Mediation Services
DCBA conducts on-the-spot mediation in Los Angeles County Superior Court, with cases ranging from Unlawful Detainer, Small Claims, and Civil Harassment cases. These mediations help reduce overcrowding in courtrooms by resolving cases without the need for a court hearing.
What is Mediation?
If you want to settle a dispute outside of court, mediation is a great alternative. We offer free mediation services, both community and court-connected, to the residents and businesses of Los Angeles County.
Click the button on the right to access the mediation portal and request help through our online system.
If your dispute involves a hearing, please submit your mediation request at least 21 business days before your hearing date to allow time for us to process your request.
Mediation requests can be submitted with or without a pending court hearing. If you are plaintiff or defendant with a pending court claim and would like to try and resolve your dispute before the hearing, please take note to submit your mediation request to the appropriate service provider.
Access Mediation Portal
- Create a new case
- Access existing case
- Schedule Mediation
- Review Offers to Settle
- Communicate with Your Mediator
Mediation Success Stories
We handle disputes between individuals and/or businesses, including:
Landlord and Tenant Disputes
Business & Customer Disputes
Neighbor
Disputes
Family or Roommate Disputes
Contractor & Homeowner Disputes
Homeowner Association Disputes
How We Help with Mediation
In mediation, a neutral third party helps you resolve your dispute. Participation is voluntary, so both sides must agree to mediation to begin the process.
The mediator is a neutral party who does not take sides. The mediator is trained to assist both of you in reaching a solution to the problem.
Mediation is confidential. Conversations and settlement agreements can be kept confidential.
Mediation is risk-free. If you cannot resolve your dispute in mediation, you can still go to court.
3 Methods for Mediation:
You do not meet face-to-face with the other person. The mediator talks to each of you separately by telephone to solve the dispute.
All parties meet in person with the mediator. We schedule the mediation at a time and location convenient for you.
All parties are available via phone at the same time and the mediator talks to each party individually.
Getting Started with Mediation
First, access our online mediation portal.
With a Pending Court Hearing
If you are plaintiff or defendant with a pending court claim and would like to try and resolve your dispute before the hearing, please take note to submit your mediation request to the appropriate service provider.
- If your dispute involves a hearing, please submit your mediation request at least 21 business days before your hearing date to allow time for us to process your request.
- Mediation is not in lieu of appearance and does not halt any court proceedings.
- If your matter is not settled before your hearing date, parties are still required to appear at hearing.
Without a Court Hearing
- Mediation requests can also be submitted if you don’t have a pending court hearing.
When we receive your mediation form, we:
- Send you a postcard telling you we received your mediation request.
- Send a letter inviting the other party to participate. If they do not respond, the mediator will call them.
When both parties agree to participate, the mediator will call you to:
Discuss the matter with you in more detail and listen to any concerns you may have.
Ask you what type of mediation you would prefer, telephone or face-to-face mediation.
What Happens in Mediation
During your session, the mediator will do the following:
Helps everyone understand the other person’s point-of-view.
Helps you focus on the problem.
Helps you reach a solution that all parties are comfortable with.
What Happens After the Mediation Session?
Face to Face Mediation
- Parties may create and sign an agreement at the session.
- If the dispute is not solved, the parties can take other action, such as going to court.
- If you choose to go to Small Claims Court, our Small Claims Court advisors can help you get started.
- All sides are asked to complete a survey form.
Additional Resources
