Text Box: Phone: (770) 387-4820
Text Box: Fax:      (770) 387-5479
Text Box: Cartersville, GA 30120
Text Box: P.O. Box 963
Text Box: Seventh Judicial Administrative District
Text Box: State of Georgia
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Contact Us

   
   

 

Melissa Heard

Pam Godfrey

   

Text Box: ADR Director

         

  What is Mediation?

 

"Mediation is an informal way for people to come together and talk through their conflict with the help of an impartial third party. During the mediation, each person has the opportunity to vocalize their issues and concerns surrounding the conflict. The mediator helps each person evaluate their needs and goals for reaching a solution. All decisions are made by the parties, not the mediator."          

 

Time Involved

 

"Since each conflict is different, the length of time and number of sessions may vary by the complexity of the issues involved. The average mediation last 2-3 hours."  

   

Attendance & Resolution

   

"Attendance is mandatory in most cases. Although the presence of an attorney may not be required, parties are encouraged to consult their attorneys throughout the process. The mediator will assist the parties in executing the necessary forms to complete the case. If an agreement is not reached, your case will continue through the normal judicial process. Although attendance is mandatory, resolution is not."

    

How to Select a Mediator

  

"The parties may select a mediator from the current directory of individuals certified by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Office.  For a complete list of mediator names, find your county under "Select a Mediator" and click the link.  All parties must agree on the mediator.  If no such agreement can be reached, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Office will assign a mediator randomly."

How Much Will Mediation Cost?

  

"On average, mediators charge between $100 and $200 per hour.  This cost is split equally between the plaintiff(s) and the defendant(s). Parties should be prepared to compensate the mediator at the ADR session. If a party feels that they cannot afford to pay for mediation, they may apply for a waiver of the mediator's fees.  Applications for this waiver must be made through the ADR Office prior to the scheduled mediation.  Click Here for Fee Waiver Form."

  

Confidentiality

  

 "Mediators shall keep confidential any information pertaining to the actual content of the case from anyone outside the ADR Session. The parties, court personnel or other observers are also bound by this high level of confidentiality. Procedural issues, however, may need clarification from the ADR office. "

What are the Benefits of Mediation?

   

"Mediation allows you to control your own dispute and resolve the conflict yourself, rather than having a judge or jury decide it for you. It promotes communication and cooperation."

 

"Mediation is confidential, thus avoiding public disclosure of personal problems. The process can be completed in less time than litigation, allowing you to move ahead with your life."

 

"During the mediation session, everyone has an opportunity to voice their concerns. Mediation encourages the parties to develop alternative ways to solve the issues at hand."

 


Mediation Fee Waiver

 

If your case has been referred to mediation by our office and you feel you cannot afford the mediation fees, please complete the Indigent Fee Waiver Form and return it to the above address.  This form must be received by the ADR Office ten (10) days prior to the scheduled mediation session.  Late or incomplete forms will not be accepted.  The ADR Office will notify you if you of the results.  It is your responsibility to notify the mediator of the results prior to the scheduled mediation session.  If you need assistance, do not hesitate to call our office.

Text Box: Pam Godfrey 
Text Box: Superior Court Mediation Program 
Text Box:  melissa_heard@bellsouth.net
Text Box: Melissa Heard Heard
Text Box: Program Coordinators

For problems or questions regarding this web contact jodyovercash@bellsouth.net.                                                                                                                                                        Last updated: August 1,, 2003.

Text Box: Toll Free:   (877) 655-6865