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K-State Today

May 19, 2016

Riley Geary Domestic Mediation Services featured with recent award

Submitted by Anne Rubash

Judge Wilson and Terrie McCants receiving President's Award

Meryl Wilson, chief judge in Riley County's 21st Judicial District of Kansas, was honored for his support of the College of Human Ecology's Riley Geary Domestic Mediation Services sponsored by the state's Advisory Council on Dispute Resolution.

Wilson was presented with the President's Award from the Heartland Mediators Association on April 29 at the association's annual conference in Kansas City as a member of the public, media or government who has contributed to increasing public awareness of mediation.

With Wilson's support, the program has provided an affordable and quality alternative dispute resolution service to individuals in the northeast and north central Kansas counties. The program also trains future mediators through professional mentoring in a hands-on environment. K-State students who have completed required conflict resolution and mediation courses can work with state approved mediators on real cases to gain professional experience.

"After 18 years of hearing contested custody cases, I came to the conclusion there had to be a better way to resolve conflict between parents. Custody issues will arise years after the final divorce hearing. I have found that mediation is a first step toward developing a respectful relationship between the parents. This allows for the parents to resolve future issues in a positive way," said Wilson, about why he refers parents to mediation services.

For more information about Riley Geary Domestic Mediation Services, call 785-370-5162, email rgmediation@k-state.edu or visit he.k-state.edu/fshs/rgmediation.