DATE: May 13, 2026

FROM: Hon. Mary L Slisz, Supervising Judge for 8th JD Matrimonial Matters on behalf of Hon. Amy C. Martoche, Administrative Judge for 8th JD

RE: ADR Program for Self-Represented Litigants in Matrimonial Matters

On behalf of Administrative Judge Amy C. Martoche, I am pleased to announce our latest effort to increase access to justice through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): the Eighth Judicial District has developed a program for pro se litigants to participate with the Community Mediation Center (CMC) to mediate matrimonial issues using new uncontested joint divorce forms. These new forms simplify the divorce process when both spouses arrive at mutually acceptable terms that are then reduced to a Joint Affirmation of Facts and Agreement. Once this form is completed, the litigants may use the pro se help desk, NY Unified Court System website, or other legal services providers to complete and file the full uncontested divorce packet.