Small Claims Hearing

Upon the Court’s receipt of the Defendant’s written Answer, the Clerk will send a Notice of Hearing before the Court Commissioner to all parties, and their respective counsel, if applicable. The hearing will be scheduled approximately 60 days from the date of the filed written Answer. Within 10 business days from the date of the Written Answer, the Plaintiff must schedule mandatory mediation with an agreed upon mediator, please go to the Mandatory Mediation page for more details on mediation. This mediation session must be completed at least 10 business days prior to the scheduled Hearing Date.

Upon completion of the mediation:

• If successful, at least 10 business days prior to any scheduled hearing/trial, the mediator shall provide to the court a written and signed agreement by the parties for approval by the Court Commissioner and the Small Claims Hearing will be cancelled from the Court’s calendar.
• If unsuccessful, the mediator shall advise the court at least 10 business days prior to any scheduled hearing/trial that mediation was ineffective. The parties will then be required to appear at the scheduled hearing date.

Failure to cooperate MAY be grounds to grant judgment for or against the offending party.