Mediation Services

Mediation allows people to make decisions about their own case instead of having a Judge or Magistrate decide for them. The mediator does not take sides or make rulings; instead, they help guide productive conversation and problem‑solving.

Mediation can lead to practical, reasonable, or creative solutions that may not be available in court. Private conversations with the mediator can help parties find common ground. Mediation frequently saves time, reduces costs, and minimizes the uncertainty of litigation.

The Mediation Services Program covers several different areas of the Court, including:

• Domestic Relations / Juvenile Custody

  (Domestic and Juvenile Custody Mediation Information)(PDF, 518KB)

• Abuse, Neglect & Dependency

  (Child Protection Mediation Information)(PDF, 613KB)

• Juvenile Minor Misdemeanors

  (JU Victim Offender Mediation Information)(PDF, 501KB)(PDF, 501KB)

• School Attendance

  (School Attendance Mediation Information)(PDF, 569KB)

Common topics include divorce, property division, spousal support, custody or shared parenting, parenting time schedules, visitation, financial support, parental rights and responsibilities, child placement, case plans, school attendance, and first‑time minor misdemeanors.

Mediation sessions are held at the courthouse:

Dispute Resolution Department 373 South High Street, 3rd Floor Columbus, OH 43215

Exit the elevator on the 3rd floor, turn right, and follow the hallway to the end to check-in at the Department counter.

Sessions are held in person, or in limited circumstances, by Zoom. Most sessions last up to two hours, depending on the number and complexity of issues. Some cases resolve in one session; others may require additional meetings.

Attorneys are not required for mediation, but parties may choose to have their attorneys attend. Please notify the Dispute Resolution Department if your attorney will participate.

If an agreement is reached, your attorney will review it before it is presented to the Court. Parties may need to prepare an Agreed Judgment Entry. Attorneys can assist with drafting and filing this document

All parties listed in the Court Entry/Order for Mediation must participate. Mediation is a joint, cooperative process, and full participation is required.

Generally, the individuals listed on the Court Entry/Order are the ones who participate in the session. If you believe another person, such as a support person, should attend, notify the Dispute Resolution Department before the session. Individuals who accompany a participant but are not part of the mediation may wait in the reception area.

Childcare is not available. Do not bring children unless the Court specifically ordered their participation.

The mediator may only report:

• Who attended the session;
• If the process is terminated (over); and
• Whether an agreement was reached

The mediator cannot share other details or provide the agreement to the Court without the signature or consent from all parties.

Exceptions: Mediators may report new allegations of child abuse or neglect, threats of bodily harm, or information about certain crimes if disclosed during mediation.

All agreements must be voluntary. No participant is required to accept terms they do not agree with. Agreements may be cover all issues before the court (full) or some issues (partial).

A mediation agreement becomes legally binding only when:

1. A formal complaint or motion is filed with the Court,
2. The agreement is submitted as an Agreed Judgment Entry, and
3. The Court approves the Entry.

Once approved and signed by the Judge, then the agreement becomes an enforceable Court Order.

Parties must still attend their next scheduled court hearing. Any participant, or the mediator, may end the session. If no agreement is reached, a Judge or Magistrate may make a final decision.