Mediation
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Mediation
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 to get help with our e-consumer 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.
We handle disputes between individuals and/or businesses, such as:
Landlords and tenants
Businesses and customers
Neighbors
Family members or roommates
Contractors and homeowners
Homeowner associations
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.
Additionally, the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs is the only government agency that is a provider for court-connected mediation. DCBA conducts on-the-spot mediation in Los Angeles County Superior Court, with cases ranging from Limited Civil jurisdiction litigation, to Unlawful Detainer and Small Claims cases. These mediations help to alleviate the heavy burden of overcrowded calendars in many courtrooms.
If your dispute involves a hearing, please submit your mediation request at least 15 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 to appear at hearing.
These services are made possible through major support from the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs and the California Dispute Resolution Program Act.
Getting Started in Mediation
First, complete our online mediation request form by clicking on the link below.
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 to appear at hearing.
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.
When we receive your mediation form, we:
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 a Mediation?
There are three methods of 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.
In all sessions, the mediator does the following:
Helps each of you understand the other person’s point-of-view.
Helps you focus on the problem.
Assists you in reaching a solution you are both comfortable with.
What happens after the session?
In a face-to-face Mediation, the 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 requested to complete and return a survey form.
