California Academy of Mediation
Professionals (CAMP)
What is the goal of mediation?

The goal is to assist the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable
agreement or understanding on some or all of the issues. The parties
jointly become the primary decision maker in how to resolve the issues as
opposed to the traditional judge and/or jury system.

Do I need an attorney for this?

While it is recommended to have an attorney and/or receive legal advice
before the mediation starts, you are not required to have representation.
If you do have an attorney, they may participate in the mediation with
you.

How long does it take?

Face-to-face mediations generally last one to three hours. Telephone
conciliations, in which the parties do not meet face to face, vary from a
few days to several weeks. Much depends on the number of parties
involved and the complexities of the issues. When the mediation takes
place depends on parties scheduling availability.

A Mediator helps parties. . .

♦Have productive discussions
♦Avoid or break impasses
♦Defuse controversy
♦Generate options that have potential for mutual gain
♦Better understand each other’s concerns and goals
♦Focus on their interests rather than their positions

A Mediator does not…

♦Provide advice or opinions
♦Offer legal information
♦Make decisions for parties
♦Represent or advocate for either side
♦Judge or evaluate anyone or anything
♦Conduct research
♦ “Take Sides”

What does it cost?

The first three hours of any mediation are free.
Thereafter, charges are based on income or revenue.
All fees are waived for low-income individuals.

What is the difference between the contractors listed and the Superior
Court ADR Office?

The services offered by the contractors listed may be accessed
immediately. Those offered by the Superior Court ADR Office, also a
DRPA contractor, may not be accessed by parties until a court
appearance, or at the directive of the judge assigned to the case.

Legal Advice/Information

If you want to retain an attorney, a list of state certified referral services
is at courtinfo.ca.gov which also has an on-line self help legal center.  

Self-Help Legal Access Centers are at the Inglewood, Palmdale, Pomona,
and Van Nuys courthouses. nls-la.org and lafla.org.  

Court Personnel can answer non-legal questions (forms, fees, fee
waivers). lasuperiorcourt.org.  

Low-income individuals may qualify for help from non-profit legal
organizations. Court Personnel and DRPA contractors have such listings.

Dispute Resolution Programs Act (DRPA) Grants Administration Office
(213) 738-2621

(The DRP Office is not a Superior Court Office. Consult your phone
directory to locate the number of the Court Office on your
summons.)