Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs

Alternative Dispute Resolution is a fancy term which really means - other ways to solve a conflict without going to trial before a judge.  As you will hear many times during your case, it is always best for the parties in a case to try to resolve their differences themselves.  To come before a judge, a virtual stranger in the lives of the litigants before him or her, should be the last resort - when all other efforts have failed. To aid in this, if a case involves a dispute over custody/visitation and both parties are represented by attorneys, the court will order the parties to mediation.  Mediation is the opportunity to work with a neutral professional to help the parents develop their own parenting plan for their children. The court order will also direct the parties to contact one of the private mediators selected from the court's panel.  The list of mediators includes attorneys and mental health professionals, all of whom have received special mediation training.  The initial order is for two (2) sessions of 2 hours each.  The cost of mediation per session is $150 per party.  Full payment of $300 per party shall be made to the mediator at the beginning of the first session.  Failure to attend a mediation session does not excuse payment of the fee for the missed session. The court may also order mediation to help resolve marital property issues.   Referrals are made to a list of qualified mediators, all of whom are attorneys.   Initially one (1) session is ordered at the cost of $150 per hour per person, for a total of $300.  The parties can agree to more sessions if needed.

 

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