Alternatives to Court

Mediation and Other Options

Mediation is a way of solving problems without going to court. It is a voluntary. A trained mediator helps people reach an agreement.

The mediation process can:

identify important issues,
clear up misunderstandings,
explore solutions, and
negotiate settlements.

A mediator is not a judge and does not make a decision or force a solution. The mediator helps people talk to each other and allow them to resolve the dispute themselves. The mediator is neutral and manages the mediation session.

Mediation can help people who can't afford to go to court. Mediation is less expensive then going to court. Community mediation centers can offer low cost and free mediation services.

What is mediation?

Mediation is a way of solving problems without going to court. The people who have a disagreement meet with a trained mediator to try to make an agreement.

What happens in mediation?

The mediator works with the people who have a disagreement to:

Identify important issues,
Clarify misunderstandings,
Explore solutions, and
Come up with a settlement that all sides can accept.

What does the mediator do?

The mediator explains the rules of the mediation. The mediator helps all sides in the dispute explain their point of view, but will not take sides.

The mediator will ask each side to summarize his or her point of view. S/he will guide the people who have a disagreement to find a solution themselves. The mediator will work with each person until there is an agreement that is acceptable to everyone.

Is the mediator a judge?

No. The mediator is not a judge, and will not decide how your disagreement should be solved.

Can my lawyer go to mediation with me?

If you have a lawyer, s/he may go with you to mediation, if you want.

Can I meet with the mediator alone?

The mediator will meet with everyone together. But s/he may also meet with each side separately. Doing this gives each side a chance to tell the mediator what they really want. It also gives each side the chance to express anger or frustrations without the other side being there.

What happens after we make an agreement?

The agreement is put in writing. The people involved must sign it, after getting advice from their lawyer (if they have one).

How to Find a Mediation Center

Some counties have community mediation centers that offer free or reduced free mediation services to people who cannot afford to pay a mediator. Some of these centers receive grants from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

The AOC website can help you find a mediation center and other organizations that provide mediation. Click on your county name on this map to find more information.

Mediators and Mediation Centers

Mediation can help people who cannot afford a court trial. Mediators and community mediation centers can help these people by offering low cost and pro bono (free) mediation services. Groups that offer low cost or pro bono mediation services are listed below. Most of these groups offer training for volunteers. Contact the centers for more information on how to volunteer.

Community Health of East Tennessee

Community Mediation Center, Crossville
(931) 484-0972

Community Mediation Center, Knoxville

Community Mediation Services

Community Reconciliation, Inc.
(423) 209-5144

Coparenting Solutions

Mediation Services of Putnam County
(931) 528-7145

Memphis Leadership Foundation – MARRS

Mid-South Mediation Services

Nashville Conflict Resolution Center

Neighborhood Reconciliation Services

Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency