Utah Dispute Resolution coordinates several mediation programs in collaboration with the Utah State Courts. There is no fee assessed for participants in these mediations. UDR’s Court Program includes:
Small Claims Mediation
Mediation is available as an option to parties involved in a small claims court case. UDR manages mediation programs in several venues in the state of Utah. Mediations are conducted by volunteer mediators at no cost to participants. All UDR mediators are trained and qualified to assist the disputing parties reach an agreement.
UDR Small Claims Mediation Venues
Salt Lake City Justice Court
(333 S 200 E, Salt Lake City)
Wednesday or Thursday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. or evening at 5:30 p.m.
Taylorsville Justice Court
(2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd.-5300 S.)
Varies: generally held on the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m.
Salt Lake County Justice Court
(2001 S State St, Suite 4200, Salt Lake City)
Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m.
Logan City Justice Court
(290 N. 100 W.)
Alternating Monday mornings at 9:00 a.m.
West Valley City Justice Court
(3590 S. Constitution Blvd.-2700 W.)
Every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.
Ogden City Justice Court
(310 26th St, Ogden, UT)
Thursday afternoons at 1:30 p.m.
Advantages of Mediating a Small Claims Dispute
When parties choose mediation as an option to resolve their small claims dispute, there is a greater likelihood that the dispute will be resolved because the parties themselves create their own agreement.
Agreements may include provisions that a small claims judge would not award, such as exchange of property or services or defining payment plans. A judge may only award a monetary settlement.
When parties reach agreement in mediation, the judge reviews the agreement and makes it an order of the court, which is legally binding and enforceable.
When the terms of a mediated agreement are met in full, the case is dismissed and does not appear as a judgment against the defendant, who often sees this as a benefit because his or her credit rating is not affected.
If the mediated agreement fails, the plaintiff may return to court to satisfy the complaint.
Small Claims Appeals Mediation
Parties who appeal a small claims judgment in Salt Lake and Davis Counties are required by judicial order to participate in mediation before scheduling a trial date. Parties are exempt from this requirement if they attempted to mediate the case through Utah Dispute Resolution prior to the initial small claims judgment. UDR manages the mediation process for the court.
Procedure
When parties file an appeal, they must complete a form that the court clerk forwards to UDR. It is mandatory that parties ensure the court has their current and accurate email address.
UDR schedules the mediation and emails notice of the meeting time and place to each party, using the email address of each party that the court provides. Currently UDR Small Claims Appeals mediations are held online using Zoom.
The parties are assigned a mediator who helps them discuss the issues.
If they reach an agreement, the mediator will act as scribe to capture the terms of agreement. Each party receives a copy of the agreement. A copy is also given to the court and the case is closed.
If parties fail to reach agreement, the mediator completes a form indicating that the mediation took place and no agreement was reached. This form is then filed with the court, and the parties may schedule a hearing date.
If one or both parties fails to show up for the mediation, then UDR will submit a Disposition Notice to the District Court indicating who failed to appear for the mediation.
UDR Small Claims Appeals Mediation Venues
Salt Lake City Third District Court Matheson Courthouse
(450 South State Street)
Farmington Second District Court
(800 West State Street)