What Is Companionship Mediation?

Companionship Mediation is a problem solving process in which a neutral professional (the mediator) facilitates communication between parents involved in a companionship (visitation) dispute. The mediator will ask each parent to present his or her view of the issues and discuss possible solutions.  The mediator will also ask the parents to discuss the needs of their children regarding companionship time and ways in which the parents can meet these needs of their children and protect the best interests of the children.

A parent who has a companionship dispute contacts Mediation Services and completes a Request for Companionship Mediation form.  Mediation Services then schedules a mediation session and notifies both parents, by mail, of the date and time of this mediation session. Companionship Mediations are held in the Mediation Services Offices, 373 S. High St., 3rd floor, Columbus, OH.

At the mediation session, the mediator guides the communication process so that all participants have a chance to be heard.  Conflicts are discussed one at a time, and various solutions are explored. The mediator may help participants develop options to resolve the issues, but the final agreement is made by the participants.

Mediation is a process that gives the parties the opportunity to resolve issues for their children and themselves rather than have a judge or magistrate decide for them.

The mediator does not make any decisions for the parties but helps the parties come to an agreement that works for all parties involved.

Mediation is a joint, cooperative problem solving process, and it is necessary for both parents to participate. The parties work together, with the help of the mediator, to develop mutually agreed upon solutions.

The mediator focuses on helping parties reach their own agreements and can not give legal advice.  Attorneys rarely attend mediation sessions.  However, many parties find it useful to consult with an attorney, either before or after the mediation session, to discuss their rights and responsibilities concerning companionship issues. Attorneys help their clients understand the law and make informed decisions. When the parties reach agreement in mediation, they may want to incorporate the final agreement into an Agreed Judgment Entry.  Attorneys can assist with this process.

Who May Request Companionship Mediation?

Companionship Mediation is available to all individuals who have visitation with or shared parenting of a minor child pursuant to a Court Order of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations or Juvenile Branch.

There is currently no charge for the Companionship Mediation program.

The mediation session will last from
1 ½  to 2 ½ hours depending on the nature and complexity of the issues that are being mediated.  The parties may meet for only one session or be asked to return for additional sessions.

Any agreement that is reached must be voluntary on the part of the participants.  No agreement will be signed unless all participants are satisfied with all statements contained in the agreement.

Mediation agreements become legally binding if a formal motion is filed with the Court, the agreement is presented to the Court in the form of an Agreed Judgment Entry, and the Court approves the proposed Agreed Judgment Entry.

If no agreement is reached, a party may file a formal Court action.

Everything that is said during a mediation session is confidential.  Neither the mediator nor the mediator’s notes can be subpoenaed to Court.  However, by law, mediators are required to report any new allegation of abuse, neglect or threat of bodily harm to a child.

Usually the mediation session involves only the parents.  If you believe there are other people who should participate, discuss the issue with the mediator.

Childcare is NOT available.  Please do not bring children to the mediation.