The Judges of 55th District Court have found that a great number of cases filed in the Small Claims Division can be settled most effectively through mediation.
WHAT IS MEDIATION? Mediation is a process where a neutral third party (mediator) facilitates communication between parties, assists in identifying issues and helps explore solutions, to promote a mutually-acceptable agreement. Unlike the small claims hearing where one party wins and one party loses, mediation helps you reach a resolution in a non-adversarial manner.
WHO WILL MEDIATE MY CASE? The 55th District Court has a referral agreement with the Dispute Resolution Center of Central Michigan. There is no charge, as this program is funded in part by the State of Michigan. The mediator is a neutral person trained in dispute resolution.
When a small claim case is filed, you can contact the mediation service below and request to mediate the claim. When the Defendant is served with the small claim affidavit, they will also receive a brochure explaining the mediation process. The mediation process is voluntary, however, you are encouraged to consider this valuable alternative method of resolving the matter.
WHAT HAPPENS AT MEDIATION? At the scheduled mediation session, the mediator will review the case with you. Both sides will have an opportunity to discuss their views. The mediator cannot and will not order the parties to accept particular settlement terms. Rather, the mediator will help you reach your own solution by assisting you in reaching an agreement which is mutually acceptable. If necessary, the mediator will meet with each side privately to explore alternatives. Once an agreement is reached, the mediator will draft it in the form of a written agreement between the parties.
Mediation is confidential and mediators can neither be called as
witnesses or have their records subpoenaed if the case is not resolved at
mediation. Parties appearing for mediation must have authority to settle
the case.
If you have any questions about mediation, please call:
DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER OF CENTRAL MICHIGAN
(517) 485-2274