1. Be on time! Court starts promptly at 9:00 A.M.. Make sure you are in the right courtroom before 9:00A.M. If you are not in the courtroom when your case is called, the judge is allowed to “pass” your case. This means that your case could be dismissed and you will have to start all over again! If you are the defendant, this could mean that the plaintiff can go in front of the judge and get the orders that he/she is seeking without you getting to say anything. This means you were defaulted (the orders are granted because you didn’t show up!).
Mediation is a process of dispute resolution in which one or more impartial third parties intervene(s) in a conflict with the consent of the disputants and assists them in negotiating a consensual and informed agreement. In mediation, the decision-making process rests with the parties themselves. Recognizing variations in styles and cultural differences, the role of the mediator(s) involves assisting the disputants in defining and clarifying issues, reducing obstacles to communication, exploring possible solutions, and reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement.