing Requirements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Family Code. Section 3171.
View Official Source