§ 3177 Mediation Confidentiality Rules

Family Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that mediation meetings are private and secret. Anything you say or write during mediation can't be shared or used in court later.

Key Takeaways

•Mediation is private—no one else can listen in.
•What you say or write in mediation stays secret.
•The mediator can't share your words with others or in court.

Example

You and your neighbor are fighting over a fence. You go to mediation to work it out.

If you say something during mediation, like admitting you built the fence too high, that can't be used against you in court later. The mediator can't tell anyone else what you said.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 3177 Mediation Confidentiality Rules

Mediation proceedings pursuant to this chapter shall be held in private and shall be confidential. All communications, verbal or written, from the parties to the mediator made in the proceeding are official information within the meaning of Section 1040 of the Evidence Code. (Repealed and added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 219, Sec. 116.87. Effective January 1, 1994.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

Mediation proceedings confidential official information Section 1040 of the Evidence Code

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Family Code. Section 3177.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References