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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.

Physical Address

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).

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.

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.

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.

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