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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 contact 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 on the Lower Level, Historic Courthouse, 825 Brown Street, Napa. This program is held every Friday from 8:15a.m. to 12:30p.m. You MUST call to make an appointment to attend Orientation, (707) 299-1240.

After both parents have attended the orientation and education program, a mediation appointment is scheduled.

Mediation appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (with the last mediation beginning at 3:30 p.m. 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. Domestic Violence Services

Note: Family Court Orientation, Family Mediation, and Family Law Facilitator and Guardianship Services are offered by Spanish-speaking staff.  Other languages are available through the use of certified interpreters.