Alternative Dispute Resolution
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) offers families in contested dissolution of marriages (divorce), motions to modify previous orders, or paternity actions, options to the litigation process. Mediation allows disputing parties the ability to maintain control over the time and expense required for the court to process each case by coming to an agreement by meeting with an impartial third person. If parties are able to reach a full or partial agreement with the aid of a neutral mediator prior to their scheduled court date, the agreement can be accepted by a Family Court Commissioner and the dispute is considered settled.
Prior to participating in mediation, litigants should attend the court-mandated ADR class, "Dispute Resolution and the Family Court". The two-hour class discusses the family court process and available options.
Dispute Resolution and the Family Court class
The court mandated class provides detailed information regarding the Family Court process as well as alternatives to litigation. During the first hour, disputes and resolutions, family court events, court time expectations and fees and other court related information is provided. In the second hour alternatives to court and mediation are discussed. The mediation process along with what to expect in and from mediation is discussed in depth.
Classes are held online via Zoom from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Dates for the class vary, but they typically occur weekly. If you need to schedule or reschedule an ADR class, you may do so by contacting the Domestic Relations Unit at (417) 829-6557.
ADR Local Court Rule
The Greene County Court En Banc approved Local Rule 68.9A that authorizes an Alternative Dispute Resolution Program. The rule states: "In every contested family law case, except a Family Access Motion, the parties shall attend a court-approved educational session to educate the parties on the availability and potential advantages of alternative dispute resolution". For good cause, the Court may waive the requirements of this rule upon the application of any party.