About Us
Who We Are
The Office of Dispute Resolution provides numerous domestic relations, rural mediation, and alternative dispute resolution services.
Our Areas of Operation
Texas Rural Mediation Services provides dispute resolution services to people affected by the actions of the USDA, as well as to rural Texans for any type of dispute.
South Plains Alternative Dispute Resolution System provides mediation services within the South Plains region. Mediation services are available if ordered by the judge. Counties within the region are responsible for any fees not paid by the parties.
Domestic Relations Office provides family-related mediation, Community Supervision for non-payment of child support obligations, adoption evaluations, supervised visitation, and other services allowed by the Texas Family Code.
Training
As the Dispute Resolution Training Institute, the Office of Dispute Resolution provides a variety of trainings including a 40-hour Basic Mediation Training, 24-hour Family Mediation Training, 24-hour Guardianship Mediation Training, as well as a variety of continuing education workshops.
History
The Lubbock County Commissioners' Court created an Alternative Dispute Resolution System in 1985. In 1988, the Office of Dispute Resolution began receiving regular referrals from the District Attorney. Mandatory mediation for divorcing couples began in 1989. In 1991, mediation for civil cases became mandatory, as well as moderated settlement conferences for County Court-at-Law cases. Since 1999, the Scheduling Order for all civil cases has included a mandatory mediation date.
The South Plains Association of Governments administered these services until 2003. At that time, Lubbock County assumed responsibility for operating the System and the various services it provides.
In 2000, Governor Bush appointed Lubbock County, through the Office of Dispute Resolution, to administer the USDA Mediation Program in Texas. Each Governor since this initial appointment as reaffirmed.
In January 2006, the Office of Dispute Resolution officially became a Domestic Relations Office (DRO), providing family-related services.
