San Diego Divorce Attorneys | Carlsbad Mediation Lawyers: Zonder Family Law

Answer:  Court Hearing: If mediation does not work, the judge will listen to both sides of the dispute in a court hearing and then make a decision.  In some courts, the mediator may make a recommendation to the judge. San Diego is a recommending county. Ask the mediator what the policy is in your court.  The judge may also appoint an evaluator to help assess a parenting arrangement that is in the best interest of the child.  A parent may request such an evaluation, but the request may not be granted.  Parents may be charged for some or all of the evaluation costs if they can afford them.  The court may also appoint separate attorneys for children who are the subject of a custody dispute.