§ 1117 [Applicability of Mediation Confidentiality Chapter]

This rule explains when mediation confidentiality protections apply and when they don't. In most cases, if you go through mediation as defined by California law, what you say and share during that process stays private and protected.

But there are two exceptions where these confidentiality rules don't apply. First, they don't cover certain family court proceedings dealing with conservatorships or child custody mediation under specific parts of the Family Code. Second, they don't apply to settlement conferences held under California Rule of Court 3.1380, which are a different type of process from mediation even though both aim to help people resolve disputes.

If you're involved in one of these excluded proceedings, don't assume that what you say will be kept confidential the way it would be in regular mediation. It's worth checking with an attorney or asking the court directly about what privacy protections, if any, apply to your specific situation.