Family Code section 3171

(a)

If a stepparent or grandparent has petitioned, or otherwise applied, for a visitation order pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 3100), the court shall set the matter for mediation.

(b)

A natural or adoptive parent who is not a party to the proceeding is not required to participate in the mediation proceeding, but failure to participate is a waiver of that parent’s right to object to a settlement reached by the other parties during mediation or to require a hearing on the matter.

Source: Section 3171, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=FAM§ionNum=3171.­ (updated Jan. 1, 1994; accessed Jun. 25, 2025).

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Verified:
Jun. 25, 2025

§ 3171's source at ca​.gov