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HomeFamily CodeDiv. 8Pt. 2Ch. 11Art. 3§ 3181 Domestic Violence Mediation Rules

§ 3181 Domestic Violence Mediation Rules

Family Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 3181 Domestic Violence Mediation Rules

This law says that if there's been domestic violence or a protective order between people in mediation, the mediator must meet with them separately if the victim asks for it.

Key Takeaways

  • •If there's been domestic violence or a protective order, the victim can ask to meet with the mediator alone.
  • •The mediator must meet with the parties separately if the victim asks for it in writing.
  • •The request must be made in a written statement under penalty of perjury.

Example

A couple going through a divorce has a history of domestic violence. The victim is scared to be in the same room as the abuser.

The victim can ask the mediator to meet with them separately, and the mediator must do it. This keeps the victim safe and more comfortable.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 3181 Domestic Violence Mediation Rules

(a) In a proceeding in which mediation is required pursuant to this chapter, where there has been a history of domestic violence between the parties or where a protective order as defined in Section 6218 is in effect, at the request of the party alleging domestic violence in a written declaration under penalty of perjury or protected by the order, the mediator appointed pursuant to this chapter shall meet with the parties separately and at separate times. (b) Any intake form that an agency charged with providing family court services requires the parties to complete before the commencement of mediation shall state that, if a party alleging domestic violence in a written declaration under penalty of perjury or a party protected by a protective order so requests, the mediator will meet with the parties separately and at separate times. (Repealed and added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 219, Sec. 116.87. Effective January 1, 1994.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

domestic violenceprotective orderwritten declaration under penalty of perjuryseparately and at separate times

Related Statutes

  • § 3175 Mediation Timing Requirements
  • § 3176 Mediation Notice Requirements
  • § 3177 Mediation Confidentiality Rules
  • § 3178 Mediation Agreements For Custody
  • § 3179 Mediation Agreement Modification Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Family Code. Section 3181.
View Official Source