What to Expect After Registration
Registration Renewal Deadline
Registration expires after February 28/29 of every year. You are responsible for renewing your registration annually during the renewal period, which is open from October 1 through December 31. Late renewal begins January 1 and ends February 28/29; renewing during this period means you are in Lapsed Status, and your renewal application is subject to the late fee. Failure to renew by the February 28/29 deadline means your registration falls into Inactive Status, preventing you from acting as a neutral in court-connected cases. After five years from the date registration was first due, each inactive neutral will become Deregistered; this is the end of the calendar year for those in Inactive V status. A deregistered neutral who wants to register again must meet the initial requirements for registration, including completion of a GODR-approved training course in each category for which the desire to register.
All registered neutrals must complete the annual continuing education requirement of 3 hours (those in Inactive Status must complete additional hours). All continuing education is due at noon on December 31; neutrals may carryover 3 CE hours to the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the excess CE hours were earned. ALL neutrals are responsible for self-reporting through the Georgia Courts Registrar; GODR does not automatically receive CLE information from the State Bar of Georgia.
Hardship
In cases of extraordinary hardship, a neutral may request an extension or waiver of certain registration renewal requirements. Such requests are submitted in writing to the GODR Executive Director. More information can be found in the Supreme Court ADR Rules, Appendix B.
Volunteer Status
Neutrals who volunteer their services may qualify for a fee waiver, if they meet the qualifications provided in the Supreme Court ADR Rules, Appendix B.
Military Service Relief
Neutrals who are military servicemembers may qualify for a stay of registration renewal requirements. Eligibility is determined in accordance with the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. More information can be found in the Supreme Court ADR Rules, Appendix B.
Each court ADR program maintains their own set of requirements for neutrals on their roster. You must contact these programs directly to inquire about requirements and roster availability; For information on individual court programs.
Though it is possible that individuals will find you in the directory and solicit your services, it is not promised or very likely. All registered neutrals are encouraged to market their own practice. Get out there, build relationships, be creative, and find your niche!
We encourage all registered neutrals to read and understand the full scope of our rules