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.

Better understand family mediation: English  Spanish

Can I request an in-person mediation?
You may ask for an in-person mediation. All participants must agree to an in-person mediation. To make a request you must submit an Application to Appear In Person within 24 hours of receiving the mediation scheduling email sent by your case manager. The case manager will follow up with the requesting party(s) within 24 hours of the request.