Are there alternate dispute resolution options available in small claims court?

Yes, there are alternate dispute resolution options available in small claims court in Maryland. These options allow people to resolve their disputes without going through the traditional court process. Most commonly, people choose mediation to resolve their disputes. Mediation is a process where a neutral third party, called a mediator, helps the two sides of a dispute come to an agreement. In Maryland, mediators are usually lawyers who have special training in conflict resolution. Mediators do not make decisions for the parties or act as judges. They help the parties come to a resolution that is acceptable to both parties. A second option is arbitration. In this process, an arbitrator, who is usually a lawyer or retired judge, will listen to both sides of the dispute and decide the outcome. The arbitrator is like a judge, but the arbitration hearing is usually less formal and less expensive than a courtroom hearing. Finally, there is the option of voluntary settlement. The parties to the dispute can negotiate a resolution without involving a third-party. This is often the quickest and least-expensive option to resolve a dispute, but it requires that both parties are willing to negotiate in good faith. No matter which option you choose, it is important to understand the process before you begin. Talk to a lawyer or legal services organization if you need more information about how to resolve a dispute in Maryland small claims court.

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