Mediation

Dawn M. Evans
Mediation Coordinator

Justice Center

221 W. Fifth Street, Suite 310
Marysville, Ohio 43040
Tel:   937.645.3159
Fax:  937.645.4174

devans@unioncountyohio.gov

WHAT IS MEDIATION ?

The Mediation Process involves the use of an impartial person to help parties to a dispute make informed decisions and develop mutually-acceptable agreements in a confidential setting.

HOW DOES THE MEDIATION PROCESS WORK ?

A Mediator helps parties examine their situation in terms of their needs and interests.  Relevant information is gathered that may include budgets, business records, medical reports, healthcare expenses, property valuations and the needs of children in domestic relations cases. Settlement options are developed and discussed to be sure they meet everyone's goals fairly.  Decisions are made by the individuals as to any acceptable resolution.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEDIATION?

While a primary goal may be settlement, mediation also promotes communication and cooperation. Mediation allows individuals to control the decisions that affect their lives and can often be completed more quickly than traditional litigation. Mediation is confidential , thus avoiding public disclosure of personal needs and benefits children by reducing the stress around them.

HOW DO WE USE MEDIATION ?

Civil: Generally, all civil cases (breach of contract, , personal injury, products liability, workers' compensation, etc.) filed with the Court are referred to mediation.  Parties to a case and their legal counsel are required to attend the mediation in order to work together in order to attempt to resolve the issues that gave rise to the filing of the case.

Domestic Relations: Domestic relations cases are those involving families.  Petitions for divorce where children are involved are typically 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. The cost of a mediation session beyond the initial session in a case pending before the Court or in any case not pending before the Court is $160.00 per session (up to 2 hours).

  HELPFUL LINKS 

Local Rule 33  : Mediation in Domestic Relations Matters

Local Rule 34  : Mediation in Civil Matters

R.C. Chapter 2710  : Ohio's adoption of the Uniform Mediation Act

The Supreme Court of Ohio's Dispute Resolution Section

Ohio Mediation Association

Capital University Law School's Center for Dispute Resolution

Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution  (Published by The Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law in cooperation with the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution)

Mediate.com

Association for Conflict Resolution

American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution

The Princeton Review on Mediation