The Supreme Court of Virginia has approved mediation as an alternative to court adjudication of disputes. CMC offers mediation as an option to civil litigants for resolution of pending General District Court actions.

CMC's Court Referral Program

Mediation can be used in conjunction with a pending court action.  In Virginia, the Court, the plaintiff, defendant or their attorneys can request that a case be referred to mediation.  CMC provides certified, trained mediators to mediate in court at no cost to the parties.   

Free Mediation for All GDC and JDR Referred Cases

What Types of Cases Does CMC Mediate?

Criminal Court Minor misdemeanor crimes Citizen complaints

Civil Court Landlord/tenant dispute Contract disputes Warrants in debt Customer complaints Real estate disputes

Juvenile and Domestic Relations Juvenile offenses Custody Divorce Visitation Spousal support

Circuit Court Asset division Divorce Complex contracts High dollar cases Appeals from lower courts

 

 

 

What Should I Do To Have My Case Mediated?

Civil Cases- Civil litigants and attorneys are encouraged to ask the judge about mediation services.

1. Discuss the option with your attorney, if you have one retained.
2. Contact CMC
   • Complete the referral to mediation form: Word, PDF, or Online
   • Contact the mediation coordinator at Info@ConflictCrushers.org or call 757-480-2777.
   • Talk to a CMC representative in the hall outside the courtroom to find out if mediation is right for your case.
   •  On-Site Mediators are available at the following dates and locations:
     • Virginia Beach GDC
     • Chesapeake GDC
     • Newport News GDC
     • Norfolk GDC
     • Suffolk GDC
     • Isle of Wight GDC
3. Request that the Court continue and refer the case to mediation on the day of your hearing. 
4. Mediation can occur onsite or be rescheduled prior to continuance date and conducted at the Center’s facilities at 586 Virginian Drive, Norfolk, VA 23505.

Circuit, Criminal and JDR Cases:

1. Discuss the option with your attorney, if you have one retained.
2. Request that the Court continue and refer the case to mediation on the day of your hearing. 
   • *Please note, request may be denied at the Court’s discretion.
3. Mediation can occur onsite, if mediator is available, or be rescheduled prior to continuance date and conducted at the Center located at 586 Virginian Drive, Norfolk, VA 23505.

What Happens When The Case Is Referred to Mediation?

Cases referred to mediation remain on the court docket until a mediation agreement is reached or the court makes a decision. Mediation is voluntary. However, when cases are referred to mediation the parties must attend an orientation session to learn about the process. 

If the parties choose not to mediate or can’t reach an agreement, the case will be referred back to the court and the judge will make a decision.

If the parties choose to mediate and reach a decision, the agreement will be submitted to the court. In most cases, the court will integrate the agreement into the court decision. Depending on the case, the parties may or may not have to re-appear in court when after an agreement is made.

How Can Mediation Benefit My Situation?

Mediation gives disputants control over their situation.

• Opportunity to be Heard. In court parties are given a short amount of time to present their case. In mediation, each participant is given the all the time they need to share their views.
• Creative Solutions.  The law determines what remedies a person may seek in court.  In mediation, the parties collaborate to create a solution that will work for them. The types of remedies available in mediation are endless only limited by the parties. 
• Win-Win Resolution. When courts make a decision one party wins and the other loses. Through mediation all parties can walk away from the dispute with a final resolution where everyone wins.   

The CMC was awarded Virginia Supreme Court coordinator contracts and is able to distribute cases for the following courts:

• Virginia Beach GDC
• Newport News GDC
• Norfolk GDC
• Chesapeake Circuit Family
• Virginia Beach Circuit Family
• Fifth Circuit All Levels

The following providors are scheduled:

• Virginia Beach GDC
• Jim Allen - 8/4, 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/26, 8/28, 9/4, 9/9, 9/11, 9/16, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/7, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/28, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/24, 12/4, 12/9, 12/11, 12/18, 12/29.
• Yvette Baker - 8/18, 9/8, 9/23, 10/20, 11/10, 12/1, 12/16
• Catholic Charities - 8/20, 9/2, 9/22, 10/14, 11/3, 11/25, 12/15, 12/30
• Lynn Jones - 8/25, 9/15, 10/6, 10/27, 11/18, 12/8, 12/23
• Diane Poljacik- 8/29, 8/26, 10/31, 11/21, 12/26
• 5th Circuit JDR
• by appointment, contact Daryl Parks

Please contact the mediation coordinator at 480-2777 if you have contracts from the Supreme Court and would like to receive cases from these courts.

Resolving Conflicts | Building Relationships | Empowering People