Alternative Dispute Resolution

Conasauga Judicial Circuit

The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program provides a means for civil and domestic cases to be settled, which can many times be faster and less costly than the use of traditional court proceedings such as hearings and trials. The most common form of ADR used in this program is mediation, in which a neutral third party called a mediator meets confidentially with the parties. Sometimes their attorneys help them find common grounds of understanding which may lead to an acceptable solution to their dispute.

When mediation is successful, since the parties have participated in the settlement of their case, they will usually be more satisfied with the outcome and therefore less likely to need future court services. However, if an agreement cannot be reached through mediation, the case will continue on through the normal court process.

In the Conasauga Circuit all Domestic and Civil cases are ordered to mediation by a standing order. For exceptions to this order please refer to the ADR Rules. Fees for mediation are the responsibility of the parties.View the ADR RULES .

For questions regarding ADR (mediation) please contact Hilda Ortiz, ADR Program Director at 706-278-5897 or by email at hortiz@whitfieldountyga.com