MI-Resolve/Community Mediation

As an alternative in resolving civil matters, the court also utilizes MI-Resolve as well as Community Mediation Services.  MI-Resolve is a new way to resolve disputes online.

MI-Resolve

Please visit, https://cii2.courtinnovations.com/MICMS

MI-Resolve is a new online service from the Michigan Supreme Court’s State Court Administrative Office that provides a free, quick, and easy way of resolving disputes that are typically filed as a small claims, general civil, or landlord-tenant case in the District Court.

Through MI-Resolve, parties can resolve their disputes online with or without the help of a mediator.  The process involves answering a few questions and then following the online directions.

Parties can also arrange to meet in person with a mediator or via videoconference.  (Mediation is a process in which a trained neutral person–a mediator–helps parties identify a solution to a dispute that best works for them.)

TYPES OF CASES:

• Claims alleging that money is owed (typically small claims and general civil cases in District Court)
• Contract disputes
• Neighborhood disputes
• Landlord/tenant matters (such as rent owed and repairs, but that do not involve eviction proceedings)

NOTE:

Parties do not need a lawyer to use this service.  Currently, the MI-Resolve system can only accommodate two parties to a dispute.

Individuals do not need to have a case filed in court to use MI-Resolve, but if they do have a case pending in court, they can still use this service to try to reach a settlement before a hearing or trial date.

Mediation

Community Mediation Services serves Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Kalkaska, Montmorency, Presque Isle, Oscoda, and Otsego counties in Northern Lower Michigan.

114 East Main Street, Suite #1
Gaylord, MI  49735
(989) 732-1576
Fax:  (989) 705-1337
info@mimediation.com

WHAT IS MEDIATION?

• Mediation is a process in which two or more people involved in a dispute meet in a private, confidential setting and with the help of a neutral “trained” person (mediator), work out a solution to their problem.
• Mediation offers the opportunity for parties to participate in resolving their dispute rather than having it resolved for them by a judge.
• Mediators are community volunteers who receive specialized training in conflict resolution techniques and communication skills. A mediator is not a judge; they do not decide who is right or wrong in a disagreement.
• During mediation, all parties involved in the dispute explain the situation as they see it and present their ideas on how they think the matter can be resolved. Mediators help the disputing parties develop and agree upon a realistic, workable solution to their problem.

CASES APPROPRIATE FOR MEDIATION

A wide variety of cases can be successfully resolved through mediation, including cases involving:

• Property damage
• Neighborhood issues such as joint driveway or fence problems
• Consumer/merchant disputes
• Business and contract disputes
• Small Claims
• Landlord/Tenant disputes
• Difficulties with and between children or teens
• Family disputes involving siblings, relatives or parent/child such as contested wills or curfew agreements
• Conflicts between parents of students with disabilities and school personnel
• Other disputes when both sides agree to mediation

REASONS TO CONSIDER MEDIATION

• The decision making process belongs to you.
• It works. The goal of mediation is to have all parties arrive at a mutually satisfactory agreement.
• It’s cheap. The service is free, however donations are appreciated.
• It’s quick. Most mediation sessions are scheduled within ten days of both parties’ agreeing to mediate and usually last no longer than two hours.
• It’s convenient. Mediation can be held at your local dispute resolution center on weekdays, Saturdays, or evenings to accommodate parties’ schedules.
• It’s private. All discussions related to the subject of the mediation remain confidential and cannot be used in a lawsuit.

WHAT HAPPENS IF AN AGREEMENT OR MEDIATION IS NOT SUCCESSFUL?

No one will force you to reach an agreement. If an agreement cannot be reached between the disputing parties, or if one or more of the parties fail to follow through with the mediation session, program staff will assist parties in exploring other options for resolving the dispute.

Additional options may include filing a legal case in court, such as a small claims action, a civil suit, or conducting a second mediation session.

District Judge

Michael J. Ekdahl

 Office

870 S. Main Street
P.O. Box 70
Cheboygan, MI 49721
Email: d89@cheboygancounty.net
(231) 627-8809
Fax: (231) 627-8444

 Hours

8:00 am – 4:30 pm

M-F(excluding holidays)

Additional Staff

Court Administrator
Jodi Barrette
d89@cheboygancounty.net
(231) 627-8809

Criminal
Fax: 231-627-8444
(231) 627-8809

Civil
Fax: 231-627-8444
(231) 627-8809

Traffic
Fax: 231-627-8444
(231) 627-8809