You can choose to directly negotiate with the other party or request a mediator who will help you and the other party develop options for resolving the matter. You can exchange messages with the other party and/or a mediator, upload/download documents, and sign agreements and court forms online.
Resolving a dispute here can prevent a conflict from escalating further and may eliminate the need to appear in court. This service is secure, free to use, and is available to you 24/7.
To get started, fill out the information below.
AGREEMENT TO PARTICIPATE
I agree to participate in the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) process according to the following terms:
1. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO REACH AN AGREEMENT USING ONLINE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
If you chose to participate then you may ask for mediator assistance at any time or terminate the negotiation/mediation at any time.
2. REGISTRATION
A valid email address is required to participate.
Your email is your ODR username You must set an ODR password Any activity on ODR using your username/password is assumed to be done by you or someone with your permission.
3. ONLINE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS
If all parties agree to participate then the parties can attempt to resolve their matter online through negotiation.
Parties may negotiate until an agreement is reached or a party or mediator terminates the negotiation If the negotiation/mediation is part of an active court case then the parties have until the hearing date to complete their negotiation/mediation. If the negotiation/mediation is not completed by the hearing date then the parties will be expected to appear at court. You can request a mediator at any time. If you reach an agreement without a mediator, you may prepare the agreement form yourself or request assistance of a mediator. If the agreement resolves an active case then it may be shared and filed with the court. 4. THE MEDIATORS
Mediators are neutral individuals who meet qualifications set by the Supreme Court of Ohio and the ${court.name}
Mediators do not act as an advocate or attorney and don't give legal advice.
5. LEGAL ADVICE AND ATTORNEYS
If you have questions about your rights, responsibilities, or how the law applies to your situation then you are encouraged to seek legal advice. You can find a lawyer at
6. CONFIDENTIALITY
The mediator and administrative staff overseeing the ODR system will not share any mediation communications with others unless one of the following occurs:
All parties request this be done and the mediator agrees, or If required by law or court rule. Mediation communications may be monitored by program administrators for purposes of quality control. This includes conversations that occur during mediation or are made for purposes of considering, conducting, participating in, initiating, continuing, or reconvening a mediation or retaining a mediator. Mediation communications will not be shared with any judge or magistrate who might make a ruling on the court case.
Communications between only you and the mediator are not shared with the other party.
The mediator may not be called as a witness and no statements made in ODR or mediator notes may be subpoenaed.
Signed mediated agreements may be sent to the court.
The court will monitor and report on ODR?s performance and effectiveness.
Only aggregate findings will be reported (number of cases, number of successful mediations, how long it takes, etc) No information about you or your participation will be made public. The court may ask you to complete a survey.
