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Family Mediation
Mediation gives parents the opportunity to create a parenting plan for the care of their children after separation. A parenting plan contains decisions made by the parents or the court about the living arrangements and other regular contacts that the children will have with their parents after the separation or divorce.
There is no set limit on the number of mediation sessions needed to create a parenting plan that serves in the best interest of the children. If no agreement is reached over the course of the mediation process, and it appears that further sessions will be unproductive, the case is generally referred back to the court for a hearing and the judge will make a decision about an appropriate parenting plan.
Prior to the first mediation appointment, both parents are required to attend the Family Court Orientation and Parent Education Program, held in the Historic Courthouse, 825 Brown Street, Napa. Dates to attend are assigned when the moving papers are filed. This program is usually held every Thursday afternoon and lasts approximately three hours. Other dates are assigned by Family Court Services. Please call (707) 299-1240 for more information.
After both parents have attended the orientation and education program, a mediation appointment is scheduled.
Mediation appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm (with the last mediation appointment beginning at 3:15pm each day). If you should have any questions about scheduling an appointment, please call Family Court Services at (707) 299-1240.
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.
Note: Family Court Orientation, Family Mediation, and Family Law Facilitator Self Help Services are offered by Spanish-speaking staff. Other languages are available through the use of certified interpreters.
