- What is small claims mediation?
- Why use mediation?
- What kinds of cases can mediation help with?
- Do I have to pay for mediation?
- Who will be my mediator?
What is small claims mediation?
Small claims mediation is a meeting between people in a small claims dispute with the help of a trained volunteer mediator. The mediator will help you think of ways to resolve your case.
The mediator does NOT:
- take sides,
- give anyone advice, or
- decide the case.
Instead, the mediator will help you find a solution to the situation.
For mediation BEFORE your court date, please contact Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center at (650) 345-7272 (PCRC).
Why use mediation?
There are many reasons to use mediation:
- It is free or very low-cost
- It is private and confidential. There is no public record of a judgment.
- You do not give up control of the result to a judge. YOU decide how to settle the case.
- It can be less stressful than trial
- It can be less hostile than trial
- You do not lose your right to go to trial. But if needed, you can still have a judge decide the case.
- You have more time to explain your needs.
What kinds of cases can mediation help with?
Mediation can help with many kinds of cases, including:
- Business/Consumer
- Construction
- Consumer Complaints
- Contract/Liability
- Debt Collection
- Employer/Employee
- Family Conflicts
- Landlord/Tenant
- Neighbor to Neighbor
- Practitioner/Client Relations
- Property/Condo Association
- Real Estate
Do I have to pay for mediation?
Mediation through the Small Claims Mediation Program is free. Mediation through Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center is low-cost.
Who will be my mediator?
Most mediators for small claims cases are volunteers who have special training in mediation and helping parties find solutions to their cases.