Family Court Services

Mediation

California law states that in all child custody and visitation cases where the parties have been unable to reach an agreement on a parenting plan, the case is required to be sent for mediation.

The court orders the parties to participate in and complete the local mediation program prior to a court making permanent custody orders. You may make a mediation appointment at the clerk's desk following your court appearance. Family Court Services and Mediators/Child Custody Recommending Counselors (CCRC) provide services to families who need assistance in arriving at a parenting plan for their children. Please note that Judges, not Mediators, have final say in determining a parent plan.

Please do not bring children to any part of this process unless asked to do so by the judge or Mediator/Child Custody Recommending Counselor.

Online Mediation Orientation

If you are required to attend mediation, you must complete the Online Mediation Orientation. The orientation is approximately 30 minutes long, and will tell you what to expect from the mediation and Child Custody Recommending Custody process. Once you have finished the orientation, you will complete an intake form that is required for your mediator to fairly assess your situation.

Start the Orientation!

Please fill out the intake form by Clicking on the button below.

Intake Form!

Introduction to Butte County Superior Court Services handout (PDF)

Attending Mediation

All mediation appointments are conducted remotely using Zoom. You will be emailed a hyperlink invitation to your scheduled mediation session the Friday prior to your mediation appointment time. To ensure you receive this link, provide the Court Clerk with a current email address. 

You must be in a quiet and private location where you can participate in the Zoom session without being overheard or interrupted. Mediation sessions can be expected to take up to 1½ hours. If needed, arrange childcare for the duration of the appointment. No third parties can participate in the session with you unless directed by the judge or Child Custody Recommending Counselor. Recording the session is prohibited and not allowed. 

Mediation and CCRC Frequently Asked Questions

Click here for Mediation and CCRC Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).

Mediation and CCRC Forms

Information Form For Custody And/Or Visitation Matters

Family Court Services Client Complaint Form

Probate Investigations

Probate Court Investigators assist the Court by gathering objective information in conservatorship and guardianship matters. Their role is to interview involved individuals, review available records, and provide the judge with a summary of facts that will help the Court make decisions that protect vulnerable adults and minors.

Conservatorship Investigations

In conservatorship cases, the Court assigns a Court Investigator to meet with the proposed conservatee and evaluate the suitability of the proposed conservator. The Investigator explains the petition, discusses the conservatee’s rights, and gathers information about the conservatee’s needs, abilities, and preferences. After the conservatorship is established, the Investigator conducts periodic follow up reviews as required by law to help the Court ensure the arrangement continues to meet the conservatee’s needs.

Guardianship Investigations

In guardianship cases involving a minor, the Court Investigator meets with the proposed guardian and the minor to learn about their living situation, the proposed guardian’s ability to provide care, and the parents’ involvement. The investigation may include interviews and a review of relevant records. The Investigator prepares a report for the Court with information that helps the judge determine whether the proposed guardianship is appropriate and in the best interest of the minor. If guardianship is established, the guardian must file a yearly Confidential Guardianship Status Report, which the Investigator reviews before making a recommendation to the Court on whether the guardianship should continue.