Courts – Programs and Services – Domestic MattersMediation

Domestic Matters Mediation

Mediation is a traditional problem-solving process conducted by trained, experienced mediators who may, but are not required to be, attorneys.

Mediators are neutral. The role of the mediator is to help the parties communicate with each other to resolve issues.

This facilitative process focuses on clarifying positions and identifying the interests and unmet needs of the parties, often with the goal is to resolve the case and preserve ongoing relationships, not to reunite parents, but to serve the best interests of the children.

Mediation has many benefits for parties:

  • Shorter time to case resolution;
  • Greater input in the resolution;
  • Heightened satisfaction with the results of the case; and
  • Less time, money, and stress than the Court process.

The Domestic Matters Mediation Program is available throughout the 13th Judicial District for cases involving child custody, support, visitation and/or property issues. These cases are mediated by experienced mediators appointed by the Court. Mediation is a confidential process. All communications, verbal or written, from the parties to the mediator cannot be used in a court hearing. In cases involving disputes over child custody or visitation, parents meet with the mediator to develop a parenting plan that both meets their individual needs and is in the best interest of their child(ren). The mediator may ask the parties to fill out a Mediation Questionnaire prior to the first mediation session. They may also suggest the parties review co-parenting guidelines to help with the development of a parenting plan.

If you received a Notice of Mediation at the time of filing or service, we will contact you regarding the mediation process. This usually will happen two to three months after the start of the case. On an initial pro se filing, there is no charge for mediation.

If you have a post-decree issue such as modification of custody or visitation and you’d like to use mediation, you may file a motion with the Court regarding mediation. If the Judge grants the motion, there is a fee assessed in accordance with the NM Supreme Court Sliding Fee Scale (NOTE FOR IT: please link that to “NM Supreme Court Sliding Fee Scale.

For more information, please contact Erin Olson, Director of ADR Programs at 505-867-2376 x1172 or 13thADR@nmcourts.gov.