From WOOD COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
The Wood County Court of Common Pleas recently completed its fourth annual Domestic Relations Settlement Week, a program introduced by Magistrates Jill Varnes-Richardson and Michelle Christie in 2023.
Settlement Week gives families dedicated time to work toward resolving domestic relations cases through mediation rather than a contested hearing or trial.
Since 2023, 90 Settlement Week mediations have been conducted, with 86% resulting in an agreement or continued mediation. That success continued in 2026. Of 28 mediations held this year, 17 resulted in full agreement, six reached partial agreement or continued to another mediation, and one conditionally settled.
Settlement Week is a joint effort, bringing together local attorneys who represent clients participating in mediation as well as attorneys who volunteer their time and expertise to serve as neutral mediators. Behind the scenes, the court’s staff identify and prepare cases, coordinate schedules, and organize the week.
Administrative Judge Joel Kuhlman said the results reflect that combined effort.
“We are very pleased with the results,” Kuhlman said. “Our magistrates and staff put a great deal of work into Settlement Week, and our local attorneys continue to embrace the opportunity. Most importantly, it gives the families we serve another way to move forward.”
For families, reaching an agreement through mediation can reduce the time, expense, uncertainty, and stress of continued litigation.
The court plans to continue offering Domestic Relations Settlement Week annually.
