When parents face custody, visitation, or other family law disputes in San Francisco, mediation is a central step. At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., our San Francisco family law attorneys guide clients through this process, help you prepare effectively, and advocate for your child’s best interests.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a confidential, informal process in which a neutral professional (the mediator) assists the parties in reaching an agreement concerning parenting time and the child’s well-being without immediately going to a contested hearing.
Key attributes:
- The mediator does not decide the outcome (unless the local model is “recommending” and is required to submit a report).
- The focus is on the child’s best interests; this standard factors in health, safety, overall well-being, ongoing parent-child relationships, and reducing conflict between parents.
- In San Francisco, mediation for custody/visitation is handled through the court’s Family Court Services (FCS) unit.
Why Mediation Matters in San Francisco Family Law
For cases in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco—especially involving custody and visitation—mediation is a required or strongly encouraged step before or in tandem with court hearings.
Benefits of mediation:
- It often allows parents greater control over the parenting plan rather than leaving decisions solely to the judge.
- Avoiding litigation by working together to resolve disputes can reduce the financial burden for both parties and the emotional toll for everyone, including the children.
- It positions parents favorably: courts view meaningful participation in mediation positively, particularly when assessing cooperation and child-centered conduct.
- At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., we view mediation as an opportunity to craft a durable plan, identify issues early, and lay the groundwork for either agreement or trial.
The Mediation Process in San Francisco
Here’s how the process typically unfolds in San Francisco for custody/visitation matters:
a) Orientation
Before mediation, both parents must attend an orientation (often separate for each parent) through FCS. This helps explain how mediation works, the child-development focus, confidentiality, safety protocols (especially when domestic violence is involved), and what you should bring.
b) Screening & Scheduling
FCS will screen for issues such as domestic violence, child safety concerns, and language/access needs. In San Francisco, mediation appointments are scheduled at the Civic Center Courthouse (400 McAllister St., Room 402) under FCS.
c) Mediation Session(s)
- Most mediation sessions last approximately two hours in San Francisco for typical custody/visitation cases.
- If there is a history of domestic violence or a protective order, the mediator may meet parents separately and require support persons.
- Children generally should not attend mediation unless the court has ordered otherwise.
- Both parties bring proposed parenting plans, concerns, and relevant documentation (e.g., schedule constraints, safety issues, child’s school/medical needs).
d) Outcomes of Mediation
- If an agreement is reached, the mediator will help draft it, and it is then submitted to the court for approval and entry as an order.
- If no agreement is reached (or only partial agreement), the next step depends on local court practice: the court may schedule a hearing, request additional investigation (a Tier 2 report via FCS), or refer the parties to a custody evaluator.
Strategic Preparation: Tips for Clients of Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C.
Because mediation is a pivotal opportunity, here are practical tips:
- Know your objectives: Have in mind what you’re seeking regarding parenting time, decision-making, exchanges, and the special needs of the child.
- Prepare documentation: Bring any parenting time logs, communication records, school/medical reports, work schedule constraints, and any safety concerns.
- Bring two possible parenting-time proposals: Many orientation guides advise parents to bring at least two plans.
- Stay child-focused: Emphasize the child’s best interests (education, stability, emotional support, relationship with each parent) rather than simply “what I want.”.
- Be open and cooperative: Courts look favorably on parents who show a willingness to work together. Mediation is a chance to demonstrate that.
- Address domestic violence or safety issues early: If there is a history of violence or a restraining order, inform the mediator ahead of time to arrange separate sessions if needed.
- Understand the limits: Mediation is about custody and visitation; it does not typically resolve financial issues like child support or spousal support.
Why Choose Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C.
At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., we bring deep experience in San Francisco family law—including mediation, child-custody evaluations, litigated hearings and settlement-driven approaches. When we represent clients:
- We prepare clients thoroughly for the mediation session.
- We analyze and present the parenting time proposals strategically, considering timeshare dynamics and children’s best interests.
- We anticipate possible sticking points in mediation (e.g., safety issues, schedules, travel) and develop fallback positions.
- We stand ready to move quickly to hearings or evaluations if mediation does not resolve the matter—but our goal is always to reach a durable and stable agreement when possible.
Mediation is not just a requirement – it is a meaningful stage in San Francisco family-law cases, during which parents have a chance to shape their child’s future outside of adversarial court hearings. With proper preparation, realistic goals, and skilled advocacy (such as that provided by Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C.), mediation can lead to agreements that serve the children, preserve relationships, and reduce conflict.
If you are heading into mediation for a custody or visitation dispute in the San Francisco area, contact Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. today for a detailed consultation and tailored strategy.
