A Chance to Resolve Smaller Cases More Amicably

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution program offered by the Cleveland Municipal Court for parties appearing in small claims court (those involving cases in which $6,000 or less is being sought). Approximately half of all contested small claims cases go to mediation, and the majority are resolved to the parties’ mutual satisfaction.

Mediation allows both parties in the dispute the chance to sit down with a neutral, trained mediator to amicably resolve a dispute. Mediation is voluntary and has many advantages, including:

• Resolution of the dispute on the court date
• Negotiating a payment schedule to avoid collection
• Confidential settlement
• An outcome that is satisfactory to both sides. 

If mediation does not work to their mutual satisfaction, the parties still have access to a trial on the same day.