Be neutral, 2020 July

BE NEUTRAL.
a publication of the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution
July 2020
Meet Your Commission
Established 1993
On May 6, 2020, the Supreme Court of Georgia's Commission on Dispute Resolution (GCDR) welcomed two new appointees: Judge Clarence

Cuthpert, Jr., Rockdale County Probate Court and N. Staten Bitting, Jr., Esq., a registered neutral from Richmond County. The GCDR meeting, held by videoconference, was the first virtual swearing-in for GCDR. Justice John J. Ellington asked Judge Cuthpert and Bitting, to raise their right hand in front of their video camera as he administered the oaths.
In April 2020, the Supreme Court expanded the Commission with the addition of a third trial court judge (non-superior court), a seat now filled by Judge Cuthpert.
Read more about Judge Cuthpert and Mr. Bitting below, or in the appointment press release here.

Hon. Clarence Cuthpert, Jr.
- Probate Court Judge in Rockdale County - Practicing attorney of nearly 25 years - Registered Neutral for nearly 10
- Serves as the appointed representative of the Georgia Probate Courts on the Judicial Council'
s Standing Committee on Access to Justice

N. Staten Bitting, Jr., Esq.
- Admitted to the GA Bar in 1989 - Included in The Best Lawyers in America in a number of practice areas, including mediation
- Registered Neutral for over 7 years - Served as Special Assistant Attorney General on several state committees and civic boards

Read More About Our History

COVID-19 UPDATE

Our webpage devoted COVID-19 resources continues to grow! GODR has created two video mediation guides- one for mediators and one for parties & attorneys (pictured above). We have also made available sample templates for mediators conducting mediation via videoconference. All guides and sample templates are available for download on our COVID-19 webpage.
You can also find downloadable guides in the Virtual ADR Resources area of godr.org.
ADR Institute

Due to COVID-19, the 2020 ADR Institute will transition to an online format this year. As always, GODR will co-sponsor this annual event along with the
Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Georgia. We hope that this change will allow more convenient, safer access for attendees. Keep an eye
out for details in the months ahead!
GODR 411: Answering Your Questions
"I know that there are new Rules for Mediation in Cases Involving Domestic Violence... What does this mean for me?"
Are you registered in Domestic Relations Mediation (DR) / Specialized Domestic Violence Mediation (SDV)? Here is what you should know!
- The new rules are effective January 1, 2021
- If you received training prior to 2020, you

must attend a supplemental training prior to December 31, 2020
Supplemental Training Information:
-> Those trained in Domestic Relations Mediation only (no SDV training) MUST take a supplemental training for DR mediators -> Those trained in Domestic Relations Mediation AND Specialized Domestic Violence Mediation MUST take a supplemental training for SDV mediators -> While your supplemental training must be completed prior to December 31, GODR will only be offering training through the end of August -> The events are free. You MUST pre-register for events through your account in the Georgia Courts Registrar -> Those who fail to complete the training requirement or no longer wish to be registered in the DR or SDV categories will permanently lose the designation on January 1, 2021
Questions?: Most questions may be addressed by visiting our 2020 Supplemental Training information page here. For additional questions, please reach out to us at gaodr@georgiacourts.gov
ALL CALL:
ADR CASE MANAGER WANTED

The Clayton County Superior Court is seeking an ADR Case Manager. This is a permanent, career position; minimum qualifications include: - Bachelor's Degree - Registration with GODR in General Civil and Domestic Relations Mediation categories - Must possess and maintain valid certification as a Notary Public Click here to view the official job posting and to apply.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
A Conversation with Judge M. Cindy Morris
Our own GCDR incoming chair Judge M. Cindy Morris, Superior Court Judge of the Conasauga Judicial Circuit, sat down with Michelle Barclay, Esq.,
Division Director - Communications, Children, Families and the Courts at the Judicial Council/Administrative Office of the Courts for the May 2020 edition

of the Georgia Courts Journal. The two discussed ADR, the impact of COVID-19 on mediation, and broad
plans for Judge Morris' leadership role. Find the full interview here.
Read something interesting recently? Let us know! Send current news to gaodr@georgiacourts.gov
Calendar of Events
July 30: DR Supplemental Training July 31: SDV Supplemental Training August 5: GCDR Virtual Meeting Aug 11, 19, 25: DR Supplemental Training Aug 12, 20, 26: SDV Supplemental Training September 7: GODR Office Closed October 12: GODR Office Closed November 4: GCDR Meeting More dates on our website: GODR.org
CONNECT WITH US

Copyright 2019 GODR All rights reserved.
Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution 244 Washington St. SW, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30334 404-463-3808
gaodr@georgiacourts.gov
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