Mediation
Mediation Information
Civil Mediation Services
Alternative Dispute Resolution may assist with solving your legal problem.
Most people solve their legal problems without a trial. "ADR" can help.
What is ADR?
ADR ("Alternative Dispute Resolution") is a way to solve legal problems without going through trial. Two examples are arbitration and mediation. MORE>>
Arbitration
Arbitration is like a trial, but it is less formal. It takes place in an office, not a courtroom. The parties (people with a legal dispute) present their evidence to an "arbitrator." The arbitrator decides who wins the case and how much they win. There are two kinds of arbitration. "Binding" arbitration means that the arbitrator’s decision is final. There is no appeal or trial after that decision. "Nonbinding" arbitration means that after the arbitration, either party can request a trial. But, if the party who requests the trial gets a worse decision at trial, there may be penalties.
Mediation
Mediation is nothing like a trial. The parties meet with a mediator in an office. The mediator may meet with the parties separately or together. The mediator listens to all the parties and tries to help them work out a solution that works for everyone. The mediator does not make a decision and does not talk to the judge about the case. If the parties cannot agree on a solution, the case can go to trial.
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Mediation can be more satisfying: |
In mediation, the parties have more control over the outcome of the dispute. |
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Mediation saves time: |
Your dispute may be resolved in less time than it takes to proceed. |
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Mediation saves money: |
The number of trips to court are reduced, saving time and money. |
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Mediation encourages cooperation: |
The parties can work together, with the help of the mediator, to resolve their case in a way that makes sense to them. |
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Mediation can reduce stress: |
Mediation is informal, and saves time and money. There are fewer court appearances required and the dispute can be resolved sooner, so you don’t have an unresolved dispute hanging over your head for years. |
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Mediation encourages participation: |
In mediation, the parties have more opportunity to tell their side of the story. |
For more information or to locate ADR programs, contact the court at (209) 533-5555.
To watch a video demonstration of the most common types of ADR, click here.
Family Mediation Services
Mediation services are available to litigants who have a current case involving the custody and visitation of their minor child(ren). The goal of our mediators is to facilitate a custody/visitation arrangement between the parents that is in the best interest of the minor child(ren). A mediation appointment can be made by calling 209-533-6565. When calling to make an appointment, please make sure that you have your case number and the mailing address of the other party. The mediators will not make an appointment for just one party, both parties must participate. If your case involves domestic violence restraining orders, please advise the clerk’s office when making the appointment, and one of the parties will be instructed to call in at the appointment time so that the restraining order is not violated, and the protected person has a safe environment for mediation. Mediation services are non-recommending, which means the mediator does not testify in court or write any recommendation to the court.