The Family Law Division of the Contra Costa County Superior Court is pleased to announce a voluntary mediation program that is designed to be less expensive, less stressful, and less time consuming than traditional litigation. The program is staffed by trained family law attorney mediators who will meet with parties to assist them in settling their family law cases amicably and early. The use of this program is voluntary and must be agreed to by both parties.

Mediation is useful at any point in litigation and is not binding unless an agreement is reached and an Order is signed by the Judge. Either party may consult another attorney from the mediation panel or other private attorney before any agreements are finalized. Either the mediator or your lawyer can help you finalize orders.

• May facilitate the settlement of a single issue or an entire case.
• Helps parties learn to cooperate.
• Allows parties to make informed decisions.
• Is private and confidential.
• Does not require court appearances.

The Court strongly recommends the use of mediation. However the Court does not endorse the skills of any particular mediator or guarantee the results in any particular case. Results depend on the cooperation of the parties. Both parties are encouraged to enter the program with good faith settlement intentions.

Voluntary mediation with an attorney is not a substitute for mandatory custody mediation required by current law where custody remains in dispute. However, if a settlement regarding custody is reached, the mediation at Family Court Services may not be necessary.

There are 3 options for mediation services:

1. Joint Mediation Session for 90 minutes for $150.00;
2. Joint Mediation Orientation for 30 minutes for $30.00; and
3. Individual Pre-Mediation Consultation for 30 minutes for $30.00.

This Family Law mediation panel is made up of attorneys with special training in mediation and a commitment to finding an alternative to litigation. Each person on the panel:

• has been licensed to practice law for at least five years;
• has completed at least 40 hours of MCLE-approved basic training in family law mediation;
• has had at least 20 hours of MCLE-approved training in family law issues during the last two years, including at least 6 hours of advanced MCLE-approved mediation training each year;
• is a Certified Specialist in Family Law or devotes at least 50% of his/her practice to family law;
• is a member of the Contra Costa County Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service (LRS);
• maintains professional liability insurance in an amount of not less than $100,000.00 for each occurrence, and $300,000.00 aggregate per year; and
• agrees to provide the first 90 minutes of mediation for $150.00 (option "A" only).

Option "A" Joint Mediation Session:

• 90-minute session for $150.00
  (Parties generally split cost. $30.00 goes to LRIS, $120.00 goes to attorney-mediator. Money collected up-front by LRIS. Any services and fees after 90 minute session negotiated directly between attorney-mediator and clients).
• Both parties participate
• Actual mediation session
• Attorney-mediator can write up and file agreement (although 90-minute session probably will not cover that service)

Option "B" Joint Mediation Orientation:

• 30-minute session for $30.00
  ($30.00 fee covers LRIS administrative expense. Attorney-mediator donates his/her time for 30-minute session. Any fees thereafter negotiated directly between attorney-mediator and clients).
• Joint mediation orientation
• Both parties attend
• Attorney-mediator explains mediation process
• Generally recommended when parties are undecided about mediation
• Parties can opt to hire attorney-mediator to mediate their dispute, but at attorney-mediator's regular hourly rate; or
• Parties can opt for Option A

Option "C" Individual Pre-Mediation Consultation:

• 30-minute session for $30.00
  ($30.00 fee covers LRIS administrative expense. Attorney-mediator donates his/her time for 30-minute session. Any fees thereafter negotiated directly between attorney-mediator and client).
• Mediation support (or pre-mediation) consultation with one party only
• Generally recommended when consumer undecided between opting for mediation or litigation as dispute resolution process
• Client can opt to hire attorney as consulting attorney to mediation; or
• Client can opt to hire attorney to represent him/her in litigation.