Community Mediation Services

Community Mediation

HERO-COMMUNITY

WHAT IS MEDIATION?

A confidential and voluntary meeting between disputing parties and a trained, neutral mediator who guides a discussion of issues toward a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediators do not take sides or decide how a dispute should be resolved.

TYPES OF DISPUTES THAT CAN BE MEDIATED

  • Landlord/Tenant: rent, security deposits, repairs, evictions, roommate disagreements
  • Family: communication breakdowns, parent/teen differences, relationships, elder care, family dynamics, domestic conflicts, guardianships
  • Community/Neighborhood: Neighbor issues, noise complaints, fences, parking problems, race, ethnicity issues, harassment issues
  • Business: consumer complaints, refunds, undelivered good or services, breach of contract
  • Employment & Workplace: Management & employee disputes, co-worker disputes

WHAT IF I AM NOT READY FOR MEDIATION?

When mediation is not appropriate, a Conflict Coaching session can help you find positive solutions to the conflicts in your life.

HOW OUR PROCESS WORKS

  1. You contact us for an initial consultation and we will determine if your issue is appropriate for Community Mediation.
  2. If mediation is appropriate, you give us the contact information of those involved and we then invite the other person(s) to a mediation.
  3. When all parties agree to mediate, we will schedule your appointment with a Community Mediator(s) that we select.
  4. Mediations are scheduled Monday through Friday, from 9am – 6pm.
  5. The mediation happens virtually or in person. If an agreement is reached, the mediator will memorialize it in a written agreement form.

COST

There is no charge to participants for Community Mediation services. Funding is provided by the County of San Diego, HHSA, Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program.

To qualify, at least one of the parties to the mediation must reside in or the business must be in the County of San Diego.

Existing Court Cases

For cases that are already filed in court click here.

In Addition to Submitting a Case Online, Did You Know That We Also Offer Walk-in Clinics?

Small Claims Court

If you have already filed a case or are thinking about filing a case in Small Claims Court in downtown San Diego, then mediation services are available to you from NCRC at no cost.

For cases already filed in Small Claims Court, mediators are available at the courthouse on the day of your court hearing. The mediators will help you attempt to resolve your dispute with the other party and can file your agreement with the court. These agreements will have the backing of the court in the event of a default. If you are unable to reach a satisfactory solution in mediation, your case will proceed to trial on the same morning or afternoon of your scheduled court hearing.

Location of NCRC’s community mediation office

CITY HEIGHTS

4305 University Ave., Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92105
p. (619) 398-0494
f. (619) 238-8041

Ready to Get Started?

For more information please contact Gustavo Llorenz

Advantages of Smally Claims

Advantages of mediating your Small Claims Court dispute:

  • SATISFACTION – You control the outcome of your case and decide whether there will be an agreement, and what the agreement terms will be.
  • AGREEMENT – 75% – 80% of cases resolve in the mediation process – it is a world of difference communicating directly with each other as opposed to sitting down with a trained neutral mediator to help guide the conversation.
  • COMPLIANCE – nothing is forced upon you in mediation, we find that when people create their own solutions they are more likely then to follow through with what they came up with themselves.
  • It’s fast – can be scheduled in 7-10 days.
  • Defendants can avoid a judgment on their record that can impact their credit negatively. Credit will not be impacted as long as they follow through with the mediated agreement.
  • Plaintiffs can work out a realistic solution with the defendant and avoid frustrating collection efforts. You will walk away with a specific plan that day as to how you will receive your satisfaction.

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Conflict Coaching Information

Conflict Coaching:

A Conflict Coaching session is a confidential one-on-one session that helps individuals address and problem solve personal and professional conflict.

The Conflict Coach supports individuals in feeling empowered to resolve ongoing disputes by learning more effective communication techniques and conflict resolution strategies. The Conflict Coaching session is not a mediation, but a session to learn ways of dealing with current or future conflict more productively on your own.

Benefits of a Conflict Coaching session:

  • Feel heard and validated
  • Identify your own needs and interests
  • Identify the perceived needs and interests of the opposing party
  • Review 10 tips for managing conflict
  • Brainstorm possible solutions to meet your needs and interests
  • Develop your own action plan

Who can take Conflict Coaching sessions?

Conflict Coaching sessions are available to individuals, groups, and organizations in the County of San Diego. People experiencing homelessness, parents, youth, and under-resourced individuals can all participate in a Conflict Coaching session. Community organizations and non-profits may also schedule sessions for their clients.

Cost

There is no charge to participants for Community Mediation services. Funding is provided by the County of San Diego, HHSA, Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program. To qualify, at least one of the parties to the mediation must reside in or the business must be in the County of San Diego.

Contact

Contact Gustavo Llorenz to discuss if a Conflict Coaching session is right for you or your organization at:

Email: gllorenz-barboza@ncrconline.com Telephone: 619-398-0494

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Cases Already Filed in Court

For Cases That Are Already Filed In Court:

Small Claims Court

For cases already filed in Small Claims, mediators are available at the courthouse on the day of your hearing. The mediators will help you attempt to resolve your dispute with the other party and can file your agreement with the court. The agreements will have the backing of the court in the event of a default. If you are unable to reach a satisfactory solution in mediation, your case will proceed to trial on the same morning or afternoon of your scheduled court hearing. Request mediation when your case is called.

Civil Harassment

Are you the Petitioner or the Defendant in a Civil Harassment, Restraining Order action? Community Mediation may help in resolving harassment issues between individuals.

Parties interested in Community Mediation may ask to be referred to our program on the day of their hearing. The parties must be referred by the court, self-referrals are not accepted.

Probate Matters

Community Mediation may be appropriate for some Guardianship or Conservatorship Matters. Parties interested in Community Mediation may ask to be referred to our program. Parties must be referred by the court, self-referrals are not accepted. Agreements reached in mediation have the backing of the court and will be submitted to the court for judges approval.

NOTE: Criminal Law, Family Law (divorce or child support), Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Traffic and Appellate hearings DO NOT qualify for Community Mediation services.

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