Nashville Conflict Resolution Center helps low-income disputants who do not have legal representation in civil court (ie. pro se litigants) resolve their disputes through the General Sessions Civil Court Mediation Program.  Oftentimes, pro se litigants are at a disadvantage in court because they do not know the legal rules and are vulnerable to case dismissals or unfavorable judgments.  NCRC volunteer mediators help parties resolve their disputes without going before the judge, in an environment more conducive to cooperation and resolution.  The types of disputes appropriate for civil mediation are:

• Landlord / Tenant disputes
• Consumer / Merchant cases
• Neighbor issues
• Homeowner / Contractor disputes 

Benefits of civil mediation for small claims cases:
 
►  Mediation can reduce the amount of time spent by disputants before the bench by reducing tensions & resolving issues
►  Mediation can improve the satisfaction of disputants with the outcomes of their disputes, and increase their rates of compliance
►  Mediation reduces the demands on the court's time and may also reduce the financial costs of the court

NCRC's Civil Mediation program has been in effect since 2001.  Until recently, the mediations occurred in the courtroom, on the same day as litigants' hearings.  Beginning in 2009, NCRC staff will schedule civil mediation cases prior to litigants' court dates.  This means that parties will get a chance to resolve their case before going to court, and if resolved, will be able to avoid the courtroom altogether.  The mediations will occur at the NCRC office in south Nashville.  Trained and certified pro bono and volunteer mediators will facilitate these civil mediation sessions.

In addition to the new scheduling protocol, NCRC will also continue to accept referrals from General Sessions judges, attorneys, and court personnel.


ALL CIVIL MEDIATIONS ARE FREE TO PARTICIPANTS