Family Law

Family Law

Provider: LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT - FAMILY COURT SERVICES - WHITTIER

The court program provides confidential family mediation and conciliation services, including the PACT program, for people who have a family law action for custody or visitation pending in Los Angeles County. Pre-marital assessment is also available for underage applicants. There are no geographic restrictions.

Mediation offers the opportunity for families to resolve disputes by mutual agreement in a private, confidential setting. Services are confidential, are not subject to subpoena, and the files are closed to the public. They may be initiated before, during, or after a dissolution hearing. The resolutions are drafted by the mediator into specific, easily understood court orders. The law requires that mediation take place prior to any hearing regarding custody and/or visitation in either dissolution cases or paternity cases. Parents who miss their scheduled mediation may have their hearing delayed.

Parents and Children Together (PACT) is a mandatory program designed to help separating and divorcing parents work together more cooperatively and effectively. It is for families who have a current custody/visitation case at the court. Court-ordered families must attend this training prior to mediation or their court hearing. The goal is to help parents focus on their children's best interests. In special seminars taught at the Court, parents learn how to communicate more positively and parent more effectively. The PACT program also provides information regarding Family Court Services, mediation, and child custody evaluations. Parents with domestic violence issues may attend separate sessions.

Our Children First is an online orientation program for mediation; completion of this course satisfies the court requirement for mediation orientation. It is not required for parents who have previously completed the PACT program.

The office also provides one and two day Parenting Plan Assessments (formerly known as Solution Focused Evaluations), guidelines on how to prepare for mediation and how to deal with children after a divorce; and general literature about the various services provided. APPLICATION PROCEDURE Call the Main Intake line for information or to apply.

PACT participants must bring their court case number and a pen with them; children are not allowed to attend. Participants should arrive 30 minutes early to register.

Parents who are unable to access the online orientation program may fulfill the mandatory requirement by completing the PACT Parents and Children Together class offered at the Stanley Mosk site only 111 N. Hill St. Rm. 222., Los Angeles, CA. Orientation is in English on the first Thursday of the Month from 8:30am to 11:30pm and in Spanish from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. FEES/PAYMENT SOURCE There are fixed fees for most services; call for details.
Application Procedure
Languages
Spanish
Service Condition Fee

Free

Free

Address

7339 Painter Ave.

Whittier , CA 90602 (Physical)

Get directions

Website

www.lacourt.org
Service hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.

Featured Resources

Can’t find what you’re looking for?