Sonoma County Superior Court is pleased to announce that it has begun implementation of an improved and expanded Alternative Dispute Resolution Program for general civil cases. The program is being funded by a grant from the Administrative Office of the Courts. Effective July 5, 2006, attorney-mediator Nancy L. Case began a one-year contract serving as the ADR Program Coordinator to design and implement the new program in conjunction with the Superior Court Judges and the Court’s newly formed ADR Committee. Read more.
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Mediation, Arbitration, and Referral
How
can I SEARCH for an ADR Professional?
What is MARS?
What is "ADR"?
What kind of case is right for ADR?
Is there a low cost way to mediate a matter?
Why should I use MARS to find an ADR professional?
How do I find information about ethics and
confidentiality in ADR?
What if suit has already been filed?
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How can I search for an ADR Professional?
By using the online MARS database directory of ADR professionals.
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What is MARS?
MARS is the "Mediation and Arbitration Referral Service" of the Sonoma County Bar Association. MARS helps attorneys and clients find the right professionals to meet their dispute resolution needs. --- But it does much more:
When conflicts happen a spectrum of dispute resolution possibilities arises. Litigation through the courts is one possibility. Other options regularly used by attorneys to assist their clients include:
- Mediation
- Private Evaluation and Settlement Conference
- Special Master / Discovery Referee.
- Arbitration / Private Judging
Search though the MARS Panels for an ADR Professional. Or call MARS for assistance at (707) 544-6777.
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What is "ADR"?
"ADR" is short for "appropriate dispute resolution" or "alternative dispute resolution". It refers to the many means of resolving disputes outside the courts.
Sometimes parties find help through private means such as community mediation, facilitation, or counseling services. At other times the assistance of legal counsel can enhance the effectiveness of an ADR process. MARS panels include mediators from a variety of backgrounds.
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What kind of case is right for ADR?
Any conflict can be right for ADR. Some considerations include:
- Trial outcomes are always uncertain.
- Potential litigation costs may be high.
- Litigation can add stress to an already stressful situation.
- Litigation may polarize the parties, making resolution more difficult.
- Litigation may take longer.
- Parties may want a confidential, private forum.
- Parties may want to maintain control over the outcome.
- The parties may want to be heard.
- There may be value in preserving an ongoing business or family relationship.
- Trial may not meet the parties needs.
- The parties may need a creative solution that the courts cannot fashion.
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Is there a low cost way to mediate a matter?
- MARS maintains a Low Cost Panel of Mediators who have agreed to charge a reduced rate of $100 or less per hour for certain mediations. The Bar maintains a list of MARS Panelists who are willing to serve in this way. Contact the Bar at (707) 544-6777 and ask for information about the MARS Low Cost Panel of Mediators.
- In addition, all members of the Court Panel of Mediators have agreed to serve as an ADR neutral on a pro bono or modest-means panel in at least one case per year, not to exceed eight hours, if requested by the court. The court has established eligibility requirements for such requests. Contact the Sonoma County Court ADR Office at (707) 565-7080 for information and an application.
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Why should I use MARS to find an ADR professional?
- It's quick. You can MARS for assistance at (707) 544-6777. Getting the information you need to make a decision and a contact with a qualified, neutral party is virtually immediate.
- It's economical. There is no charge for the MARS referral service. Each panelist's fee for services is declared in their listing.
- Panelists are qualified. All of our panelists have affirmed meeting MARS standards for experience and training. We provide you with background information on each MARS professional so you can make the most appropriate choice.
- It's easy. Just a few clicks or one telephone call enable you to select from some of Sonoma County's most well regarded Alternative Dispute Resolution professionals. Call the panelists directly, or call MARS at (707) 544-6777.
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How do I find information about ethics and confidentiality in ADR?
Information regarding ethics and confidentiality can be found here:
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What if suit has already been filed?
Even after a suit has been filed, parties and their counsel often find it helpful to explore alternatives to the court system. MARS provides panels of professionals in a variety of dispute resolution fields to help attorneys and their clients choose the method best suited to their needs. In fact, the Sonoma County courts have recently recognized this trend, creating an Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution to help litigants and their counsel use Mediation as a practical dispute resolution tool. It too draws from the MARS Panel of mediators.