The Friend of the Court offers mediation services to help parents resolve custody and parenting time disputes. These are the only two issues the Friend of the Court can mediate. Friend of the Court mediation is voluntary. Both parties must be willing to participate. A signed request is required from both parties before a mediation conference can be scheduled. If the parties reach an agreement, the agreement can be made a part of the court order.
Matters discussed during mediation are confidential. A Friend of the Court employee who acts, as a mediator, may not share information about what happened during mediation, except for what is stated in the parties signed agreement. The mediator cannot later, in the same case, enforce an order, investigate an allegation, or serve as a Referee on any other issues in that case.
If the Friend of the Court receives a signed request from both parties, a mediation conference will be scheduled.
Friend of the Court personnel performs custody mediation.
Parenting time mediation is performed by Southeastern Dispute Resolution Services (SRDS).
