Mediation Process

1. Mediation Scheduling

a. Screening Requirement
Under the Supreme Court ADR Rules, all domestic relations cases must be screened to ensure that mediation can proceed safely and without coercion. The Piedmont Judicial Circuit ADR Program offers two options for completing this screening:

Option 1: Complete the Domestic Relations Screening Form found here
Option 2: Download the PDF screening form found here and email the completed form to piedmontcircuitadr@gmail.com.

b. Scheduling
Parties must confer within 10 days following the close of discovery to propose available dates for mediation.

c. Notice of Mediation
Once mediation is scheduled, the Plaintiff must:

Email the completed Notice of Mediation Form to piedmontcircuitadr@gmail.com.
E-file the Notice of Mediation Form through PeachCourt within 24 hours of scheduling.

d. Scheduling a Final Hearing
After mediation is scheduled, the parties may contact the Court to reserve a final hearing date in the event mediation is unsuccessful.

2. Mediator Selection

All parties must participate in the selection of the mediator, date, time, and location of the session. Unilateral scheduling is not permitted. Mediators may be selected from the Piedmont Judicial Circuit’s Approved Mediator List available here.

Parties without internet access may call the ADR Office at 706-387-6400 to request a copy of the list.

Parties may also use any mediator registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. If a mediator is not on the Piedmont Circuit’s approved list, the parties must ensure the mediator is informed of the Circuit’s guidelines and forms.

3. Changes

The ADR Office must be notified immediately of any changes, including:

Cancellation or rescheduling of a session
Change of mediator
Case dismissal or settlement
Motion for summary judgment

The Plaintiff or Plaintiff’s attorney is responsible for notifying the ADR Office in writing of any such changes.

4. Cancellations and No-Shows

If an ADR session is cancelled without at least 48 hours’ notice, a late cancellation fee may be charged (up to two hours of the mediator’s hourly rate). If a party fails to appear for a scheduled session, that party will be responsible for the entire cancellation fee. Unpaid cancellation fees may be reported to the Court. The ADR Office will also notify the Court of repeated cancellations or no-shows.

5. Conflict Cancellations

Cancellations due to conflicts must comply with the Uniform Rule on conflicts. The party with the conflict must notify the other party, the mediator, and the ADR Office within 48 hours of receiving notice of the conflict. If the conflict results in cancellation and timely notice is not provided, the party with the conflict may be charged a cancellation fee of up to two hours of the mediator’s hourly rate.

6. Attendance and Documentation

All attorneys are required to attend mediation with their clients.

Each party must bring:

A completed Financial Affidavit (pursuant to U.S.C.R. 24.2)
Any other relevant documentation necessary for settlement discussions

7. Rescheduling

If a mediation session must be rescheduled:

All parties must agree to the new date.
The Mediation Rescheduling Form available here must be completed and emailed to piedmontcircuitadr@gmail.com.

The Court will be notified if the case is not rescheduled in a timely manner.

8. Agreements and Dismissals

If a case is settled or dismissed before mediation, notify the ADR Office immediately by emailing piedmontcircuitadr@gmail.com.

The ADR Office will confirm whether settlement agreements or final orders have been filed with the Court. If no documents are filed within 10 days of notification, the ADR Office will notify the Court. If an agreement or dismissal is signed prior to mediation, the parties must cancel directly with the mediator at least 48 hours in advance or be subject to the same cancellation fee rules.

9. Mediator Fees and Financial Assistance

a. Fees

Mediation fees are set by each mediator and are shared equally unless otherwise agreed.
Fees may vary; contact the mediator directly to confirm rates.
Payment is due at the time of the mediation session.
Unpaid mediation fees may be reported to the Court.

b. Fee Waivers
Parties unable to pay may request financial assistance by completing the Request for Financial Assistance Form, available here. The completed form must be submitted to the ADR Office at least ten (10) business days before mediation.

If approved, financial assistance will cover up to two hours of mediation. The ADR Office will notify the parties and mediator of the decision.