How Mediation Works

A dispute may be referred to CaCDS by a Judge, District Attorney's Office, Small Claims Court, Advisor, Police Department, Community Organization, or one the the people in a conflict. We then contact everyone involved to find out if they will agree to try to resolve the dispute with our assistance. If all parties agree in writing to use CaCDS to resolve the conflict, we schedule a mediation/arbitration.

CaCDS may appoint a two-person mediation/arbitration panel for each case. The mediators/arbitrators are selected on the basis of their skill, background and what is known about the details of the dispute.

At the hearing the mediator/arbitrator panel will listen to all sides of the dispute. They will ask questions and give suggestions in order to create a resolution that they can agree upon. If an agreement cannot be reached, the mediators/arbitrators (in an arbitration) will decide the case.

This decision will be based on the facts presented at the hearing, and will specify what each party must do, or not to do, in order to resolve the dispute or conflict.

The solution, or "award", will be put in writing. The award is final, legally binding (in an arbitration) and enforceable in Superior Court.

• Dispute Resolution Procedures and Fees for Mediation and Arbitration
• Mediation Rules and Fees
• Arbitration Rules and Fees