ADR - Alternative Dispute Resolution

Judicial Arbitration

Judicial arbitration is similar to a mini-trial before a neutral arbitrator instead of a judge. Arbitration, either binding or non-binding, is useful in resolving disputes. In arbitration, the parties submit evidence and argument to an arbitrator who makes a decision, either final (binding) or subject to rejection by the parties (non-binding). If the arbitrator’s award is rejected, a Request for Trial De Novo after Judicial Arbitration may be requested Click to open (Form ADR-102) in a new page, which returns the case to the court’s calendar as if arbitration had not occurred.

The Court maintains a panel of approved judicial arbitrators who have practiced law for a minimum of five years and who have a certain amount of trial and/or arbitration experience. The Court will pay the fees incurred if a panel arbitrator is used.

Please click to open the link to the Amador Superior Court Local Rules of Court for more information regarding judicial arbitration.

Court Ordered Mediation

Court ordered mediation is non-binding on the participants. The goal of mediation is to reach a settlement acceptable to all parties. As such, the mediator acts as a neutral intermediary and attempts to facilitate a settlement.

The Court maintains a panel of approved mediators. The Court will pay up to three (3) hours of the mediator's time if a panel mediator is used.

Please click to open the link to the Amador Superior Court Local Rules of Court for more information regarding mediation.

Settlement Conferences

A settlement conference shares the same goal as mediation, i.e. to reach a settlement agreeable to all parties. Settlement conferences are conducted by a judicial officer.

Please click to open the link to the Amador Superior Court Local Rules of Court for more information regarding settlement conferences.