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Mediation



Mediation is a process where people who have a disagreement talk to a neutral person appointed by the court to try and work out an agreement to resolve the dispute. There is no resolution in mediation unless both parties agree.

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If a court case is resolved in mediation, the outcome may be reported to the court. The parties involved can work with the mediator and their attorneys (if they have them) to complete the paperwork needed to close the court case. No court trial is needed when an agreement is reached.

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Mediation gives the parties the ability to control the outcome since there is no agreement unless both sides agree. It provides the parties the ability to be more creative with solutions than if the case is heard by a judge. It takes place in a private setting, instead of an open courtroom where other people hear about the case. Finally, it is usually less expensive and often offers a faster resolution than if the parties go before a judge.

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Through the court​

Each local court has its own mediation programs. These programs are usually in the following case types: small claims, landlord/tenant, domestic relations and civil. To find out more about what is offered at your local court, visit their website.

Community Dispute Resolution Centers

Community Dispute Resolution Centers offer free or low-cost mediation services, and many offer eviction avoidance mediation. Find a C​enter in your local area, or visit the University of Oregon Office for Community Dispute Resolution.

Private Mediation Services

The parties may also agree on their own mediator outside of the court or community dispute resolution process. These mediators are usually paid by the hour to work on a case.

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