Section 3183 Of Article 3. Mediation Proceedings From California Family Law Code >> Division 8. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 11. >> Article 3.
3183
. (a) Except as provided in Section 3188, the mediator may,
consistent with local court rules, submit a recommendation to the
court as to the custody of or visitation with the child, if the
mediator has first provided the parties and their attorneys,
including counsel for any minor children, with the recommendations in
writing in advance of the hearing. The court shall make an inquiry
at the hearing as to whether the parties and their attorneys have
received the recommendations in writing. If the mediator is
authorized to submit a recommendation to the court pursuant to this
subdivision, the mediation and recommendation process shall be
referred to as "child custody recommending counseling" and the
mediator shall be referred to as a "child custody recommending
counselor." Mediators who make those recommendations are considered
mediators for purposes of Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 3160),
and shall be subject to all requirements for mediators for all
purposes under this code and the California Rules of Court. On and
after January 1, 2012, all court communications and information
regarding the child custody recommending counseling process shall
reflect the change in the name of the process and the name of the
providers.
(b) If the parties have not reached agreement as a result of the
mediation proceedings, the mediator may recommend to the court that
an investigation be conducted pursuant to Chapter 6 (commencing with
Section 3110) or that other services be offered to assist the parties
to effect a resolution of the controversy before a hearing on the
issues.
(c) In appropriate cases, the mediator may recommend that
restraining orders be issued, pending determination of the
controversy, to protect the well-being of the child involved in the
controversy.