Hamilton County Courts launch Alternative Dispute Resolution program

Program designed to resolve disputes faster & reduce caseloads

It will soon be easier for qualified low-income residents of Hamilton County to resolve their family law disputes. Hamilton County’s Circuit and Superior Courts will launch a new Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program after the first of the year.

Bloch

“The Hamilton County Judiciary is committed to providing practical and compassionate solutions for Hamilton County families going through difficult times,” Circuit Court Judge Andrew Bloch said. “The fund will provide mediation services and court-ordered programming for families who otherwise may not be able to afford these resources.”

To ensure the program is accessible to those in need, a sliding fee scale will be implemented for those who qualify for assistance, based on their income. For families earning less than $35,000 per year, the program will provide a subsidy for mediation services, guardian ad litem services, parenting coordination, and parenting classes, with a maximum co-payment of $100.

“We believe that families are better off when they are able to resolve their differences outside of the courtroom,” Judge Bloch added. “Research shows that mediation leads to higher satisfaction and more durable solutions than drawn-out, contentious court battles that often delay resolution and increase costs for families.”

Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, the filing fee for all divorce, legal separation, and paternity cases will increase by $20. Those additional dollars will help fund the program, along with a grant from the Indiana Supreme Court. The program will be self-sustaining after the first year.