County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs Information Sheet

Mediation

Resolve your dispute without going to court

If you want to settle a dispute outside of court, mediation is a great alternative.  We offer free mediation service to the residents and businesses of Los Angeles County. 

We handle disputes between individuals and/or businesses, such as:

• Landlords and tenants
• Businesses and customers
• Neighbors
• Family members or roommates
• Contractors and homeowners
• Homeowner associations

What is mediation?

In mediation, a neutral third party helps you resolve your dispute. Participation is voluntary, so both sides must agree to mediation to begin the process. 

The mediator is a neutral party who does not take sides. The mediator is trained to assist both of you in reaching a solution to the problem.

Mediation is confidential.  Conversations and settlement agreements can be kept confidential.

Mediation is risk-free. If you cannot resolve your dispute in mediation, you can still go to court.

There are three kinds of mediation:

• Telephone Conciliation:  You do not meet face-to-face with the other person.  The mediator talks to each of you separately by telephone to solve the dispute.
• Face-to-Face Mediation:  All parties meet in person with the mediator. We schedule the mediation at a time and location convenient for you.
• Telephone Caucus:  All parties are available via phone at the same time and the mediator talks to each party individually.

How does the process begin?

We send you a mediation form to complete and send back to us.

When we receive your mediation form, we:

1. Send you a postcard telling you we received your mediation request.
2. Send a letter inviting the other party to participate.  If they do not respond, the mediator will call them.

When both parties agree to participate, the mediator will call you to:

• Discuss the matter with you in more detail and listen to any concerns you may have.
• Ask you what type of mediation you would prefer, telephone or face-to-face mediation.

If the other party agrees to mediation it will be scheduled at a time convenient to both of you. 

How is mediation conducted?

In all sessions, the mediator does the following:

• Helps each of you understand the other persons point-of-view.
• Helps you focus on the problem.
• Assists you in reaching a solution you are both comfortable with.

What happens after the session?

In a Face-to-Face Mediation, the parties may create and sign an agreement at the session.

If the dispute is not solved, the parties can take other action, such as going to court.

All sides are requested to complete and return a survey form.

Dispute Resolution Form (PDF format)

Please use this form (which requires the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader Software) to request our help in resolving a dispute between yourself and a business.

Contact us for more information or speak with one of our counselors at (800) 593-8222.  If you live outside of Southern California, call us at (213) 974-0825.

For more information:
County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs
B-96 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 W. Temple Street * Los Angeles, CA 90012-2706
Telephone (800) 593-8222 (within LA County)
web site: dca.lacounty.gov