Established in 1994 and celebrating 32 years of service in 2026, CMS services 13 Counties, a vast rural region spanning more than 18,328 square miles. In communities where timely and affordable access to justice can be limited, mediation provides an essential pathway, one that is confidential, respectful, and centered on the needs of the people involved. Each year, we process around 800 cases, supporting an average of 1,400 adults and 325 children.

 

Over the years, we have listened closely to our communities and prioritized the matters that carry the greatest long-term impact. Many of the cases we serve involve family and court-related conflicts, situations where the outcome is important, but the ongoing relationship between the parties matters just as much. By creating space for constructive dialogue, CMS helps individuals navigate difficult conversations around parenting time, custody, family transitions, and other court-referred matters with dignity and care.
 

Our work is made possible through the dedication of our highly trained volunteer mediators, who bring professionalism, neutrality, and compassion to each case. Their commitment allows us to extend services across a large geographic area while maintaining high standards of quality and accessibility.
 

CMS also plays an active leadership role beyond direct service delivery. We participate in statewide committees, training initiatives, and collaborative efforts designed to strengthen mediation practice, court partnerships, and conflict resolution access throughout Michigan. As a pilot and anchor center in innovative service delivery including online mediation expansion, we continue to evolve alongside the needs of the communities we serve.

 

CMS continues to demonstrate strong, meaningful results!

 

Our impact is reflected not only in agreements reached, but in the experiences of those we serve. In 2025, 68% of mediated cases resulted in an agreement, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaborative conflict resolution. Of those agreements there was 100% compliance, and 76% of those participants reported they would recommend CMS to friends or community members seeking solutions to conflict, a testament to the trust, respect, and empowerment built through the process. While 32% did not reach agreement, participants still benefited from a structured, respectful process that allowed them to be heard and better understand their options; to move forward or to settle prior to court. 

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Overall, the strong agreement rate highlights mediation’s value in helping individuals and families resolve disputes, reduce conflict, and move forward constructively.

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At its heart, Community Mediation Services exists to ensure that every individual, regardless of geography, income, or circumstance, has the opportunity to be heard, to participate in decisions affecting their lives, and to move forward with clarity and confidence.

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Your generosity makes all of this possible. Your donations help us provide life-changing mediation to those in conflict and crisis. Through your support, we can resolve housing insecurity by mediating landlord/tenant disputes, rebuild families by offering guidance in Child Protection and Guardianship cases, and assist parents as they navigate the challenges of divorce and co-parenting.  ​

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We see firsthand the transformations that happen when people feel heard and supported. Families heal, communities grow stronger, and individuals find peace. This is the heart of what we do and why we need your help to keep going.

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​With heartfelt thanks,
The CMS Team