Overdue account must be less than one year old. Cases must not be pending in court or referred to a collection agency. The letter notifies him or her of the mediation hearing date and time, and advises the person to be prepared to pay the overdue amount, any late fees and the filing fee. The letter also advises that, if the overdue account is settled with the business prior to the hearing date, then the business will not proceed with the complaint and the hearing need not take place. Payment must be made by money order, cashier's check, business check or certified check payable to Hamilton County Clerk of Courts .
Hearings typically occur on weekdays during the early evening hours.
On the date and time of the mediation hearing, the business should bring all records relating to the overdue account. At the hearing, a PCMS mediator will assist the business and the person responsible for the overdue account in negotiating a settlement agreement. If the person responsible for the account does not appear for the hearing, refuses to reach a settlement or does not honor a settlement agreement, the business may then decide to file a claim in Small Claims Court.