About The Early Settlement Program
Since 1982, Tulsa Municipal Court has offered individuals, through the Early Settlement mediation program, the opportunity to voluntarily resolve disputes before getting involved in costly, and often lengthy, legal proceedings. In short, the Early Settlement program provides a confidential, but formal, out-of-court mediation service to help you settle your dispute. In over 80 percent of the cases handled by Early Settlement, both parties reach a lasting, mutually acceptable resolution.
The Early Settlement program is governed under the regulations and guidelines of the Oklahoma Dispute Resolution Act.
How Does Mediation Work?
The administrative staff of Ealy Settlement will assign a neutral third party to mediate your dispute. This mediator is professionally trained in mediation and certified through the Supreme Court and will listen to you and the person (or a representative of the organization) against whom you have filed a complaint, to understand how both of you would like to resolve the problem. A mutually acceptable solution is then worked out by you and the other party. The mediator is there only to assist you in communicating with each other and will not make decisions for you. Attorneys and witnesses are not required to participate.
How Can Early Settlement Benefit You?
Early Settlement is Fast. Mediation sessions can be held within two weeks after you file your complaint. And, every effort is made to schedule sessions at your convenience. Further, most sessions take only about an hour or less of your time.
Early Settlement is Fair. Your mediator is a neutral, third party whose sole desire is to assist you, and the person with whom you are having a dispute, in effectively communicating and reaching a lasting agreement. Because the court-sponsored mediator has no interest in the outcome, conflicts of interest are avoided.
Early Settlement is available at a low cost. The Tulsa Municipal Court system assesses a $5.00 fee in accordance with Oklahoma law.
How Do I Schedule a Mediation Session?
It's as easy as visiting our offices. Come to Room 601-L City Hall with your $5.00 processing charge and be prepared to give the following information:
- Your name, address, and telephone numbers (work and home);
- The name, address, and telephone numbers of the person, or company, against whom you are filing the complaint;
- The nature of your dispute, and the amount of money, if any, involved.
A mediator will be assigned to your case, a time will be scheduled for the session, and the person or organization with whom you're having the dispute will be notified by both Certified Mail of the complaint, as wellas regular mail as to the date, time, and place of the meeting. You will receive a courtesy copy of the hearing notice. All that remains is for you and the other party to attend the mediation session prepared to work out a lasting solution to the dispute. Although you may choose to attend with counsel, you are not required to have either an attorney or witnesses present during the mediation session.
For more information, or to schedule a mediation session, contact:
Early Settlement
City Hall
200 Civic Center, Room 601-L
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
(918) 596-7786