What is a court mediator?

A court mediator is a trained outside person who helps disagreeing parties talk to each other.  It’s up to the judge whether to appoint a court mediator.  The parties don’t have to pay for the court mediator.  The court mediator tries to understand the dispute and help the parties solve it. The court mediator doesn’t decide anything or force a solution.  Most often, a court mediator is appointed in consumer and family law cases.  Usually, a court mediator is not used when there has been domestic violence or family abuse.  If an agreement is not reached by mediation, the judge will hear the case.