Many cases can be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties without
the necessity of traditional litigation, which can be expensive, time
consuming, and stressful. The Court finds that it is in the best interest
of the parties that they participate in alternatives to traditional
litigation, including arbitration or mediation. Therefore, all matters
shall be referred to an appropriate form of Alternative Dispute Resolution
(ADR) before they are set for trial, unless there is good cause to
dispense with the ADR requirement.
ADR Procedures
1. Upon filing a complaint, the plaintiff will receive this information
sheet from the Superior Court Clerk. Plaintiff is expected to include
this information sheet at the time of service of the complaint on
the defendant.
2. All parties to the dispute may voluntarily agree to take the
matter to an ADR process. A stipulation is attached. Parties choose
and contact their own ADR provider. The court has a binder containing
resumes of mediators with both specialized training and experience.
This binder is available from the Superior Court Clerk, Law Library
and Arbitration Administrator and also available by clicking here
> Mediation Panel
.
3. An initial Case Management Conference will be scheduled within
120 days of filing the Complaint. An original Case Management Conference
Statement must be filed with the clerk no later than 15 days before
the scheduled Case Management Conference. The assigned Judge will
strongly encourage all parties and their counsel to consider and
utilize ADR procedures.
4. If the parties voluntarily agree to ADR, the parties will be
required to sign a
Stipulation and Order to ADR. The parties may contact an ADR Provider
or review the ADR Binder (see item 2 above) for information on providers
or arrange to speak with the Arbitration Administrator (530) 265-1380.
5. Any ADR services shall be paid for by the parties pursuant to
a separate ADR fee agreement. The Judge or Arbitration Administrator
may screen appropriate cases for a pro bono/modest means referral
when a party is income eligible.
6. The court asks for your cooperation in completing the Mandatory
ADR Information Form. Please submit the form to the court within 10 days of completion
of the process.
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