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Emergency Mediation
An Emergency Mediation session gives parent an opportunity to agree on a temporary parenting plan with the help of a neutral mediator, pending the scheduling of a regular mediation appointment at Family Court Services at a later date. Emergency Mediation is only available at the request of the Family Law judge and is utilized in cases in which one or both parents say that having no parenting plan in place produces a risk to the safety of a child or family member. If no agreement results from the Emergency Mediation, the judge may order a temporary parenting plan.
At the Emergency Mediation session, parents will be given information about Family Court Services’ program titled Family Court Orientation and Parent Education, which they are required to attend. After both parents have completed the Family Court Orientation and Parent Education program, a follow-up mediation appointment will be scheduled at Family Court Services.
Emergency Mediation Procedures:
- There is no charge to attend Emergency Mediation.
- A referral from the court is necessary to attend Emergency Mediation.
- In most cases, Emergency Mediation takes place on the same day as the court appearance.
- It is not necessary for parents to have completed the Family Court Orientation and Parent Education program prior to participation in Emergency Mediation.
- After participating in Emergency Mediation, both parents will be required to attend the Family Court Orientation and Parent Education program. A follow-up Child Custody and Visitation Mediation appointment will be scheduled after both parents attend Family Court Orientation and Parent Education.
In cases where a restraining order is in effect, either parent may request information about available parking areas and separate waiting rooms in Family Court Services for mediation appointments. The main courthouse entrance is staffed by security personnel. Parents may also choose to mediate separately. See Domestic Violence Services for additional information. Domestic Violence Services
Note: Family Court Orientation, Family Mediation, and Family Law Facilitator and Guardianship Services are offered by Spanish-speaking staff. Other languages are available through the use of certified interpreters.
