Section 3170 Of Article 2. Availability Of Mediation From California Family Law Code >> Division 8. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 11. >> Article 2.
3170
. (a) If it appears on the face of a petition, application, or
other pleading to obtain or modify a temporary or permanent custody
or visitation order that custody, visitation, or both are contested,
the court shall set the contested issues for mediation.
(b) Domestic violence cases shall be handled by Family Court
Services in accordance with a separate written protocol approved by
the Judicial Council. The Judicial Council shall adopt guidelines for
services, other than services provided under this chapter, that
courts or counties may offer to parents who have been unable to
resolve their disputes. These services may include, but are not
limited to, parent education programs, booklets, video recordings, or
referrals to additional community resources.