[lanemc101]

The mother of my son left and is living with her partner who also is on govt assistance so they both are on assistance and living there is her partners father who has been in prision. We had a verbal agreement on visitation I live two hours away I drive there she decides don't come she's not home after saying they were having inspection in the house. I come this man is watching my son he is not related no kinship or nothing.. I'm visiting with my son.. she comes freaks out snatches him from me.. I call the police an make a complaint. I know I need meditation I went to court they didn't offer it they said to work it out some odd reason. And mediation in CA doesn't work unless other party is informed and consents to this again odd.. she won't communicate has no phone of her own. Any suggestions. Son is 7 months old

[cdad]

If you go to court for custody in California mediation is mandatory. Most times it's a one time shot. If either party doesn't wish to participate then they won't force the issue. But it doesn't look good for the nonparticipating parent to refuse. All parties must receive notice of both the mediation and the hearings. It must be done in a legal manner.

[lanemc101]

That's the funny part I went to custody court I filed for joint custody 50 50.. and ended up with joint legal and 24 notice of visitation no mediation.. I pay child support without the guarantee of being able to see my son. Yes he is young I get that , you go to a court room that doesn't listen to reason or example an asking her to provide what she and her partner plan to do since they both are on govt aid its confusing and I'm 1200 out of my pocket for 30 minutes to get joint legal which doesn't help.. she does not put me on medical doctors as a call emergency or send me copies of his social or birth certificate I'm just confused .

[cdad]

Then take her to court to enforce it. Another thing is that it doesn't sound like it was a custody hearing. Is that what you filed for? Did you use a lawyer?