The Small Claims Department allows a person or business with a legal dispute to sue without hiring an attorney. There are no juries, and lawyers are not allowed to represent either party unless permission is granted by a judge. However, the best way to solve a dispute is to contact the other person and negotiate a solution. If this approach has not worked, and the problem involves a neighbor, mediation is often an effective next step.
Mediation is fast, free and non-adversarial.
You must file a Small Claims case before trying to Mediate. Mediation is a process where neutral third parties meet with the two parties to a case and try to help them find some common ground. The mediators schedule a convenient time and place for the meeting. During the session, the mediators help discuss the facts of the case and options for resolving the case. The mediators do not take sides or make decisions.