What is mediation?

Mediation is a process that seeks to resolve disputes through the intervention of a trained mediator, without pursuing a matter through the courts to trial and conviction. The mediator encourages discussions between the parties to help them reach an agreement they can both accept. The types of complaints sent to mediation generally include citizen complaints involving disputes between individuals or groups. These are commonly referred to as "neighborhood disputes." 

Not all complaints can be referred to mediation. For example, motor vehicle matters and certain criminal matters cannot be resolved using the mediation process.

Benefits

Mediation offers benefits, including: 

  • Establishing early, direct communications and understanding between the parties about the important issues of each side
  • The result may benefit all of the parties and provide a win-win solution
  • Mediation can be less expensive, more relaxed and a more meaningful alternative to the traditional trial process

Mediation is available in nearly all municipalities and is made possible largely because of the efforts of trained volunteers who are the mediators.

Show All Answers

1. What is the Municipal Court?
2. What are my rights as a defendant in the Municipal Court?
3. Do I need to appear in court if I choose to plead guilty and pay the fine?
4. If I can plead guilty without going to court, how much will I have to pay?
5. How many points is my ticket?
6. What should I expect when I go to court?
7. What is a plea agreement?
8. What happens if I plead guilty in court?
9. What if I plead not guilty?
10. Can I use the Internet to find more information or to plead guilty and pay a fine?
11. If I am found guilty, what happens after court?
12. How can I appeal a decision of the court?
13. What happens when the court's orders are not obeyed?
14. What is mediation?