Small Claims Mediation.
Many people who file, or respond to, a small claims case in district court are surprised to learn that they are required to attend mediation before their case can go to trial.
In Grays Harbor County, mediation is such a requirement.
Mediation is an opportunity to resolve the problem and negotiate a mutually agreed settlement on your own.
Our Mediation Process:
Small Claims Return Day:
At Small Claims Return Day, we collect your contact information, necessary to move your case forward, answer any process questions you may have, and schedule an intake call appointment.
Intake Call:
At intake, we will give you an mediation orientation to prepare you for your session, and will ask you a series of questions about the dispute, from your perspective.
Pre-mediation caucus:
The purpose of the pre-mediation caucus is to: check-in for understanding about the elements of the conflict, identify party agenda items, and answer process questions before the joint mediation session begins.
(Optional) Additional Mediation Preparation Appointment:
Need clarification on how to prepare for mediation? Would a refresher of the process be helpful? Has there been an evolution in your case that you could use conflict coaching on? Call us and set an appointment!
Mediation:
Mediation sessions are scheduled for up to two hours. During these two hours we explore solutions that each party brings to the table for an opportunity to resolve the dispute outside of the court process.
Why mediate?
Contact us for more information and our bilingual staff will guide you through the steps and answer any questions you may have.
Call the Dispute Resolution Center to get started
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Schedule your intake interview with a DRC staff member at small claims return day.
Prepare for Mediation.
Schedule and attend your session.