Family
How do I…
Get help with my family matter?
Multi-Door Family mediation can be helpful for people who want to have control over the resolution of the issues in their family. Family mediation may be helpful to you…
- If you have a dispute about the custody, visitation or financial support of your child
- If you are going through a legal separation or divorce
- Whether or not you have filed a case in Court
- Whether or not you have an attorney
- If you think that a free, voluntary, confidential meeting might be the best place for discussing your issues
Get help during the mediation process from the staff of the Multi-Door Division (the mediation division of the court)?
Multi-Door staff assists clients during the mediation process. Staff will:
- Interview you and the other person and often conduct the first mediation session that same day.
- Schedule an initial mediation session with you, the other person, and a trained mediator
- Meet with you and the other person together and separately to assist you in resolving your dispute.
- Schedule follow-up sessions as necessary. Mediations are held Monday through Friday during the day, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and on Saturday mornings.
- Keep your discussion confidential, with the exceptions of abuse or threats of violence and
- Write up any agreements you reach.
Prepare for and participate in mediation?
- Call the Family Mediation Program and request an intake interview with a dispute resolution specialist (DRS). You can reach a DRS at 202-879-3180.
- Participate in mediation sessions as scheduled. Each session lasts approximately 2 hours and several sessions may be needed to resolve your issues.
- Have any written agreements reviewed by an attorney, if possible. Mediators and Multi-Door staff do not give legal advice or represent you in Court.