Temporary Assigned Judges Civil Mediation Program
The Temporary Assigned Judges Civil Mediation Program offers free mediation services to help parties settle disputes without court adjudication. Retired judges, trained as mediators, facilitate these sessions. Ultimately, this will provide parties with an opportunity to resolve their civil disputes in a more timely manner without further court proceedings.
Key Details
- Timing: Mediation sessions are held in person, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Remote appearances may be allowed for hardship cases.
- Eligibility:
- Unlimited civil actions with disputes up to $50,000.
- Limited civil cases (excluding small claims).
Process
- Voluntary Mediation:
- Parties can request mediation by filing a stipulation form before or within 14 days after the Case Management Conference.
- If all parties agree to mediation at the Case Management Conference, the judge may refer the case to the mediation program.
- Scheduling:
- Once a mediator is assigned, sessions will be scheduled at a convenient time for all parties. Mediation must be completed 30 days before any settlement conference.
- Attendance:
- The mediator, parties, and attorneys must attend, along with anyone the mediator requires. Each side must have someone with settlement authority present.
Required Forms
- For Parties:
- Stipulation (request mediation) (CV-018)
- Post Mediation/Neutral Evaluation Questionnaire for litigants (CV-022) and attorneys (CV-023), to be completed post-mediation)
- For Civil Clerk’s Office:
- For Mediators:
Forms are available on the Stanislaus County Superior Court website: www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov.
For more information, visit the website or contact the Civil Clerk’s Office.