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Our trained mediators provide mediation services to parties involved in civil lawsuits.
Mediation can often help people reach agreements about how to resolve civil lawsuits.
Important: Mediation is Optional in Clackamas County
Many people contact us for information after they have received court paperwork because they believe mediation is mandatory. If both parties agree, you can choose mediation instead of going to mandatory arbitration.
If both parties have filed in the case (there is both a complaint and a response) and you are interested in mediation, see How to get started with mediation.
If you are looking for general information about what to do next:
There are no self-help forms available for Civil cases in Oregon. You can either consult an attorney or represent yourself. Here are some good resources:
Consult with an attorney
If you do not have an attorney, some resources are:
- Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service
- Legal Aid Services of Oregon
- Oregon Law Center
- Oregon Consumer Justice
See individual programs for financial eligibility and resources available.
Represent yourself
This will include performing legal research and writing. Some resources are:
How to Get Started with Mediation
- Mediation is optional. All parties must agree to both mediation and which mediator or mediation program you will use.
- If both parties have filed in the case (there is both a complaint and a response) and you would like to talk to someone about mediation, the first step is a brief consultation. The consultation is free and usually lasts about 15 minutes. We will meet by Zoom or by phone. To get started, please complete the intake form and schedule your initial consultation.
- If you choose to use Resolution Services for mediation, both parties must register by completing the intake form.
What To Expect
- Once both of you have registered, we will email instructions about how to schedule your first mediation session.
- Your session will be held remotely using Zoom or the telephone. You will get the link and telephone number after you schedule.
- We do not tell people if the other party has contacted us or registered. If you believe that you have both completed the intake form and haven't heard from us, please check your spam/junk folder.
Cost
- Our rate is $125 per hour for all work after your initial consultation, including outreach, session time, scheduling, and drafting.
- The cost of each session, plus any outstanding for work done prior to the session, will be due before the session begins.
- We will divide the fees equally unless you tell us that you have agreed on something different.
- We are not aware of any free mediation services for civil cases in Oregon.
- Learn more about our fees.
