Dear Court Litigant:

You have a case in our court. During this time in your life, you have a number of decisions to make about your future. I would like you to know that our court would like to help make this process as easy as possible for you.

However, going to court is not the only way to resolve disputes. Some other ways include having attorneys negotiate directly; having a neutral third party help both sides negotiate a solution (mediation); or having 2 special masters evaluate your issues. These other ways help people find solutions that are mutually acceptable. You can speak with your attorney, if you have one, about these options so the two of you can decide whether any of these are right for you.

You may want to consider these other ways of resolving you dispute for several reasons:

1. You will directly participate in finding solutions;
2. You probably will be able to resolve your dispute sooner;
3. It may be much less expensive;
4. You will end the process with better relationships and less conflict; and
5. You will likely find it less stressful than court hearings.

Our Judicial Circuit has more alternative programs available for the resolution of your case than most rural Family Court Circuits in the country. I urge you to become knowledgeable about these programs by visiting our website, familycourt.us, or by visiting our information kiosk which is located in the Circuit Clerk’s office in each county in our Circuit.

It is to your benefit to consider opportunities to reduce conflict and reduce expenses incurred in the court process. Many people spend time, effort and money attempting to obtain satisfaction by prolonging the dispute with the other party, but this does not guarantee either party will be fully satisfied with the outcome.

Yours very truly,


Ralph J. Haslag
Administrative Judge, Family Court
State of Missouri 25th Judicial Circuit