Family Court Services

Judge Mary Kovack has established a number of innovative court services to help families that are involved with the Medina County Domestic Relations Court.

Justice for Families Grant

In 2017, Judge Mary Kovack was awarded a federal grant ($699,961) through the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.  The Justice for Families Grant provides for a dedicated Domestic Violence Magistrate; additional services for the Supervised Parenting Time & Safe Exchange Center; and, additional legal services for low-income families through Community Legal Aid.

Guardian ad Litem Seminar

In May 2016, Judge Mary Kovack sponsored a free, 3-hour continuing legal education seminar in order to better train guardians ad litem and to better prepare attorneys practicing in the Court.

Conflict Management

In 2014, Judge Mary Kovack implemented an Intensive Case Management Program for high-conflict parenting cases.  The parties meet with the Intensive Case Manager, a licensed independent social worker, to develop or improve effective communication skills that will reduce conflict and ultimately reduce the amount of ongoing litigation.

Domestic Violence Grant

Legal Resource Center

In 2011, Judge Mary Kovack received a federal grant ($315,782) through an U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women Grant to Encourage Arrest Policies to create a special docket for Domestic Violence Civil Protection Orders and to provide a full-time, dedicated Domestic Violence Magistrate and victim advocate.  In 2013, the grant ($295,168) was renewed.

Family Assessment

In 2003, Judge Mary Kovack expanded the Community Service program to provide a Case Services Assessment for all cases with children, in order to better understand each family’s unique circumstances and to better serve the needs of the family.

In 2006, Judge Mary Kovack introduced the Legal Resource Center, where court personnel and volunteer lawyers can assist self-represented parties and attorneys with procedural information and forms.



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Mediation

In 2001, Judge Mary Kovack also established a Mediation program that has helped more than 1,000 families since it began.

The Gift Exchange Center

In 2004, Judge Kovack established the Gift Exchange Center (also known as the Supervised Parenting Time & Safe Exchange Center) to provide a place where children can develop healthy relationships with both parents, while teaching parents more effective ways to interact with the children and more appropriate ways to communicate with each other.
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Community Services

In 2001, Judge Mary Kovack established a Community Services Office to link families with agencies and resources in the community.