Conflict Resolution and Mediation Services offered at Dispute Resolution Center of King County
Services are provided by trained professional mediators who volunteer their time. Services include: - Face-to-face mediation - Coaching for problems - Some simple negotiation over the telephone TYPES OF PROBLEMS THE CENTER WILL HANDLE: - Neighborhood problems (noise, pets, parking, lawn & garden, property line problems and other nuisances) - Landlord-tenant issues (deposits, repairs, damages, eviction prevention due to COVID, etc. ) - Real estate or personal property - Foreclosure mediation - Business consumer problems (faulty merchandise, refunds, exchanges, etc. ) - Employer/employee grievances - School problems involving faculty or administration, students or parents - Family issues such as problems related to divorce and parenting plans - Other domestic problems not involving violence or other factors that require professional intervention or assistance. TYPES OF PROBLEMS NOT HANDLED: - Any problem requiring legal assistance, such as filing lawsuits, criminal defenses, will preparation, etc. - Issues involving drug/alcohol abuse, domestic violence, abuse to children, or issues where one or more parties fears abuse - Problems where a party cannot speak adequately on their own behalf, although can work with clients who have a case manager. Clients must be able to keep agreements made.
Categories
Voice
Hours
M-Th, 9am-4pm calls are returned with in 36 hours.
Application process
Call or email, and a case manager will discuss and assess the problem. No drop-in service. Most mediation sessions are provided in person, although virtual options exist during the COVID pandemic. . Also provides mediators for small claims court in the county so litigants have the option to mediate before their court hearing. If no settlement is reached, a judge will assign a trial date (usually within 30-45 days).
Eligibility
People who work or reside in King County. All parties involved must be competent to adequately speak for her/himself, and be willing to negotiate in good faith and consider compromising. For foreclosure mediation, homeowners must be referred by a housing counselor or an attorney.
Fee
Services are free in small claims court sessions and over the phone. Fees for other mediation sessions range from $35 to $350 per three-hour session, based on a sliding scale. Services are never refused because of inability to pay.
Languages
Interpreter services
Agency info
Dispute Resolution Center of King County
Provides low-cost mediation and conflict resolution services to individuals, businesses and families in King County for a wide variety of issues such as neighborhood problems, landlord-tenant issues, personal property, foreclosure, business consumer problems and employer/employee grievances. Offers mediation before hearings at small-claims court. Services available remote by phone, Zoom or Teams meetings.