Under Courts – Programs and Services – CIVIL ADR
The Thirteenth Judicial District Court provides an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program as an option to traditional litigation in civil lawsuits.
Mediation is a cooperative problem solving process 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.
The purpose of the Thirteenth Judicial District Court ADR program is to serve the larger community by providing quality mediation 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.
If you are interested in mediation, you can file a Motion for Mediation to request the Judge to appoint you a mediator. All participants in Court-connected mediation will be charged a fee according to the New Mexico Supreme Court Sliding Fee Scale. (link to sliding scale)
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 and/or ordered by the Court.
For more information, please contact Erin Olson, Director of ADR Programs at 505-867-2376 x1172 or 13thADR@nmcourts.gov.