Mediation is a confidential, non-binding process in which a trained mediator facilitates communication between disputants and assists parties in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution of all or part of their dispute. The mediator is not the decision-maker and does not resolve the dispute -- the parties do. However a mediator is often able to more fully explore the parties' underlying interests, needs and priorities. Mediation is a more flexible process, which is less formal and may reduce the time and costs that are often associated with a trial.
The San Diego Superior Court Civil Mediation Program is designed to assist parties with the early resolution of their dispute. Parties may stipulate to mediation before or at the Case Management Conference, held approximately 150 days after filing of the complaint. The court maintains a panel of approved mediators who have met certain minimum qualifications and who are required to adhere to specific ethical standards.
Mediators on the court's panel have agreed to charge $150 per hour for each of the first two (2) hours of mediation and their regular hourly rate thereafter for court-referred mediations. Under this program, parties compensate the mediators directly, and mediations are conducted at the mediator's office unless other arrangements are made with agreement of all parties in the case. To search for and select mediators, click here.
Most civil cases are eligible for the program, with the exception of the following types of matters: probate, guardianship, conservatorship, family, juvenile, small claims, small claim appeals, unlawful detainer, class actions, and certain civil petitions. Superior Court Local Rule 2.3.7 addresses the Civil Mediation Program more specifically.
For more information about the court's mediation program, you can contact the Mediation Program Office at (619) 450-7478 or e-mail the ADR Administrator at candace.schaeffer@sdcourt.ca.gov.
Mediator Complaint Procedure
If you have a complaint or a concern about a mediator on the court's panel, please refer to the court's Mediator Complaint Procedure.
For Mediators
The court is not currently accepting applications to serve on the court’s Civil Mediation Panel. Please check this webpage for updated information in May, 2013.
Already on the court's Civil Mediation Panel?
2012 CME Declarations must be submitted to the Mediation Program Office on or before February 1, 2013.
Interested in being on the court's Probate Mediation List?
