The County Court of Highlands County offers MEDIATION as an alternative to a formal trial. Mediation brings both parties together out of court where trained mediators will impartially assist you in reaching an agreement or settlement. Mediation allows you and the other party to decide the outcome of your case in a relaxed atmosphere away from a crowded courtroom.
In court there is usually a winner and a loser; with mediation you are fully involved in shaping the outcome of your case. Experience shows that the parties are more satisfied with a mediated settlement. Mediation can save you time and money. Successful mediation means no further court appearances; therefore, no further loss of time from work.
When you appear at the Pre-Trial conference, you will be offered a chance for mediation. If an agreement is reached, the mediator will prepare a written agreement. All parties will sign the agreement indicating that they will be bound by it. The agreement will then be given to the residing judge for approval. If you are an agent of, or attorney for a party, since the case may be referred to mediation, you must have settlement authority. If you do not, your case may be reset for another day when you do have settlement authority.
Any agent appearing at a court proceeding must have written authority to represent a corporation or partnership and must have full settlement authority. Individual litigants, including husbands, wives and individuals doing business under a fictitious name must appear in person or through an attorney. Spouses cannot represent each other.
In the event that your case is not successfully mediated, you will be called before the judge who will conduct the Pre-trial conference and the case will be set for trial within ninety days.
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