Mediation

In 2000, the Ross County Juvenile Court established Court Mediation Services to promote greater efficiency and to facilitate the earliest possible resolution in the cases that we handle.

All definitions found in “Uniform Mediation Act” (UMA) O.R.C. 2710.01 are adopted by this Court through this Local Rule, including the following as used in this Local Rule;

A. “Mediation" means any process in which a mediator facilitates communication and negotiation between parties to assist them in reaching a voluntary agreement regarding their dispute.
B. “Mediator" means an individual who conducts a mediation.
C. "Mediation communication" means a statement, whether oral, in a record, verbal or nonverbal, that occurs during a mediation or is made for purposes of considering, conducting, participating in, initiating, continuing, or reconvening a mediation or retaining a mediator.
D. “Proceeding" means either of the following:

1. Judicial, administrative, arbitral, or other adjudicative process, including related pre-hearing and post-hearing motions, conferences, and discovery;
2. A legislative hearing or similar process.

At any time and in any action under the jurisdiction of the Ross County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division Court Mediation Services may be chosen as an appropriate method of resolution. The following actions shall be exempted from mediation upon request of any party:

A. Cases in which one party has been convicted of, or plead guilty to, a violation of O.R.C. 2915.25 (domestic violence) within the past two
(2) years or when a civil temporary protection order is in effect;
B. Cases in which the physical distance between parties is so great it is not feasible for them to participate in mediation sessions;
C. Cases in which one of the parties is mentally ill;
D. In emergency circumstances requiring an immediate hearing by a jurist, or
E. Cases in which the parties have achieved an executed Agreed Judgment Entry.

For more information, please refer to the Court's Local Rule 18 .