Mediation is an action taken between conflicting parties to promote reconciliation, settlement, or compromise. In a mediation, all parties involved in the dispute will have a chance to talk about the dispute and their concerns in a controlled confidential environment. The mediators will help them see the issues clearly, come up with options for a solution, negotiate effectively, and help them reach their own agreement if they choose to do so. The mediators are strictly neutral and will not recommend or impose a solution to the dispute. There is only an agreement if the parties choose so.

Call the Dispute Resolution Center and speak with one of our mediation intake coordinators. (512) 878-0382. (Be prepared to explain your side of the dispute and give contact information for the other party.)

DRC staff will listen to your situation, explain the mediation process, and answer questions you may have. Then they will either schedule your mediation or refer you to an agency that can better serve your needs.

If mediation is appropriate, you will choose a convenient date and time for the mediation. It usually lasts 3 - 4 hours and can be scheduled for the morning, afternoon or evening.

The DRC staff will then contact the other party, explain mediation, and invite them to participate in the process.

If the other party is willing to mediate, then the DRC staff will schedule the mediation and send out intake forms to all parties.

If you are interested in beginning the intake process and would like to come to our office you are welcome. Our regular office hours are 9-5 Monday-Friday.

Mediations can be scheduled at the convenience of the parties in Hays, Comal, Guadalupe and Caldwell Counties. Most mediations are held at the DRC offices in San Marcos, TX:

Mediations typically are scheduled for four or eight hours depending on the complexity of the case and they normally do consume the scheduled time. The more complex a case, the longer they take. In some cases, multiple sessions might be needed to reach a settlement.

Yes, all that is said and done in a mediation is confidential and protected by state statute. Nothing from the mediation can be repeated outside the mediation or used in a court of law later. Only the final agreement is public after the mediation. Any suspicions of abuse, neglect or exploitation of children, elders or the infirm are outside that confidentiality and must be reported.

The CTDRC settles 65-80% of all cases. This is consistent with the settlement rate at other DRC's and for mediation in general.

Our fee structure recently changed please call for current fees.

CTDRC provides dispute resolution services to the underserved and the unserved individuals in our service area. We do have income and family asset criteria for taking cases. This will be discussed in the intake process.

The CTDRC takes all cases from the JP Courts and cases with under $50,000 in dispute from the District Courts and County Courts at Law.

No, the CTDRC cannot give legal advice. We can however refer you to resources to attain legal advice.

You are encouraged to seek legal advice and to bring your attorney if you feel that you need legal assistance during the mediation. You may also call your attorney at any time during the mediation. Some people also seek advice from their insurance agents, accountants or real estate agents during the process. The mediators will not give any kind of advice – legal or otherwise, so it is important that you have the information you need to resolve your dispute to your satisfaction.

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Yes, you can. Please call (512)878-0382 for more information.

Yes, the DRC offers courses on mediation. Please visit our ‘Training’ tab for more information.