§ 1018 Conferencing and mediation

If you're involved in a family court case that falls under this article, the judge has the option to bring in conferencing or mediation to help work out a plan for the child. This can happen at any stage of the case, not just at the start. The goal is to find an arrangement that keeps the child healthy, safe, and cared for.

The judge also has the choice to include other people who matter in the child's life, like grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other adults who play an important role. This means the process doesn't have to involve only the parents. It gives the court a way to bring together the people who care about the child so they can work toward a solution that works for everyone.

Keep in mind this is optional. The judge decides whether to use conferencing or mediation, and nothing in this rule forces it to happen in every case.