Annual Report 2025

Mediation Programs

Mediation programs are a form of alternative dispute resolution where a trained neutral third party, a mediator, facilitates communication between parties to explore options to work towards resolution. The 17th Circuit has a number of mediation programs.

Family

The 17th Circuit Court Family Mediation Program provides a way for parents to work out child custody and placement agreements with the assistance of a neutral third party. All mediators who participate in this program have extensive training and must be approved by the Presiding Judge of the Family Division

Small Claims

Since 2006, pro se litigants in small claims in Winnebago County cases have been able to actively resolve disputes through our free voluntary mediation program. At mediation, the parties meet with a neutral, certified mediator, who listens to both sides and helps the parties find their own solution. Mediators do not make any decisions for the parties, but will assist the parties in the preparation of orders to be filed with the court. Court-Annexed Major Civil Any contested civil matter asserting a claim in excess of $50,000.00, or other contested civil matters such as chancery, miscellaneous remedy or probate cases may be referred to for mediation by a judge or by stipulation of the parties involved.

Court-Annexed Major Civil Any contested civil matter asserting a claim in excess of $50,000.00, or other contested civil matters such as chancery, miscellaneous remedy or probate cases may be referred to mediation by a judge or by stipulation of the parties involved.

Kay Thompson-Taylor, Program Coordinator

The 17th Circuit Residential Foreclosure Mediation Program helps borrowers and lenders communicate to explore options that may resolve the foreclosure process. In 2025, 64% of homeowners who made it through the pre-mediation phase reached agreements with their lenders in mediation, and over 97% of those agreements allowed the homeowners to retain their homes.

This program is available to homeowners in residential foreclosure cases filed in both Winnebago County and Boone County. Program participation is voluntary and homeowners incur no costs for mediation services.