Early Settlement Mediation East Program

Early Settlement East Program

What is Mediation?

The Alternative Dispute Resolution System in Oklahoma is made up of thirteen (13) regional Early Settlement Mediation Centers (including one (1) municipal program) which provide FREE mediation services all 77 counties in Oklahoma. There are fourteen (14) State Agencies with programs offering specialized mediation services. The Alternative Dispute Resolution System was authorized (1983) and funded (1985) by the state legislature through the Oklahoma Dispute Resolution Act, 12 O.S. Supp. 1997, § 1801 et seq. The Administrative Director of the Courts administers and supervises the Alternative Dispute Resolution System through a designated, State Director, with the ongoing input of the Dispute Resolution Advisory Board.

In mediation a neutral, third-party helps those in conflict define issues, explore solutions and reach practical, workable and mutually satisfactory agreements. Mediation seeks to prevent conflicts from escalating, saving everyone involved the time and expense of going to court. Mediation is a process that can help all parties involved. Outcomes include:

Getting past anger, frustration, guilt or "desire to punish"
Clarifying their underlying, bottom-line goals
Seeing their "opponent's" feelings, viewpoints and goals
Cooperatively building a lasting, win-win voluntary solution
Creating an atmosphere of ongoing cooperation and efficiency

All mediations are handled promptly and confidentially.

The mediation sessions are held in out-of-court settings, such as jury rooms, conference rooms, libraries, or other public meetings rooms. Mediations are offered virtually as well.

Every effort is made to schedule sessions at the convenience of everyone involved.

Mediators are community volunteers who have completed specialized training and are certified by the Administrative Director of the Courts. Mediators assist both parties in negotiating and solving their problems.

Early Settlement provides mediation services for the following types of issues:

Small Claims
Civil
Divorce and Child Custody
Guardianship
Parent/School (IDEA)
Child Permanency
Adult Guardianship
Family Disputes, including Probate
Consumer/Merchant
Landlord/Tenant

Adair
Cherokee
Delaware
Mayes
Muskogee
Sequoyah
Wagoner

To request a mediation, please complete the online form through the Early Settlement Mediation Alternative Dispute Resolution System Supreme Court of Oklahoma.

Early Settlement Mediation Alternative Dispute Resolution System