Mediation
Mediation is a voluntary process that offers a safe place for people with disagreements to work together to reach resolution.
Why choose mediation?
Mediation works. It costs less than going to court and often ends in a way that creates agreements between both parties. In 2022 at the Center for Dialog & Resolution:
- Out of 1,454 mediations, 74% ended in resolution
- 96% of clients recommend mediation as a conflict resolution tool
"Mediating a solution to this issue has given me so much peace. The experience was very supportive."
- Parenting Plan Mediation Participant
Family Mediation
Mediation for families can take place for a variety of reasons. Many of them include:
- Parenting plans - new, updated, and pre-trial
- Divorce
- Third party custody
- Parent-child disagreements (see example below)
- Elder care
Teen with Parent Mediation
This type of family mediation addresses conflicts within the family, specifically for teens (age 13 – 19) who are having trouble with their parents, at school, or with the law.
Common issues in a teen/parent mediation include:
- Appearance
- Work and/or school
- Communication and/or spending time together
- Chores, curfews, and other house rules
- Siblings
- Boyfriends/girlfriends (including the parents)
- Other situations where there is conflict
Community Mediation
Many conflicts arise in our lives that can quickly escalate to broken relationships, lack of trust, financial loss and emotional harm.
Through facilitative mediation, our impartial mediators can help guide you to resolution in situations where two parties disagree. For example:
- Neighborhood issues (HOA issues, boundary disputes, noise, animals, parking)
- Small claims
- Commercial disputes
- Contractor disputes
"The mediator was very professional. I felt the way she handled mediation for us and the way information relayed was spectacular. I came out of mediation feeling confident with a plan of action. "
- Small claims mediation participant
Workplace Mediation
Let's face it: When co-workers do not get along the ripple effect can cost an organization time and money. The emotional toll it takes on employees and managers can lead to lost productivity, turnover and grievances.
Through facilitative mediation, our impartial mediators can guide co-workers through the toughest challenges of working together.
The process includes a consult with the referring supervisor, confidential phone calls between mediators and the parties involved, an up-to-three-hour mediation session, and a follow-up with the supervisor. Read a description of the workplace mediation process. (PDF)
For requests that include more than 6 participants OR you are unsure if mediation is the right service, please complete the brief Request Facilitation Support form on our Facilitation page and we will reach out to you for further discussion of your group situation and needs.
Ready to Request Workplace Mediation?
Please download Workplace Mediation Request form and email the completed form to the email address listed on the document.
Settlement Conference Mediation
A Settlement Conference is a pre-trial mediation held as part of a civil dispute and is often required by the courts prior to going to trial. In settlement conferences parties may be represented by legal counsel.
In a settlement conference the mediator will either be an attorney and/or a person with substantive knowledge of the issues involved in the case. The mediator facilitates or guides the negotiations without providing advice or advocating for either party.
Upon request, we file a settlement conference report to the Pierce County Superior Court as proof that the parties have fulfilled their pre-trial requirement.
Tenant & Landlord Conflict Resolution Services
We offer free Tenant & Landlord Conflict Resolution Services and are here to help!
The first step is to Complete this form .
After we receive your completed form, a member of our mediation service team will reach out to discuss what our mediation process is all about and what to expect.
In the meantime, explore our resource page which provides access to legal and other supportive resources.
Small Claims Mediation
Small Claims mediation is a quick and cost effective way to resolve money-related disputes that two parties have been unable to work out on their own.
When you choose small claims mediation to settle your lawsuit, you should start by visiting this website. The mandatory mediation will occur online with our mediators at the Center for Dialog & Resolution. The court sets your mandatory court date. Any agreements reached are voluntary. The agreement is binding on both parties, and once the terms of the agreement are fulfilled, the case will be dismissed with no public record of a case.
Here's an overview of what to expect in small claims mediation. (PDF document.
Day of Small Claims Mediation
Small claims mediations take place virtually on Zoom. Here's how to join:
- Go to zoom.us/join
- Enter the following meeting ID and password:
- Meeting ID: 375 763 2051
- Password: 98402
You may also dial in to the meeting and participate by phone, although it is highly discouraged. Call 253-215-8782 and enter the meeting ID and password above.
Having trouble?
- Call us immediately at 253-572-3657 if you have trouble connecting to your small claims mediation.
- Email our reception desk if you do not get through on the phone.
Contact Pierce County District Court
Contact the District Court directly at 253-798-7487 or email PCDISTCRT1@piercecountywa.gov with any court-related questions.
If you settle your claim before your mediation date, or unable to attend on your scheduled mediation date, you must notify the District Court directly. The Small Claims Office is located in the County City Building, Room 239 (930 Tacoma Ave. S.) or call the District Clerk at 253-798-7487.
Cost for Mediation
While a mediation session takes about 3 hours, the Center for Dialog & Resolution spends many more hours of preparation time for each mediation. There are also significant physical space and digital costs for mediation services.
We offer two types of mediation.
Facilitative Mediation
Facilitative mediation is between two parties with or without an attorney present. It includes family, community and workplace mediation.
The full cost for the Center for Dialog & Resolution to provide facilitative mediation is $1,200. Both parties share the cost of mediation equally, so the full cost is $600 per party.
Thanks to subsidies, donors and other funding sources we strive to make mediation affordable to everyone. We invite you to look at your finances and determine which cost is the best fit for you.
- $600/party for those who are able to pay the price it costs CDR to deliver these services.
- $450/party for those who would like to afford the full cost but it’s not their budget right now.
- $300/party for those who are at or below the median income level for Pierce County.
Settlement Conference Mediation
Settlement Conference Mediation (also called pre-trial mediation) is required as part of a legal process and includes parties’ attorneys.
The full cost for the Center for Dialog & Resolution to provide pre-trial, settlement conference mediation is $1,600. Both parties share the cost of mediation equally, so the full cost is $800 per party.
Thanks to subsidies, donors and other funding sources we strive to make mediation affordable to everyone. We invite you to look at your finances and determine which cost is the best fit for you.
- $800/party for those who are able to pay the price it costs CDR to deliver these services.
- $600/party for those who would like to afford the full cost but it’s not in their budget right now.
- $450/party for those who are at or below the median income level for Pierce County.
We may have scholarship opportunities available for people experiencing significant financial hardship.
Click on the appropriate form below and follow the prompts to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is mediation voluntary?
Yes, facilitative mediation is a voluntary process. The two parties agree to meeting when scheduling a mediation.
Pre-trial mediation (also called a settlement conference) may be required as part of a court proceeding.
How long will my mediation take?
We ask you to set aside 4 hours. During this time you will have the opportunity for breaks. Some mediations may not take the entire 4-hour period.
What is the role of a mediator?
The process is led by impartial mediators with a goal to come to an agreement that satisfies everyone. The mediators are there to guide you through the mediation process in a safe place without bias.
Can my attorney or a support person attend mediation?
For facilitative mediation, an attorney or support person may attend, but that person is not involved in the mediation dialog. During breaks you are able to speak with your support person. The only circumstance where an attorney is present and may participate in dialog is when you are participating in a pre-trial (settlement conference) mediation.
