VSO Mediation Referrals

Although perhaps the last thing on the minds of those in crisis, our Los Angeles County wildfire emergency will have long lasting family law impact.  Some issues, like child or spousal support orders can only be changed by a judge after one of the parties files a request or by a written agreement of the parties.  Some issues, like temporary changes to custody and visitation orders, can be resolved informally, but often parents or caregivers don’t know where to start or how to proceed.  Mediation can facilitate resolution of these critical issues without ever having to file an action in court.  Because the court cannot commence an order for support or increase or decrease an existing order until the date an action is filed or agreed upon by the parties, time is of the essence if there is a need to establish or modify a child or spousal support order.

Families experiencing loss of income, housing instability, or changes in school or work availability can benefit from the immediate assistance of experienced family law attorneys serving as volunteer mediators. Education about rights, responsibilities, and options and expert guidance on how to achieve their goals can help those impacted by the wildfire emergency to achieve meaningful outcomes for themselves and their families.

The Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Family Law Section has created the LACBA Family Law Virtual Settlement Officer (VSO) Program to give three hours of no cost mediation services for family law related issues including child and spousal support and child custody for those impacted by the Los Angeles County wildfires.

Click this link to refer a case for assignment to a Virtual Settlement Officer.