Reviewed August 2026
Mediation in District of Columbia
The District of Columbia does not force every divorce or custody case into mediation by statute. But it makes free, court-connected mediation broadly available through the Superior Court's Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division. Anyone with a dispute over custody, visitation, or child support, or going through a legal separation or divorce, can use Multi-Door family mediation. It does not matter whether a case has been filed in court or whether either party has an attorney. Participation is voluntary. Court-provided mediators do not decide the outcome of a case. Any agreement reached is voluntary and shaped entirely by the parties. Getting started begins with a mandatory intake interview. A Dispute Resolution Specialist meets with each party individually before scheduling the first mediation session. Mediation sessions are confidential, with narrow exceptions for unreported abuse or neglect of children and threats of violence or bodily harm.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how mediation works under District of Columbia law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file District of Columbia paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
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Who can use Multi-Door family mediation
The Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division's family mediation is available to anyone with a dispute about custody, visitation, or financial support of a child. It is also available to anyone going through a legal separation or divorce. This applies regardless of whether a case has been filed in court, and regardless of whether either party has a lawyer. The court frames this as a way for families to keep control over how their issues get resolved, rather than leaving decisions to a judge.
The intake and scheduling process
To start, a person contacts the Family Program by email at Mediationintake@dcsc.gov or by calling 202-879-3180. This schedules a mandatory mediation intake interview. A Dispute Resolution Specialist meets with each party individually to complete that intake. Once all parties to the case have completed intake, the case is assigned to a Case Manager. The Case Manager sends the first mediation session date and handles scheduling. The court also sends automated text and email reminders ahead of scheduled sessions.
What happens during a session
A mediation session runs approximately two hours. The mediator meets with both parties together, and separately at times, to work through key topics. Any needed follow-up session gets scheduled before the meeting ends. Sessions are generally offered Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They also run Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and noon. Parties can request an in-person session instead of the default format. That requires submitting an Application to Appear In Person within 24 hours of the scheduling email. All participants must agree to meet in person.
Confidentiality and reaching an agreement
The mediator keeps discussions confidential, with exceptions for any unreported allegations of abuse or neglect of children, or threats of violence or bodily harm. Court-provided Multi-Door mediation is also free for participants. That removes cost as a barrier, compared with hiring a private mediator. When the parties reach agreement on the topics discussed, the mediator drafts a written agreement. Parties are encouraged to have that written agreement reviewed by an attorney before signing. Once everyone signs, the agreement can be forwarded to the court to become part of the case record.
How a mediated agreement becomes a court order
A Multi-Door mediation agreement is not automatically a court order the moment it is signed. After the mediator drafts the agreement and the parties sign it, ideally after attorney review, it is forwarded to the court. A judge there can incorporate it into a divorce judgment, custody order, or other order in the case. If the parties do not reach a full agreement, the underlying case proceeds through the court in the usual way.
Sources: District of Columbia Courts, Family Mediation (Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division), District of Columbia Courts, Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division
Not independently confirmed
- Whether there is a specific, named domestic violence exemption or screening protocol distinct from the general confidentiality carve-out for threats and abuse allegations
- Mediator qualification or certification requirements for the Multi-Door roster
- Whether DC has adopted the Uniform Mediation Act or relies on its own court rules and Multi-Door program policy for confidentiality
Mediation in District of Columbia: frequently asked questions
Is mediation required for divorce in DC?+
There is no blanket requirement forcing every DC divorce into mediation. But the Superior Court's Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division makes free family mediation broadly available. It covers custody, visitation, child support, and divorce or legal separation disputes. This applies whether or not a case has been filed in court.
How much does DC's Multi-Door family mediation cost?+
Court-provided mediation through the Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division is generally free for participants. This makes it a lower-cost option than hiring a private mediator directly. Parties are still encouraged to have any written agreement reviewed by an attorney before signing.
How do I start mediation in DC family court?+
Contact the Family Program at Mediationintake@dcsc.gov or call 202-879-3180 to schedule a mandatory mediation intake interview. A Dispute Resolution Specialist meets with each party individually first. Once everyone has completed intake, a Case Manager schedules the first mediation session.
Is what I say in DC family mediation confidential?+
Yes, with narrow exceptions. The mediator keeps discussions confidential except for unreported allegations of abuse or neglect of a child, or threats of violence or bodily harm. Those are not protected by that confidentiality.
Can I do DC family mediation without a lawyer or without filing a case first?+
Yes. Multi-Door family mediation is available whether or not a case has been filed in court, and whether or not either party has an attorney. Parties are still encouraged to have any written agreement reviewed by an attorney before signing it.
Does my DC mediation agreement automatically become my custody or divorce order?+
No. Once parties reach agreement, the mediator drafts it in writing. After the parties sign, it is forwarded to the court. A judge reviews it and can incorporate it into the divorce judgment or custody order. It is not automatically enforceable before that step.
This page is general information about mediation in District of Columbia, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with District of Columbia's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in District of Columbia. Virdix does not prepare or file District of Columbia divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in District of Columbia.
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