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HomeFamily CodeDiv. 8Pt. 2Ch. 11Art. 3§ 3176 Mediation Notice Requirements

§ 3176 Mediation Notice Requirements

Family Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Related Statutes·References
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§ 3176 Mediation Notice Requirements

The law tells who must get a mailed notice about a mediation or hearing for child‑custody or visitation fights, how to send it, and that talks with the mediator stay private.

Key Takeaways

  • •Notice must go to every person and their lawyer who is part of the custody or visitation case.
  • •The notice has to be sent by certified mail with a return receipt to the last known address.
  • •Everything the mediator talks about is kept confidential.

Example

A grandparent asks the court for the right to see their grandchild. The court must mail a notice about the upcoming mediation to the grandparent, both parents of the child, and each parent’s lawyer.

The grandparent and the parents all get a certified‑mail letter with a return receipt request. The letter also says that anything the mediator says or hears will stay secret between the mediator and the people in the dispute.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 3176 Mediation Notice Requirements

(a)Notice of mediation and of any hearing to be held pursuant to this chapter shall be given to the following persons: (1)Where mediation is required to settle a contested issue of custody or visitation, to each party and to each party’s counsel of record. (2)Where a stepparent or grandparent seeks visitation rights, to the stepparent or grandparent seeking visitation rights, to each parent of the child, and to each parent’s counsel of record. (b)Notice shall be given by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the last known address. (c)Notice of mediation pursuant to Section 3188 shall state that all communications involving the mediator shall be kept confidential between the mediator and the disputing parties.

Last verified: February 26, 2026

Related Statutes

  • § 3175 Mediation Timing Requirements
  • § 3177 Mediation Confidentiality Rules
  • § 3178 Mediation Agreements For Custody
  • § 3179 Mediation Agreement Modification Rules
  • § 3180 Child Custody Mediation Duties

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Family Code. Section 3176.
View Official Source