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Thirteenth Judicial District Court

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Civil ADR Programs

The Thirteenth Judicial District Court provides an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program as an option to traditional litigation in civil lawsuits.

Both mediation and settlement facilitation are part of the ADR cooperative problem solving processes where a neutral third party meets with the parties involved in the cases to identify areas of agreement and disagreement and to assist them in reaching a resolution that meets their needs and interests. Parties may choose mediation or settlement facilitation.

The purpose of the Thirteenth Judicial District Court ADR program is to serve the larger community by providing quality mediation and settlement facilitation services to ensure an efficient, cost-effective, and satisfying process to resolve a variety of legal disputes throughout Cibola, Valencia and Sandoval Counties. 

The goals of the program are to:

  • Provide parties with a satisfying alternative to litigation.
  • Provide consistent, high quality mediation (ADR) services.
  • Reduce court and litigant costs.
  • Reduce the time to disposition.
  • Reduce the demand on judges for settlement assistance.

Mediation

Mediation is a traditional “problem-solving” process conducted by trained, experienced mediators who may, but are not required to be, attorneys. This facilitative process focuses on clarifying positions and identifying the interests and unmet needs of the parties, often with the goal to preserve the relationship as well as resolve the case.

Settlement Facilitation

Settlement facilitation is an evaluative process, typically conducted by attorneys with subject knowledge who are also trained and experienced in mediation techniques. The process focuses on positions and interests. The settlement facilitator assists the parties in negotiating their own settlement but may evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the case.

Any party to any civil case, including domestic and probate (CV, DM, PB) cases, may request that the case be referred to either mediation or settlement facilitation through the Court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Program (ADR) in accordance with the local rules. A judge may also refer a case to ADR without the request of a party. You do not have to be represented by an attorney to request a referral to ADR. ADR is conducted by attorneys or other professionals as agreed upon by the parties or ordered by the Court.