Orange — Dispute Resolution Program Act Mediation Services

Source: https://www.occourts.org/system/files/dispute-resolution-programs-act.pdf

Dispute Resolution Programs Act (DRPA) Mediation Program

Mediation at the Court. The Dispute Resolution Programs Act (DRPA) Mediation Program provides free mediation services for litigants in small claims, civil harassment, unlawful detainer, and other civil actions, through trained volunteer mediators provided by Community Services Program, Inc. and Orange County Human Relations. The Court provides facilities for the volunteer mediators to work with parties to resolve their cases. The mediators are available at the court at the time of your hearing.

Benefits: Mediation is Power. In mediation, the parties determine the outcome of the case, rather than having the judge decide it for you. Save Business Relationships and Friendships. Mediation can help maintain important relationships without going to court. Have Both Sides of the Story Heard. Many cases aren’t just about money. However, in front of a judge, they will be. Mediation gives each party a chance to resolve all issues so they can move on with their lives. Privacy. In the courtroom, there will be an audience of spectators. Mediation is conducted in private. Save Time. In small claims cases, as soon as a settlement is reached the mediator will take your stipulated agreement back to court and the clerk will allow your case to be heard next. The judge will review and sign the stipulation upon each party’s agreement, and they are then free to go.

Community Mediation. In addition to providing mediation services at the Court, the two DRPA providers in Orange County also provide community-based mediation services, where you can resolve your disputes even before filing a court action. There may be a fee for these services, based on your income.

Contact Information:

Waymakers Orange County Human Relations (949) 250-4058 (714) 480-6575 Waymakersoc.org mediator@ochumanrelations.org

Rev. Dec. 2019