Case Evaluation (formerly called Mediation)
is handled out of the Court Administration Office. The
Case Evaluation Clerk is responsible for sending Case Evaluation
notices, selecting a panel of three case evaluators from an
approved list, collecting fees, receiving the briefs for
distribution to the case evaluators, preparing the evaluations
and serving them on the parties, receiving the accept/reject
notices, compiling them, and sending results notices.
Case Evaluations are held once or twice a
month, depending upon the need. The $75.00 fee is paid
with three checks of $25.00 each, one to each mediator. If
the briefs are not timely filed (2 weeks before the case
evaluation date), a $150.00 late fee is assessed. This is
also paid in three checks: $50.00 to each mediator.
Per the Court Rules, the late fee is not to be passed on to the
client.
Attorneys wishing to serve as case evaluators
must file an application with the Court Administration Office.
Persons wishing to serve are screened according to the
guidelines set by the Court Rules.
Mediation now refers to a one-person mediator
who meets with the parties in an attempt to promote a settlement
of the case. Mediators are appointed by the judges.
