IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE STATE OF OREGON FOR MULTNOMAH COUNTY Family Law Department , Petitioner, and , Respondent. ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) No. ORDER REQUIRING MEDIATION This matter came before the Court on the request of Mother Father the Court or . It appears that the parties disagree about a custody or parenting time matter involving the child/ren. A hearing is scheduled for date not scheduled. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED under Supplemental Local Rule 12.015 of the Multnomah County Circuit Court that the parties shall participate in mediation before a hearing occurs on the issue of custody or parenting time. Failing to attend will likely delay the hearing or trial date. In some cases, it could also result in sanctions affecting whether or how the non-attending party participates at the court hearing. Telephone number for the parties: (Use a contact phone number if the other party does not have your phone number). Mother Father DATED this day of , 20. Circuit Court Judge If you are a victim or domestic violence or if you otherwise have good cause, and you want to waive mandatory mediation, you may request Waiver of Mediation forms in Room 211 of the Courthouse or get them online at the website for the Multnomah County Circuit Court, Family Law pages. OVER Both parties shall contact Multnomah County Family Services Division Multnomah County Courthouse, Room 350 1021 SW Fourth Avenue Portland, Oregon 97204 503/988 - 3189 [ ] for mediation on this date : , 20 at a.m./ p.m. [ ] immediately to schedule a date for mediation American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com NOTICE Mediation is a court sponsored, mandatory program, for parents trying to create or to change a custody or parenting time plan for their child/ren. It is a valuable and useful tool that can help you settle your case and maybe avoid going to court. It often results in a more workable schedule for parents and their children than a court ordered plan. During mediation, you and the other parent will meet with a mediator to talk about the issues that are preventing the two of you from agreeing on a parenting plan. The mediator will help you talk with each other. The mediator may ask questions to clarify your proposals, or suggest ideas you and the other parent have not thought about beforehelp you problem solve, rather than make decisions for you. If you and the other parent cannot agree on a plan for your children, the mediator will not pressure you to accept one. Everything you and the other parent talk about in mediation is confidential, and the mediator will not express an opinion about your case to a judge or any other court personnel. The only exception is if the mediator believes a child has been abused or there is a serious threat of harm to another person. If you and the other parent are able to reach agreement in mediation, the mediator can put your decisions into writing. Each of you may sign the agreement. You may also decide to take steps to make your agreement into a court order. If you have an attorney, it is important that you talk with your attorney and review agreements before making them into a court order. Children may not participate in your mediation session. It is not good for children to participate because they m. We also suggest that you do not bring your child/ren with you to your appointment. Mediation can take more than an hour and waiting in the waiting room while parents talk about difficult subjects is stressful for children. It is important for you to make arrangements for child care before your appointment. Child care for children five and under may be available in Room 214 at the Courthouse, through the Volunteers of America Court Care Program. You can make reservations for your child or children ahead of time by calling (503) 988-4334. Mediation is helpful for many parents, but it may not be right for everyone. Mediation may not be the best option when one or both parents have a serious alcohol or drug problem, an untreated mental illness, or if there has been domestic violence. If you are a victim of domestic violence by the other parent, you have the option to ask the court for a waiver of mediation. Some people that have experienced domestic violence may feel afraid to be in the same building or room with their abuser, or may find it difficult to medi because they feel intimidated. Mediators at Family Court Services are always willing to talk with you about your situation and make sure that mediation will feel safe for you if you choose to mediate. Please note that your scheduled mediation appointment may include an orientation to mediation and an appointment with a mediator. This can take several hours, so please make appropriate arrangements with your childcare provider, employer or transportation. If you have any questions about mediation, call Family Court Services at 503-988-3189. If you believe you should not participate in mediation due to domestic violence or for other reasons, forms for waiver mah County Courthouse, located at 1021 SW Fourth Avenue, Portland, Oregon. Forms are also online at the website for the Multnomah County Circuit Court, on the Family Law pages. American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com