Family Division - Alternative Dispute Resolution Unit

Room M0423
(301) 952-4533

The Alternative Dispute Resolution and Referral Unit provides directly or coordinates access to various services to assist the court in making decisions. These include custody and visitation mediation and the mental hygiene consultation service.

Custody and Visitation Mediation Program (301) 952-4533
The Custody and Visitation Mediation Program is a service provided by Prince George's County Circuit Court for custody or visitation disputes. With the assistance of a trained mediator, parents or parties plan together for the continuing care of their children. They can establish a workable and effective parenting agreement to help guide future communication and time share arrangements. The custody and/or visitation decisions made during mediation can positively affect the children's adjustment. In addition, the future wellbeing of the children is often affected by the ability of the adults who care for them to cooperate and communicate with each other about the children. Cost for this service is determined by a sliding fee scale.

Parents or parties are also asked by the Court to attend one or two Orientation and Parenting Seminars to introduce them to the mediation process, give them pointers on resolving communication issues and help them understand the effect their actions may have on the children. These seminars are offered at the Court or at a nearby location.

People who wish to mediate prior to filing a case in the Circuit Court may contact a private mediator or a community mediation program.

Mental Hygiene Consultation Service (301) 952-3477 Courthouse, Room M0423
The Mental Hygiene Consultation Service conducts psychological evaluations to assist the Court in making decisions regarding custody and visitation when there are allegations of serious mental health issues. After an initial screening conducted by the Mental Hygiene Service, when warranted, cases are assigned to one of the clinical psychologist from the court-approved panel. Evaluations are conducted at the psychologist’s private office and there is a $1500 fee assessed, payable to the court. All evaluations are initiated through a court order.