What is PACT and Why Do I Have To Go?

As many of you are aware, in Los Angeles County when you file your initial child custody and visitation motion, you are required to not only attend mediation but you must also attend a class by the name of “PACT” meaning Parents and Children Together. This class is a mandatory requirement before you can see the judge (in most cases, some judges will let you slide without it…but don’t count on it).

PACT’s goal is to assist parents in decreasing any conflict amongst them and guide the parents to turn the focus off of their personal turmoil and to focus on the children and their needs.  The class is hosted in a group setting and moderator introduces several scenarios that people face during a custody battle, and everyone has the opportunity to work through each scenario, ask their own questions and get feedback on each situation.

Because of the emotions involved in custody battles, it is extremely helpful if everyone involved can go together and work through some of the conflicts. Just today I had one of my clients say, “You know I was complaining to Sabrina about going to the PACT class….but I actually learned something today.”

So although I haven’t been to the class myself, I have heard great things about PACT!