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By Magistrate Marie Kern, Marion Superior Court
Mediation is one of the best tools for helping families in conflict reach long-term resolutions tailored to the family, not just a “guideline.” But mediation is often out of reach for many families due to financial limitations. Modest means mediations exist for families with combined gross incomes not exceeding $60,000 annually, or they may qualify for indigency appointment, but for families that exceed this threshold yet are earning less than what the U.S. Census Bureau defines as “middle class” ($65,000 per year), mediation is not always an option.
Enter the return of Mediation Day! For those practitioners familiar with Mediation Days that took place in Marion Circuit Court, Paternity Division, and Marion Superior Court, this is not a novel concept. Unfortunately, COVID and pandemic challenges took a toll on Mediation Day successfully taking place with regularity. Thanks to the return of in-person meetings, hearings and mediations, plus the spacious accommodations at the Community Justice Center, Mediation Day is making a return!
On Aug. 11, the Marion Superior Court, Family Division, with the support of the IndyBar Family Law and ADR Sections, volunteer mediators, the Marion Superior Court Executive Committee, court administration and support staff will be hosting the largest Mediation Day to date. The goal for the day is 40 mediations: 20 in the morning and 20 in the afternoon.
Volunteer mediators are needed for both morning and afternoon mediations. Attorneys can also refer cases for Mediation Day consideration; mediator registration and case referral links are available on the IndyBar Events page.
Cases eligible for Mediation Day should have combined household incomes of no more than $100,000, and they can be pre- or post-decree for dissolutions, establishment of paternity, modifications of custody, parenting time or child support issues. Cases with complicated asset distribution issues, third-party custody, GALs or relocation issues are not great candidates, given the limited time and space for mediation.
Mediations are scheduled for three-and-a-half hours. If you think you have a good case to refer or are willing to serve as a volunteer mediator, go to the link on IndyBar’s website today. Law school students are welcome to shadow mediators and may use the same link to register.
As a bonus, if you volunteer to mediate a case, you will be able to register for a free one-hour CME on Aug. 1 during the noon hour to help you prep for a successful mediation.
This is a fantastic opportunity for families in conflict, as well as the Family Division to achieve docket space for those cases in need of more intensive intervention. This goal cannot be achieved without volunteer support. Please consider volunteering to mediate or refer an eligible case for mediation today!•
Magistrate Marie Kern of the Marion Superior Court, Family Division is a member of the IndyBar’s Family Law Section Executive Committee and the volunteer coordinator of the section’s Mediation Day.
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