1. A claim is filed in small claims court.  The court sets a time and date to hear the case. 
2. The Resolution Center may contact each party by telephone or letter.
3. The Resolution Center will confirm each party's interest in mediation and explain the mediation process and answer questions.
4. The Resolution Center will identify the best time for each party to meet for mediation prior to the scheduled court date.
5. The parties will meet with the mediator and sign a mediation agreement ensuring the confidentiality of the process.
6. Each party will pay a mediation fee.
7. Each party will follow the mediation process through to the written agreement and complete a short evaluation of the mediation experience.
8. If the parties successfully reaches a written agreement, copies of the agreement will be made for each party, The Resolution Center and the Court.  The party who filed the case may file to dismiss it or the agreement may be filed with the Court as a "stipulated judgment"; that is, subject to Court enforcement if the terms of the agreement are not kept.
9. If a partial agreement can be achieved, the parties can request more time from the Court for further mediation.
10. If for any reason mediation does not take place or an agreement cannot be reached, the judge will hear the case as originally scheduled.

Building Peaceful Communities