What is mediation and how long are mediation sessions?
Mediation is a confidential process. Mediators are highly trained neutrals who assist parties in creating plans that best serve the needs of their children. In family law cases, mediators assist parents in making their own plans for their children by keeping the focus on the children’s needs, the safety of all involved and helping to establish better communication between the parents. These mediation sessions are generally 2 hours in length. In juvenile dependency cases, mediators assist the parties in working out a plan that best supports the child’s needs. Parents, social workers, all involved attorneys, and other participants invited by the court or the parties, participate in the mediation. Orientation takes place at the time of the mediation session, which is generally 2 ½ to 3 hours long. At the end of the mediation session the parties report directly back to the court and request that the court make their agreement an order or set a date for a hearing if no agreement is reached.
