When custody or placement is disputed, the parents are referred to mediation with a qualified mediator to see if they can come to an agreement. They will also be referred to a Cooperative Parenting Course designed to help them learn to keep their kids out of the middle of their conflict.
Commissioner Burns is also the Director of Family Court Mediation Services. Either or both parties can request a referral to mediation by contacting the Family Court Commissioner's Office.
Green County pays for the first mediation session in a case. If further mediation is appropriate, each party is ordered to make a deposit (usually $100) to cover further mediation fees. Even though a fee is required for further mediation, it is often less expensive than fighting about the issues in court.
Some mediators hold their sessions in Room 3 of the Green County Courthouse; others hold them at their office. If a mediator is appointed in your case, the Family Court staff will send you a notice with the time and place of the session. Under Court Rule, if a mediator is appointed you are required to cooperate in the mediation sessions. If you don't go and try to work something out, the Commissioner will make you appear in court to explain yourself, and may refer you to the Judge for contempt.
While mediation is primarily used in Family Court for issues of child custody and placement, many parties feel that they would be able to reach an agreement on other issues with the help of a mediator. If both parties agree, the commissioner will refer the parties to mediation on issues other than custody and placement. The county does not pay for these mediations, but the parties usually agree to split the cost. Often, attorneys are involved with these types of mediation to help their clients make sound decisions.
While mediation on these other issues does involve a cost, it may be less expensive than a trial. Mediation may also lead to a more satisfying resolution for everyone.
The Wisconsin Statutes allow the Family Court to establish an education program to help parents understand the effects of divorce on their children. In Green County, this program is provided through the Family Court. Any time a case has issues about custody or placement of the children, the Family Court Commissioner will refer the parents to these classes.
Currently, the classes are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The cost of the classes is $55.00 per person, which includes all materials. A discount to $45.00 is available for early payment. If the Family Court Commissioner refers you to these classes, you will receive an order with the time and place of the class you are to attend. This order will also contain the deadline for the discounted rate.
These classes may conflict with your work or personal schedule, but unfortunately we don't have the resources to fit them to everyone. While some of those who are ordered to go to these classes are angry or upset about it, the vast majority of those who have attended report that they were very worthwhile.
The Family Living Educator from the UW Extension has prepared a brochure which explains what the classes cover and how they may help you. You will need the Adobe Acrobat® Reader to view this brochure. If you don't have the Adobe Acrobat® Reader, please click here for information on how to download it.
There are a number of parenting skill classes offered throughout Green County. We are organizing the information we have received here.