by Nancy Grundman, Program Coordinator
“I was terrified when I came into the court. It seemed like the end of the world. Thanks to my compassionate and understanding mediators, I was able to have a productive conversation with someone I considered an adversary. I couldn’t believe we were able to work it out without going in front of a judge. Thank you, MVMP.”
Communication has broken down and frustration levels are high. We hear this sentiment often: “I don't want to go to court!” MV Mediation provides mediation services at no charge to participants in Small Claims cases filed at the Dukes County District Court. Mediation gives them the opportunity to resolve the conflict themselves, with an experienced mediator facilitating the conversation. If participants reach an agreement, the mediators write up the agreement for the parties’ signatures. If they do not come to an agreement, they still have the option to go before the Small Claims magistrate.
For those who are not familiar with Small Claims Court, it handles a wide range of cases, such as unpaid debts, property damage disputes, landlord-tenant issues, breach of contract claims, contractor–home-owner disputes, and more. The monetary limit for a small claims case in Massachusetts is presently $7,000. To initiate a case, the initiator completes the required forms and pays a filing fee at the courthouse. Once a claim is filed, the court will notify the other party. Hearings in Small Claims Court are generally informal and parties do not need to have legal representation. The clerk-magistrate will listen to each side, ask follow-up questions, and review any evidence presented, making a determination based on facts and applicable law. The parties are then mailed the decision.
MV Mediation works with the Clerk’s office to offer mediation services via Zoom, prior to the parties’ hearing date. We also offer same-day court mediation sessions. When parties work together and collaboratively develop a resolution rather than leaving it in the hands of the court, they report a sense of ownership in the decision. Our experience is that these self-determined agreements have a high likelihood of compliance. About 85% of the time in Small Claims cases, mediation works.