Santa Barbara — Mediation Project Flyer

Source: https://www.santabarbara.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/mediation-flyer.pdf

Superior Court of California County of Santa Barbara

HOW CAN I SETTLE MY SMALL CLAIMS CASE BEFORE IT GOES What is “mediation”? TO TRIAL? Mediation is an effective dispute resolution process facilitated by a specially trained, independent andTake Control of the situation neutral party, or parties, called a mediator. though Mediation! Mediators help parties work together to reach a mutually acceptable solution to their conflict. Benefits of Mediation Many disagreements which lead to lawsuits can be the result of misunderstandings and incomplete Mediation for Small Claims cases is information between the parties involved. There is free of charge. only one set of facts but differing perceptions of You make the decisions and control those facts can lead to conflict. the outcome of your case Open to creative solutions Often the disagreements can be solved simply by Confidential listening and understanding the perspective of the Agreements reached are legally other party and talking through the issues; binding and enforceable mediators help parties communicate with one May prevent an adverse public record another in a productive manner. which can impact your credit Happens at the same time as your Mediation allows you to talk about other issues court appearance or can be scheduled that may not be directly related to the law but are for a time convenient to you important to you and how you feel about the 3 out of 4 cases settle in mediation dispute. Settlement agreements reached through If you are unable to reach a settlement mediation can be creative and “out of the box” in mediation you may still return to unlike decisions handed by a judge that may be court to have the judge decide your limited by law. case If you have questions about how you can benefit from mediating your Small Claims case, please give Before going to trial, the Court may require us a call!certification that you have watched the Administrative Office of the Court’s video about Small Claims Court. The video can be Call for information:found at http://www.courts.ca.gov/20129.htm (video #3). Or, access the video on your 805-349-8943 Santa Maria mobile device by scanning 805-963-6765 Santa Barbara www.cscsb.org

Conflict Solutions Center Community Mediation a private nonprofit organization

Building Community-One Peace at a Time