Mediation Services Certified court-connected mediators (court staff and independent contractors) help parties resolve issues and reach voluntary agreements. The mediator guides the conversation but cannot make decisions for the parties.
Private Mediation Court-ordered mediations conducted by highly qualified mediators for parties who can afford private services to resolve complex financial and property issues.
Settlement Week Biannual weeks dedicated to mediation sessions conducted by private mediators that agree to cap their rates in the interest of negotiation and serving Franklin County families.
Parenting Coordination A process in which the Court orders a Parenting Coordinator to assist parties in implementing a parenting order using assessment, education, case management, conflict management, coaching, or decision-making.
Neutral Evaluation A process in which the parties are referred to two Evaluators, often One Magistrate and another expert. After hearing the case background, the Evaluators provide an unbiased evaluation of what the likely outcome would be if the case proceeds to trial, assisting parties in assessing their case which may propel them towards settlement. The Court provides parenting and financial neutral evaluation.
Dispute Resolution Professionals Comments/Complaints Information and resources for making a formal comment or complaint about a court-ordered mediator, parenting coordinator, or neutral evaluator.