Dispute Resolution Section

The purpose of the Dispute Resolution Section is to promote statewide rules and uniform standards concerning dispute resolution programs and to develop and deliver dispute resolution services to Ohio courts including training programs for judges and court personnel.

Court-connected dispute resolution programs, particularly mediation programs, should be accessible to the citizens of Ohio at no cost to litigants. All dispute resolution programs should maintain public confidence in the judicial system by handling disputes fairly and with impartiality. Dispute resolution programs should preserve citizens' rights and offer the opportunity for parties to resolve their disputes quickly and economically. Courts should utilize community-based dispute resolution programs where possible. Courts should evaluate programs to monitor for quality and participant satisfaction.

The Dispute Resolution Section is accomplishing this vision by assisting all courts in developing and sustaining high-quality, dispute resolution programs that are accessible to all citizens; continuing to provide high-quality technical assistance and training to court mediation program staff, judges, court personnel and attorneys; and will continue to support high-quality, appropriate research about court-connected mediation programs.

New Foreclosure Mediation Program Model (Last Updated April 14, 2008)

Statistics clearly demonstrate Ohio is facing a foreclosure crisis. In 2007, more than 80,000 foreclosure cases were filed in Ohio courts. The number of foreclosure filings has increased by 40 percent in the last four years, and filings are expected to continue to rise through at least 2011. Chief Justice Moyer has proposed that the courts manage this burden by developing foreclosure mediation programs that could be used to resolve some of the many foreclosure cases. It will give foreclosure cases the same access to mediation that is regularly available in other types of civil cases for more than a decade.

This eleven step Foreclosure Mediation Program Model is designed for courts to modify based on their own needs, resources and community. It includes related documents and forms, some of which are linked within the model. If you would like samples of any documents that are referenced but not linked within the model, have questions, need assistance with implementing foreclosure mediation in your court or would like a hard copy contact the Dispute Resolution Section manager.

Resources

Advisory Committee on Dispute Resolution

Events Calendar
2008
2007
Ohio Basic Mediation Training

Frequently Asked Questions