Mediation is useful in cases involving evictions, zoning changes, consumer issues, neighborhood disputes, and minor misdemeanors, such as vandalism and harassment. The elderly also should consider mediation for problems such as age discrimination and grandparents' visitation rights. An individual who wants to pursue this type of mediation must first get the other party to agree to the procedure. Then the DRC will appoint a mediator with appropriate skills to help resolve the problem. The mediator may be a retired lawyer, judge, police officer, or other person with law enforcement or specialized experience.
Mediation spares one the expense, confusion, and anxiety of a court trial.
Inform the judge in your case that you are unable to afford an attorney, and ask that one be appointed to represent you. A state or local public defender's office can provide you with information. If you live near a law school, find out if it has a legal clinic serving the community. If you would like to advise us of legal problems, concerns or information important to senior citizens please click send us an e-mail. The information provided is of general nature and is not intended to replace the advice and counsel of an attorney.