Settlement Week 2025
The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court’s Dispute Resolution Department is partnering with other local courts for the 2025 Settlement Week the last week of October. During Settlement Week, Dispute Resolution schedules as many hearings as possible and invites attorneys to volunteer to mediate the cases.
Since the Court’s civil mediation program began in 1989, it has evolved from a fledgling alternative to trial into an established and effective forum for resolving civil disputes. The Ohio Legislature passed the Uniform Mediation Act in 2005, codifying many aspects of the mediation process. Today’s lawyers recognize mediation as a powerful and primary tool for resolving their client’s disputes.
Dispute Resolution is housed on the 10th floor of the Justice Center and mediation parties have access to five large hearing rooms and four smaller caucus rooms that double as mediator offices. Private rooms help protect the confidential and privileged nature of mediation communications.
Additionally, Domestic Relations Court staff mediators will be assisting the Juvenile Court to resolve some parenting/support cases during Settlement Week and Domestic Relations Court Judges will be asked to send cases to their mediation department. Domestic Relations Court mediators will also be participating in Legal Aid’s Pro Bono Week clinic on October 22 at the Cleveland Public Library to help with child support and parenting plans.
In addition to Settlement Week, a CLE for local attorneys will be held on Friday, October 31. Along with the Common Pleas Court General Division, representatives will be on hand from the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court, and the 8Th District Court of Appeals. Lawyers will hear about what to expect in mediation/resolution conferences in each of the courts and how best to prepare clients for mediation. The CLE will also review the Ohio Mediation Act and each court’s local mediation rules.