Is Mediation Available for California Small Claims Court Cases?
Direct Answer
Yes. Many California superior courts offer free small claims mediation, often on the same day as the hearing, to help parties resolve disputes before seeing a judge.
Yes. California small claims court handles disputes up to USD 12,500 for individuals and USD 6,250 for businesses (as of 2024). Many superior courts offer a small claims mediation program where a volunteer mediator meets with the parties before the hearing. In Los Angeles, the LASC Small Claims Mediation Program is available at the courthouse on the day of the hearing. In San Francisco, the Community Boards program provides small claims mediation. The mediation is free, informal, and typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. If the parties reach agreement, it is written up and signed; if not, the case proceeds to the judge. Common small claims disputes include security deposit returns, minor auto accidents, consumer product complaints, and unpaid loans between individuals. California small claims court does not allow attorneys to represent parties at the hearing (with limited exceptions), making mediation particularly valuable as a way to reach a negotiated resolution without the adversarial dynamic of a courtroom. A mediated agreement in small claims can be entered as a judgment by the court, giving the prevailing party the ability to use collection procedures if the other party does not comply.