E-Submission Live & Mandatory for Attorneys. Also, Attorneys may submit Objection to Decision of Magistrate  and DR21-A Notice of Request for Remote Appearance via E-Submission.  See News below.

Mediation Resources


WHAT IS MEDIATION?

Mediation is the process whereby an impartial person helps the parties in a dispute to make informed decisions and develop mutually acceptable agreements in a confidential setting.

HOW DOES THE MEDIATION PROCESS WORK?

The Mediator helps parties examine their individual situation in terms of their needs and interests.  Parties are asked to bring any relevant information is such budgets, healthcare expenses, income, and specific needs of the children to mediation.  This information is used to help parties find settlement options that are in line with their goals.  To request mediation, you must submit and file a motion for mediation.  This process starts with submitting the motion for mediation.  Instruction on submitting can be found here: Instructions for filing Motions.  The motion form can be found here: Mediation related downloadable forms.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEDIATION?

While a primary goal may be settlement, mediation also promotes communication and cooperation between the parties. Mediation allows individuals to control the decisions that affect their lives and the lives of their children.  Also, mediation can often times be completed more quickly than traditional litigation. Mediation is confidential, thus it avoids the public disclosure of personal needs. More importantly, mediation can benefit any minor children involved in the divorce by reducing the stress surrounding them.

HOW DO WE USE MEDIATION?

Complaints for divorce involving children can be scheduled for an initial mediation session prior to the Hearing on Temporary Orders. Parents are introduced to mediation and given the opportunity to develop their own temporary plans regarding the payment of bills and care of their children.  Parents can then schedule additional mediation sessions to address permanent issues.  Other Domestic Relation cases may be referred to mediation by the Court or upon the parties' request. 

PRE/POST DECREE MEDIATION

PRE-DECREE MEDIATION
A major problem for children of divorce is continued conflict between the parents over the custody and parenting time of the children. The Court recognizes that if parents can mediate their conflicts and arrive at agreements about the children’s care, the damage to the children could be lessened. If mediation is completed by court staff, then there is no cost to parents.  If a private mediation is appointed or selected, then fees will be charged by the mediator. Here is a link to the mediation downloadable forms.
POST-DECREE MEDIATION
The Court has expanded its mediation services to include the mediation of custody and parenting time disputes after the divorce or dissolution has been finalized. Parents may choose a court mediator, who is a magistrate of the court and who mediates at Domestic Relations Court, or may choose a community-based mediator from the court's list of approved mediatorsHere is a link to the mediation downloadable forms.