Online Dispute Resolution
Franklin County Municipal Court

Small Claims Court is for claims for money only, up to $6,000. Small Claims Court is quicker and less formal than other courts and you may not need an attorney.

It's a chance to end a legal dispute in a way that minimizes time spent at court and saves money. It offers a safe, private, online space to negotiate a satisfactory resolution with the other party. In some cases, this can reduce harm to your credit and help avoid wage garnishments or other collections procedures. Whatever is most important to you, the Online Dispute Resolution process can help you reach your goals.

It's easy. If you received a notice from the court, simply follow the instructions to go to the site and start your negotiation. You and the other party can have a conversation through the platform, and then document your agreement. If there is no agreement, either party can terminate the negotiation and pursue other legal options.

Time is money! A legal dispute can take months—sometimes years—to resolve through court. You'll probably need to take time off from work for court hearings and trials. For some, this is hard, if not impossible, depending on work schedules. Online dispute resolution is very flexible. You can 'talk' with the other party on your own time, quickly and easily and all online.

Online dispute resolution works just as well on any mobile device that can access the internet. Just go to the site on your device's web browser to access it just like you would on a desktop or laptop computer.

You have the option to terminate the negotiation at any time; however, you will not be able to access the negotiation if you change your mind. If you and the other party feel like you are not making any progress, call a mediator at 614-398-1982 for assistance. If no agreement is reached after that, then the dispute will continue. This means that your case will move through the legal process or, if no case is filed, a lawsuit may be filed.

Online dispute resolution is not a trial. The purpose is to resolve the case before it goes further through the legal system. If the parties reach an agreement they can document the agreement in writing and submit it to the court (if there is an active case), or use the agreement as a guide that will prevent future disagreements or lawsuits. You and the other party, not a judge or magistrate, get to resolve your dispute in a way that works for both of you.

If you reach a signed agreement with the other party and then change your mind about the agreement, please call a court mediator at 614-398-1982 to discuss the possibility of scheduling a mediation.

The negotiation space is private to you and the other party. The Dispute Resolution Department has the ability to view your conversation, but cannot message either party.

Parties generally find that dispute resolution is more useful when they're prepared and have a plan. Your mediation plan should identify your goals, the other party's goals, and how you might be able to propose a solution that will result in an agreement. Thinking through these things in advance will help you and the other party negotiate an agreement that works for everyone.

When a party makes an offer to you, it is up to you to decide if you want to accept or reject the offer. If the offer works for you, say so, and move on!

If the offer does not work for you, it is helpful if you explain why the offer doesn't work. Just saying 'no' doesn't help the other party come up with something better. Provide a reason for why the offer does not work for you.

You or the other party can suggest a payment plan as a potential resolution. Consider the following:

1. What is the total amount owed?
2. How much will each payment be?
3. How often will payments be made (e.g., weekly, monthly, etc.)?
4. What are the due dates for each payment?
5. How is payment to be delivered (in person, by mail, etc.)?
6. What is the form of payment (check, cash, money order, etc.)?
7. If you are involved in a Court case, is the other side asking for an agreed judgment in order to accept the payment plan?

Whatever the offer, be sure that it is something that works for each party. If there is an agreement, each side should identify what will happen if the agreement is not followed.

If you can afford to make a lump sum payment in a short time frame (for example, 30 days), the other party may be willing to accept less money and dismiss the case once your payment is received. Consider asking the other party about a lump sum payment.

If you can afford to pay off the total amount in a small number of payments (for example, 3 monthly payments), the other party may be willing to accept less money and dismiss the case once all of your payments are received. Consider asking the other party about a short term payment plan.