The Court-Ordered Civil Mediation Program helps parties resolve their legal disputes early in the litigation process. Mediation is a quick, cost-effective, and less stressful way for parties to settle cases. It gives parties the opportunity to resolve their disputes directly before committing significant time, money, and energy to a trial.
Civil lawsuits with amounts in controversy $50,000 or less per plaintiff may be ordered to the Court-Ordered Civil Mediation Program at the Court’s discretion, as outlined in California Rules of Court, rule 3.891(a)(1). Parties who voluntarily agree to mediation, regardless of amount in controversy, may stipulate to participate in the Court-Ordered Civil Mediation Program. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.891(a)(2).) Where parties stipulate to mediation, the trial court will determine whether to accept the stipulation and order the parties to mediation.
General Information
- Civil Mediation Program Information
- Civil Mediation Program Process Checklist
- Local Rule 3.24 [bottom of page 15]
Forms
- VN-164 Stipulation and Order to Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution Process
- VN-272 Stipulation to Mediator and Mediation Date
- VN-274 Mediator’s Notice of Acceptance or Recusal
- ADR-100 Statement of Agreement or Nonagreement
- CM-200 Notice of Settlement of Entire Case
- CIV-110 Request for Dismissal
- CIV-120 Notice of Entry of Dismissal and Proof of Service
- ADR-200 Mediation Disclosure Notification and Acknowledgment
- ADR-107 Attendance Sheet for Court-Program Mediation of Civil Case
Civil Panel Listing
The qualifications and requirements to serve as a mediator for the Court are set forth below. To apply, please review the information below, complete the application form and return it by email to VenturaCivilMediation@ventura.courts.ca.gov.