Mediation

What is mediation?

Mediation includes any process in which a mediator facilitates communication and negotiation between parties to assist them reaching a voluntary agreement regarding their dispute. Mediation provides for informal communication in a relaxed atmosphere.

What are the benefits of mediation?

A mediated agreement created by the parties is more likely to be adhered to than a court imposed judgment and parties are allowed to discuss issues that may not be allowed in Court.

	Lawsuit	Mediation
Cost to file	$43.00 – $103.00	$10.00
Who decides	The Judge	You and the other party
Privacy	It is a matter of public record.	Sessions are private and confidential. Any entries signed by the Judge may become part of public record.
Support People	Generally, by subpoena	Not necessary, unless desired
Attorney	Usually necessary	No, but welcome as an advisor
Limitations	For money only!	The only limitations regarding mediated agreements are those determined by the parties.

Does it cost anything?

Civil/small claims cases will be scheduled for mediation prior to hearing with the Court. The filing fee will be $10. There is no additional fee for mediation.

What happens next?

If the case is resolved in mediation, the inconvenience of a full-scale trial for claimant, respondent, and their respective witnesses is avoided and the parties move forward with what they have agreed to. In addition, both sides win with neither side risking the loss of having the judge decide against them, saving the expense of attorney fees, and the time, effort, and money that could be spent gathering evidence.

If the dispute is not settled in this manner, the claimant has lost nothing, and the case is referred back to the Court for hearing or trial and the $10 fee will be applied to the cost of filing a civil/small claims action upon request of the claimant in order to have the case filed in court and placed on the regular docket.

How does my case end up in mediation?

All civil/small claims cases will be scheduled for mediation through the Court. For all other cases, if you are interested in mediation for your dispute, please contact the Mediation Coordinator at(419) 698-7174 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.