When Mediation Is Not Available.

While mediation can address many conflicts, some situations are not appropriate or eligible for this process.

What is Not Available?

Mediation is designed to be a safe, voluntary, and cooperative process. For that reason, it is not suitable for every situation.

Mediation services are not available in the following circumstances:

Mediation cannot be used when there are threats of violence, ongoing criminal activity, or serious safety concerns. In these situations, immediate protection and legal intervention may be necessary to ensure everyone’s safety.
When a restraining or protective order is in place, mediation is generally not appropriate. These orders are intended to limit contact between individuals, and mediation could conflict with court-ordered protections.
Mediation services do not include family law cases such as child custody, visitation, child support, or divorce. These matters require specialized legal processes and court oversight.
Some disputes fall outside the scope of mediation services due to legal or jurisdictional limits. In these cases, participants may be referred to other appropriate resources or agencies if a person or family live outside Los Angeles County.