Can I settle my small claims court dispute without going to trial?

Yes, you can settle your small claims court dispute without going to trial in Alaska. Before the trial date, parties are encouraged to explore all possible avenues for settlement of the dispute. These could include utilizing an informal settlement conference or mediation conducted by a neutral third party. To have a settlement conference, you must contact the Small Claims Records Office at least seven days before your trial date. The Small Claims Court holds the conference and some judges or court staff will assist the parties in negotiating a settlement. Both parties must sign a settlement agreement, which will state the terms of the settlement. If a settlement is not reached through a settlement conference, parties are encouraged to contact a mediator to help resolve the dispute before the trial date. Mediation is a voluntary process, and both parties must agree to participate. A trained mediator is a neutral third party who helps parties find ways to negotiate a potential settlement. In small claims court, the last step is trial. If parties do not settle through a settlement conference or mediation, they will proceed to trial. However, even after the trial date has been set, parties can still negotiate a settlement agreement. Overall, Alaska Small Claims Court encourages parties to attempt settling the dispute without trial. It is important to remember that you must contact the Small Claims Records Office at least seven days before trial to have a settlement conference.

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Can I settle my small claims court dispute without going to trial?

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