Domestic Relations Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I get a case to the Dispute Resolution Center?
A: After your case is filed with the DeKalb County Courts you can request a referral to the Dispute Resolution Center through your attorney or through the assigned judge for your case.

Q: What should I do if I have safety concerns?
A: It is very important to alert Center staff personally or through your legal representative of any concerns around issues of safety and comfort level. A confidential intake conference will determine whether a case would be better served in a courtroom or whether mediation would be appropriate with accommodations.

Q: What are the costs?
A: Superior Court Judges in DeKalb County believe in the benefits of alternative dispute resolution. The Court’s policy is therefore to cover the cost of a mediator, arbitrator, or case evaluator for a portion of the time to encourage use of this service.

Q: What if my session lasts longer than the time covered by the Court?
A: If parties desire additional time they must pay the neutral directly for that time. That cost will be split between the parties unless otherwise agreed beforehand.

Parties who feel they need assistance may apply for a fee reduction or waiver. If independent legal counsel attend the sessions, their fees are to be paid separately by the parties.

Q: How long does the alternative dispute resolution process take?
A: Mediation sessions can be set within a few weeks from the date the Center receives the Court referral or the request from the parties. Parties participate in selecting mutually agreeable dates, usually within sixty days.

Depending upon the complexity of the issues and the willingness of both parties to resolve their dispute, mediation sessions may last less than two hours, require a day, or take place over multiple sessions. In most cases, however, the informal process of mediation is much shorter than full discovery and a trial.

Q: Do I need a court order to get ADR services?
A: Yes. The DRC only provides services for cases that have been ordered to an intake conference by the Court. You may request an Order to Alternative Dispute Resolution Program from the presiding judge.

Q: How can I schedule a case for ADR?
A: If you have a civil case, please fill out a Domestic Relations Initiation Form or a General Civil Initiation Form, depending on your case type, and email, fax, or mail it back to the Dispute Resolution Center. A case coordinator will then contact you for scheduling.

Q: Do I have to use a mediator from the DeKalb County Neutral Roster?
A: Parties may opt to use a private practice mediator. The Center maintains a directory of mediators in private practice as a resource to the parties. Parties are not limited to those mediators listed but are required to use a mediator registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution (www.godr.org). If private mediation is selected, parties are responsible for all costs.

Q: What are the benefits of mediation?
A: Mediation can lower the intensity or level of conflict, enabling parties to better communicate and explore options that would resolve their dispute. Mediation can set the stage for further cooperative problem-solving if other issues emerge in an on-going relationship. You may learn skills that help you discuss issues in a more useful way, both now and later.

You have total control over what decisions are made, because mediation empowers parties to reach their own decisions versus having outcomes determined by others.

Mediation provides a safe, open and confidential environment. It is also less time-consuming, less expensive, and allows for greater privacy than going to court.

Q: Is it possible for us to agree?
A: Mediation is designed to focus on the future you would like, not the past that you cannot change. Even when there has been a lot of hurt and anger, mediation gives you an opportunity to find solutions that help you.

Q: What if we reach an agreement?
A: The court must approve any change in parenting schedules. That means that parents can choose to make any agreement they reach binding by submitting it to the court for approval. You may be eligible for help with the paperwork through the DeKalb County Superior Court’s Family Law Information Center.

Q: What is the best way to contact the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC)?
A: You may call us at (404) 370-8194 or email us at drcalen@dekalbcountyga.gov. This is our general email address and is checked daily.

Q: How much alternative dispute resolution (ADR) time is provided?
A: One (1) hour of arbitration, mediation, or case evaluation is provided at no charge to parties in domestic cases.

Q: I have filed a modification/contempt case. We previously mediated our divorce. Do I get another four (4) hours of ADR at no charge?
A: No. The one (1) hours of ADR provided at no charge is the TOTAL MAXIMUM number of hours covered for any combination of ADR methods used or actions brought (i.e. legitimation, divorce, modification, contempt) by all parties involved in the case.

Q: What if my mediation lasts for more than one (1) hour?
A: If parties desire additional time they must pay the mediator directly for that time. That cost will be split between the parties unless otherwise agreed beforehand. The hourly rate will be stated by the mediator at the beginning of mediation and parties are to cover that payment at the time of mediation. Parties who feel they need assistance may apply for a fee reduction or waiver.

Q: Do I need a court order to get ADR services?
A: Yes. The DRC only provides services for cases that have been ordered to an intake conference by the Court. You may request an Order to Alternative Dispute Resolution Program from the presiding judge.

Q: How can I schedule a case for ADR?
A: Please fill out a Domestic Initiation Form and email, fax, or mail it back to the Dispute Resolution Center. A case coordinator will then contact you for scheduling.

Q: Are these forms available on the DRC website?
A: Unfortunately, necessary forms are not yet available on the DRC website but should be by the end of the month through the DeKalb County Superior Court website (http://superior.dekalbcountyga.gov).