Mediation Services
Mediation Services
The Common Pleas Court Mediation Program began with a grant from the Ohio Supreme Court in 2006. Due to the success of the program, it is now funded by the County. The program has predominately been used as a tool in the Court's Domestic Relations area, but has expanded to mediation of civil cases, especially in the area of foreclosures. There are five attorney mediators contracted with the program. All new divorces with children, unless filed with a separation agreement, are referred to mediation prior to a temporary orders hearing to attempt to resolve issues of custody and visitation. All divorces are referred to mediation prior to a final contested hearing to attempt to settle any remaining issues prior to that hearing. Civil matters are referred to mediation upon request of the parties. The mediation program has had a profoundly positive affect on the Common Pleas Court docket, especially in the area of Domestic Relations.