Office of Dispute Resolution – Colorado Judicial Branch
Mediation provides an alternative to litigation through the courts.
“It is an intervention in dispute negotiations by a trained neutral third party with the purpose of assisting parties to reach their own solution.”
~Colorado Dispute Resolution Act~
What are the Benefits of Mediation?
Mediation may be less expensive than going to court.
Mediation is usually faster than going to court, it’s private and confidential.
Mediation gives the parties a chance to craft an agreement which meets their needs.
Mediation gives parties control over the outcome.
What Disputes can be Mediated?
Domestic Relations: including divorce, custody, property division, parenting time & support.
Civil: including contracts, fee disputes, landlord/tenant, employer/employee, money demands,
personal injury, malpractice and property damages.
Juvenile: parenting time & support, victim/offender restitution, dependency & neglect matters.
Probate: including guardianships, conservator ships and estate distribution.
Criminal: including victim/offender restitution.
What are my options for finding a mediator?
You may be seeking a professional mediator voluntarily or because you were court-ordered to do so. Litigants in the 7th Judicial District have two main options for mediation:
1) USE A MEDIATOR THROUGH THE OFFICE OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION: ODR mediators come from a variety of backgrounds and professions, but all have specialized training in conflict resolution and extensive mediation experience. They subscribe to a code of professional conduct and complaint process. The fee for mediation through the Office of Dispute Resolution tends to be cheaper than most private mediator rates. Additionally, if you qualified to have your filing fees waived with the Court within the last 6 months and can provide a copy of the order waiving your filing fees you are eligible for a further reduced rate for mediation services. If you have no fee waiver from the Court, but think you may qualify as low income, you may apply for reduced fee mediation directly through the ODR office.
To schedule mediation through the Office of Dispute Resolution you may contact one of the following providers in your County or visit Coloradoodr.org
John J. Fleming (970) 240-2812
Serving Delta, Montrose, Gunnison, Ouray & Hinsdale Counties
Patricia Winslow (970) 209-9337
(County Court Civil & Small Claims only)
2) FIND A PRIVATE MEDIATOR: A list of persons who have indicated a desire to provide mediation services in the 7JD can be accessed by clicking the link below. The list is provided as a convenience to litigants in the District. However, except for indicating whether or not the providers are attorneys licensed to practice in Colorado, or that they have had recognized mediation training in Colorado, no representation is made by the District or the State of Colorado regarding the experience and/or qualifications of those included in the list. The information contained on this list is provided by the practitioners themselves and is for your consideration. Being included on this list does not mean a provider is recommended or approved by the 7JD. Further, the 7JD has not made any attempt to validate the information supplied by the providers. The listing appears in alphabetical order and no preference should be inferred from the order in which the names appear on the list. The provider should be contacted directly to obtain more information regarding his/her qualifications, experience, training and areas of specialty, as well as fees charged for services rendered. Finally, information in this list is subject to change and maybe out of date or incorrect; please contact the provider to verify information.