When is Mediation NOT appropriate?

Mediation is appropriate only when each party can:

• speak for himself or herself.
• reach & carry out agreements.

You should consider hearings in court (rather than Mediation) when there has been:

• a Personal Protection Order (PPO).
• child abuse or neglect.
• domestic violence.

fear, force, violence or intimidation used by one party against the other.

If any of these “red flags” apply to your situation, please call:

• YWCA Domestic Crisis & Counseling Center (616.459.4681 or 616.451.2744)
• Kent County PPO Clerk (616.632.5067), or your local circuit court clerk
• National Domestic Violence Hotline (800.799.7233)