Can Small Claims Disputes Be Mediated in New York?

Yes. New York City Civil Court's Small Claims Part (handling claims up to USD 10,000 in NYC, USD 5,000 in other courts) has a long-standing mediation program. On the evening of the small claims hearing, a volunteer mediator meets with both parties before the case is called before the arbitrator or judge. The mediation is informal, free, and typically takes 20 to 45 minutes. If the parties reach agreement, it is written up and signed on the spot. Common small claims disputes include consumer product complaints, security deposit returns, minor property damage, and unpaid services. Outside New York City, CDRCs in each county provide free mediation for small claims disputes, often before the court date. The advantage of mediating a small claims dispute — rather than proceeding to arbitration or trial — is that the parties retain control over the outcome, can agree to non-monetary remedies (such as an apology or a repair), and avoid the uncertainty of an arbitrator's or judge's decision. Mediated agreements in small claims can be filed with the court as a stipulation of discontinuance, closing the case.