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Services and Classes

ADR class, the Common Ground Supervised Access Program, and pro se filing checklists.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Family Courts

Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Family Courts is a court mandated class that provides detailed information about the Family Court process and alternatives to litigation. This class reviews the family court timeline, explains the role of staff, explains commonly disputed items, discusses the effect of litigation on any minor children involved in the case, and provides an in-depth overview of the mediation process.

  • Who: litigants currently involved in a divorce, modification, or paternity case
  • What: 2-hour course that discusses the family court process and the benefits of mediation
  • Where: Zoom
  • When: Wednesday Evenings 6:00pm–8:00pm
  • Why: Local Rule for Family Court requires participation in a dispute resolution course

Frequently asked questions

What is ADR Class?
ADR explains the family court process and the benefits of mediation. There is time for questions and answers. This is not a parenting class.

I don't want to attend this class. How can I get out of taking it?
Only the Family Court Commissioner can excuse you from this class. It is required if parties have issues. Your attorney must file a motion with the court to get the class waived.

I can't make it to the date assigned to me. Can I reschedule?
You may reschedule the class one time. Call Domestic Relations at 417-829-6113, leave a message with your request, and a letter will be mailed.

Is the other party invited to this class?
Yes! Both parties must attend the class. However, you will usually NOT be scheduled in the same class.

Contact information

The Domestic Relations Unit would like to thank Burrell Behavioral Health Center for generously providing free facilities for parents to attend the Alternative Dispute Resolution Class.

  • ADR program brochure (PDF)

Common Ground Supervised Access Program

The Common Ground Supervised Access Program is a project of the Greene County Family Court. The purpose of Common Ground is to provide a safe setting for children and their non-residential parents to establish, maintain and promote healthy connections with each other. The underlying philosophy of Common Ground is that children have a need and a right to healthy relationships with both parents.

Frequently asked questions about Common Ground

How do families get referred to the Common Ground Program?
Referrals are ordered by the Greene County Family Court Commissioners.

What is a reason why families are referred to Common Ground?
Parents referred to Common Ground are those experiencing a highly conflicted divorce, modification, or paternity case. There may be concerns about child abuse or neglect, domestic violence, mental health issues or substance abuse.

What is Common Ground?
Common Ground provides a safe, neutral environment for the child to spend time with their non-residential parent while the court case is pending. Additionally, some parents have not had an opportunity to develop a relationship with their child, or haven't seen their child for a lengthy period of time. Common Ground provides a comfortable place for children to be introduced to their non-residential parent, or simply to become familiar with them again.

What are Supervised Visits?
Supervised visits are scheduled for a non-residential parent and child(ren) so they may visit each other in a setting that is closely monitored by a trained observer in a safe and nurturing environment for both the parent and child(ren).

What's the first step after being ordered to Common Ground?
The Common Ground Coordinator will call each parent to schedule an intake (informational session) and will explain the rules and policies of the program.

When will visits take place?
Common Ground visits occur on either Tuesday OR Thursday evenings. Visits will be one hour in length, at either 5:15p or 6:30p, depending on available openings.

How long will Common Ground occur until visits can be unsupervised?
Common Ground is ordered for 120 days with a one hour per week visit. Your attorney, Guardian ad Litem, and the Commissioner will make the decision regarding how long your visits will occur and if unsupervised visitation is appropriate for your case.

What happens at visits?
Games, coloring books, toys, and activities are provided to encourage positive play between the parent and the child(ren).

Is Common Ground safe?
Yes. Parents have separate entrances and visits are arranged so neither parent sees the other. Law Enforcement is on site at all visits to provide safety and security.

How much does it cost?
$30 per week. This amount is typically divided between the parties ($15/person); however, the Commissioner will determine how fees are paid.

Contact information

Common Ground would like to thank Central Assembly of God Church and Parkview Christian Church for generously opening their doors and providing an environment in which families of Greene County can be effectively served.

  • Common Ground program brochure (PDF)

Filing your family law case without an attorney

If you desire to proceed in a court case without an attorney you are considered a pro se litigant. Pro se simply means "for one's own behalf". As a pro se litigant you are held to the same procedural requirements as an attorney. Remember, the Judge, Court Staff and the Clerk's Office cannot provide legal advice. Further, nothing contained in these checklists should be considered legal advice. You may always consult an attorney if your situation requires more information than provided by these checklists.

  • Checklist for Filing Your Family Law Case Without an Attorney — Petitioner (PDF)
  • Checklist for Responding to a Family Law Case Without an Attorney — Respondent (PDF)

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