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Typically,
cases in this program, if unresolved in mediation, will be
referred back to the court of continuing jurisdiction.
Most
cases mediated in this program are referred to the DRC by
the courts (typically Family District Civil).
Some cases, however, are mediated at the request of
counsel either prior to or following filing.
Counsel
is required to contact the DRC by phone or by mail
indicating that our services have been requested.
The parties are required to participate in a
telephone interview with a DRC family mediation program
staff member (this interview is a screening for case
acceptability and usually lasts about 30 minutes).
Counsel may, at any time during the intake process,
determine a mutually agreeable mediation date and time (at
least 10 days from the date the request for DRC services
is made). Counsel
should keep in mind that any arranged mediation date will
be forfeited if their client fails to conduct his or her
telephone intake with the DRC.
Mediations
are conducted at either the mediator’s offices, the DRC
offices, or (if mutually acceptable) the offices of
counsel. Mediations
held at the DRC are scheduled to commence at 9:00 AM, 1:30
PM or 5:30 PM. In
cases involving minor children, the parties are required
to watch a 30 minute video produced by the Dallas Young
Lawyers Association entitled “Don’t Forget The
Children” before the mediation session commences.
Whenever
possible, mediations are conducted by a male/female
mediation team. One
of the team members will be an attorney and the other
member will possess an advanced degree in counseling or
social services.
To
schedule a mediation, call the DRC’s family mediation
department at (713) 755-8274. The
DRC provides these services in English and Spanish. DRC
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