NEED A DISPUTE RESOLVED?

If you have a dispute with someone regarding neighborhood issues, noise, animals, property, business operations or similiar issues, consider trying Municipal Mediation.

Each municipality, town or borough in Camden County provides access to a Municipal Court Mediation Program (MCMP) which helps people in conflict work with each other to develop solutions. 

Conflict resolution is achieved by providing a safe place for you to talk constructively about possible solutions.  Trained, experienced mediators, who are volunteers from the community, will help you discuss your issues, develop options and choose ways to solve the problem.

ADVANTAGES

By choosing mediation to resolve your dispute, you have these advantages:

• You may avoid possible court costs, fines, or other penalties
• Mediation takes place in a relaxed, informal and secure setting
• You maintain your privacy, as sessions are limited to the disputing parties, their attorneys (if they are present) and the mediators
• Since mediators are bound by rules of confidentiality, they do not discuss your case outside the meeting room
• You will have time to fully discuss the issues with the other party, assisted by skilled mediators
• You can learn new ways to resolve conflict and improve relationships
• You can terminate the session at any time you desire
• The sooner you deal with the dispute, the easier it can be to resolve it

You create your own solution to your conflict rather than having a decision made for you by a Judge.

YOU CAN ACCESS MEDIATION IN TWO WAYS:

YOU file a "Request for Mediation" obtained from your local Court Administrator.  The other party is notified and if all parties voluntarily agree to participate, a mediation date is scheduled.

• If an agreement is reached, there is no formal Court proceeding or permanent record filed with the Court
• If an agreement is not reached, you can file a formal complaint with the Court

OR...

Formal complaints are filed with the police or Court Administrator.  A Mediation date is set and notices are sent to all parties involved, requiring them to be in attendance.

• If an agreement is reached, the Court will be asked to dismiss the complaint and a case record remains with the Court
• If no agreement is reached the case may be returned to Court and heard before the Judge

The local Municipal Judge or Court Administrator reviews all cases for appropriateness for Mediation prior to referral.

THE PROCESS

Mediation is a Court approved process.

• Generally, there will be more than one mediator hearing your complaint
• Mediators are bound by the Rules of Confidentiality and cannot discuss the case either prior to or after the meeting
• The meeting is private. The public and press are not permitted to attend
• All parties are expected to behave in a courteous manner.  Threatening language or behavior is not permitted
• Attorneys may accompany the parties, but the mediators will decide the degree of attorney participation
• Pertinent information and/or witnesses will be reviewed at the discretion of the Mediators
• During Mediation, mediators may ask to meet individually with each party
• Any agreement reached must be acceptable to both parties.  If the case was referred by the Court, the agreement will become part of the official case record
• You have the right to request a hearing by the Municipal Judge at any time during the meeting, but you must appear as scheduled to avoid possible further Court action

DISPUTES THAT MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDIATION

1. HARASSMENT
2. SIMPLE ASSAULT
3. THEFT OF PROPERTY OR SERVICES
4. TRESPASSING
5. BAD CHECKS
6. NOISE COMPLAINTS
7. SHOPLIFTING
8. DISORDERLY CONDUCT
9. PROPERTY DISPUTES
10. CREATING A DISTURBANCE
11. ANIMAL COMPLAINTS

If you need the assistance of an Interpreter, contact your Court Administrator before the mediation date.