|
Mediation services for Small
Claims litigants are now available on site at the
Carol Miller
Justice Center on the day set for trial. Mediation is an alternative
form of dispute resolution that has proven very effective in helping
Small Claims litigants to resolve their cases. During a mediation
session, a mediator meets with both parties of a Small Claims action and
helps them gain a deeper understanding of their conflict so they can
create their own solutions to the dispute.
For more information on mediation
statewide, please check the Judicial Council of California's Web site,
Small Claims Court Information Center.
Why Use Mediation?
Mediation can be beneficial to both
plaintiffs and defendants. Mediators are specially trained to help
people with conflicts find constructive ways to resolve them. Even if
the other party involved in the case seems unreasonable or you have
already tried to resolve your case, mediation may still be helpful.
Mediation allows the parties involved in the case to choose solutions
that work best for them. When parties take their case to court before a
judicial officer, there is a risk that neither party will get the
outcome that she/he wants. Mediation allows the parties to retain
control over what happens in their case.
Benefits of Mediation
- Promotes communication and
cooperation
- Helps people end problems, not
relationships
- Prevents the escalation of
conflict
- Allows the people with the
conflict to choose the solutions that work best for them
- Parties can structure payment
plans that fit within their budgets
- Allows parties to keep the issues
in their case confidential
- People who create their own
agreements are more likely to follow through with their promises
How Does the Mediation Program Work?
The mediation session takes place
outside the courtroom on the day scheduled for the trial. Both the
plaintiff and the defendant must agree to participate in the process. A
mediator from the program will meet with you and the other party in your
case. You do not need to make an appointment ahead of time to
participate in mediation on the day of your hearing; however, you may
call the program office ahead of time if you wish to try and resolve
your Small Claims case prior to the hearing date.
If your case is resolved through
mediation, you and the other party will sign a document that outlines
what you both have agreed to do. The document will become a part of the
court file. If you are not able to resolve your case through mediation,
you will go back into the courtroom and a judicial officer will hear
your case. Mediation will not delay your opportunity for a court
hearing.
The mediators for the program are
provided by the
Human
Rights/Fair Housing Commission of the City and County of Sacramento.
Mediation services are provided to the litigants free of charge. Further
information about mediation services is available at the
Carol Miller
Justice Center, or by calling 916-875-7843.
|