Let's Get You to the Right Place
Whether it's a court case or you simply need expert, outside help - we're here for you.
What brings you to the DRC today?
Restorative Justice
I have a legal case. If you have a case in Washtenaw County or with the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office that has been approved for the Restorative Justice Program, you're in the right place. Please contact rj@thedrcmi.org to connect with a Case Coordinator who will assist you further.
I don't have a legal case. If you don't have a legal case but are interested in learning about how the Restorative Justice program might help your situation, we'd be happy to connect. Please note that we charge a nominal fee for self-referred cases. Ask your Coordinator about payment options and arrangements. Please contact rj@thedrcmi.org to connect with a Case Coordinator who will assist you further.
Small Claims & General Civil Cases
If you have a small claims or general civil case, please email us at smallclaims@thedrcmi.org to be connected with a Staff Person who will assist you further.
Important to know: From the time you file with the court to when your case is referred to the DRC, it may take several weeks or months. Once your case is received by a Mediation Case Coordinator, they will contact you directly to schedule your mediation.
Want an update on your case? Please contact the court directly or look up your case status online.
If you do not reach an agreement by the end of your mediation, your case will be referred back to the court for a hearing with the Magistrate.
Domestic Relations
Whether you have an Attorney representing you or not, we're here to help. We serve families seeking help with separation, divorce, post-judgement of divorce, custody, co-parenting, probate and adult and youth guardianship situations. To connect with a Staff Person to assist you further, email us at familymediation@thedrcmi.org.
All court referred cases are free. Self-referred are charged a nominal fee and invoiced at the end of your case. Ask your Coordinator about payment options and arrangements.
MI-Resolve
MI-Resolve is a text based program (like typing an email and is not in real time) that provides an efficient and accessible way of resolving disputes for ONLY small claims, general civil, and landlord-tenant cases (but not evictions) in the district court.
Through MI-Resolve, parties can go online to negotiate directly with the other party, or have a Community Dispute Resolution Center (in this case, The Dispute Resolution Center) mediator help them resolve their dispute. If the dispute is resolved, the system produces the necessary court forms for filing in the individual courts. Also, the service is free, involving no cost to the parties or court.
Other Conflicts
For any conflict situations that don't fall under any of the above categories, please email us at info@thedrcmi.org for more information.
Need Legal Help or Advice?
We do not provide legal help or guidance at the Dispute Resolution Center. We recommend you check out the following resources.
Legal Aid of South Central Michigan
Fair Housing Center of Southeast and Mid-Michigan
University of Michigan Law Clinics (Available to the public)