Free dispute mediation program available

Historic City News reminds local residents that free mediation is available to settle legal disputes of $15,000, or less, through the Citizen Dispute Mediation Program.

All county court mediators are volunteers, certified by the Florida Supreme Court, and they make no charge to the parties involved for their services. They provide an opportunity for participants to avoid unnecessary expenses and adversarial interactions.

“When considering legal action, residents are encouraged to consider mediation as a solution prior to court involvement,” said Marie C Joy, Executive Director of County Court Mediation Services whose offices are in Daytona Beach. “Mediations are voluntary, confidential, and unbiased.”

Joy told Historic City News that once contacted by a St Johns County resident requesting services, a County Court Mediation Services representative would contact the other party in the dispute to offer free mediation and to schedule an appointment.

Mediation services are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday and Friday of each month in the County Administration Palace located at 500 San Sebastian View in St Augustine.

Impartial county court mediators can assist residents in reaching fair and lasting solutions quickly and confidentially in a safe and controlled environment. Typical mediations can take up to 90 minutes.

Any dispute involving the following types of issues can be mediated:

• Neighborhood disputes
• Animal nuisance
• Landlord-tenant disagreements
• Business disputes
• HOA concerns
• Code enforcement
• Consumer complaints
• Outstanding debt
• Wage

According to Joy, the organization has a 70 percent success rate and most cases are resolved with a written agreement between the two parties.

For additional information, or to schedule mediation, St Johns County residents may call 877.331.1411 or visit http://www.ccms7th.org