Social Media Scans for Small Claims Mediations in Oklahoma

Courts receive countless requests from plaintiffs of all kinds for small claims hearings in Oklahoma. People have all kinds of needs that they want help with, from breached contracts, stolen property, and more, they demand justice and want it quickly and affordably. Small claims cases offer exactly what they are looking for, and sometimes mediations for small claims matters are a part of this process.

Judges will happily hear cases in the open courtroom, but all such magistrates and small claims judges will always advise people that they may lose cases they think will surely win. Even with attorneys representing them, time has shown on numerous occasions that this can and often does happen, because even if a plaintiff or defendant is legally right and has all the evidence and witnesses to back it up, a judge could still rule against the person or company anyway. Thus, judges and small claims attorneys alike will often advise plaintiffs and defendants to pursue mediation services for small claims cases, instead of having a judge make a formal ruling.

Benefits of Small Claims Mediations:

There are numerous benefits to choosing to locate the best small claims mediator as a method of alternative dispute resolution. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

Faster Resolutions:

One of the best things about mediation is that it has the potential to reduce the time spent on the resolution process. Indeed, a small claims case often takes five to six weeks to come before a judge or magistrate, stretching out the time between the start and resolution of the case. Defendants and plaintiffs alike may also request continuances, and collections will extend the process because many people do not pay judgments right away if at all. These are not the only time-delaying factors though.

Judges usually offer in-court mediation services with small claims mediators who are on standby for those needing them. So, by filing a lawsuit you may end up in mediation anyway at your court hearing. But since it takes five or six weeks to see the judge, filing a lawsuit that may end up in mediation just delays the process. Thus, it will save you money and time to simply forego the judicial process and try mediations for small claims first. 

Cheaper Costs:

Time is money, and money is time. Mediations save both time and money for people seeking to file small claims suits. As mentioned above, it takes five or six weeks just for a small claims case to go before a judge or magistrate, and it could take longer than that before the judge hears and resolves the case due to continuances, illnesses, motions, and other delays. Plus, since it may end up in mediation anyway, justice delayed is indeed justice denied.

Adding to these costly time delays are filling fees, service of process costs, attorney’s fees, and more. These fees just drain the resources of both parties, because small claims mediation services in Oklahoma are usually faster and can be a cheaper alternative.

No Need for Small Claims Attorneys:

As mentioned earlier, many people going before judges choose to hire a civil attorney in Oklahoma City to help them litigate even smaller matters. This only adds to the expense and general costs of the whole legal process. Mediations do not require either party to hire an attorney, which can save costs for both sides.

While small claims cases usually do not require a lawyer, either, many defendants and plaintiffs choose to bring them to small claims cases because a judge will hear the arguments. The setting is much more formal, and the stakes are higher, because a judge, not the two parties, will make the final ruling/decision. Thus, mediation services in OKC really do help save time and money for parties that would otherwise be involved in contentious litigation.

Mediations Can Create Win-Win Solutions: 

One of the wonderful things about mediations over court litigation and arbitration is that they offer the opportunity for all parties involved in a wide variety of matters the chance to create a win-win solution. Whereas judges and arbitrators make the decisions for the parties where one side wins and the other loses, mediations allow all parties to walk away with at least one or more things they wanted. By compromising and engaging in give-and-take negotiations, all sides can have a better outcome with which they can live.

When During the Small Claims Process Can Parties opt for Mediation Services?

There are opportunities before, during, and even after the small claims court process when parties from all sides can initiate mediation services. We will explain the different circumstances and reasons for the appropriateness of mediations for small claims cases below:

Before Small Claims Filings:

The best time to locate a mediator in Oklahoma for small claims cases in Oklahoma City are before you even file a case. Filing a small claims docket case only adds to the expenses one or both parties may bear. By instead choosing to opt for a mediation service at our private investigation agency, you can save time and money and help create a win-win solution that puts the power back into the hands of all parties.

During the Small Claims Dispute Process:

At any time during the small claims lawsuit process, both parties may mutually opt to find an alternative dispute resolution service to help them. Even if the plaintiff/petitioner has already filed the civil suit, it is never too late for the parties to locate the best mediator for help in drafting a Memorandum of Understanding for the two parties. An outside, independent mediation service like what our legal services firm offers is a perfect choice to create win-win solutions.

Even in court, the judge or magistrate will usually offer alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services to willing litigants right there in the courtroom. While these individuals may be free to those who need them, there are usually a limited number of them on standby in the courtroom and the parties do not get to choose which one they work with. Additionally, the mediator will not have the same amount of time to devote to your small claims case as you get when you hire a private, independent mediator to help you resolve your legal/financial dispute. 

One other thing to keep in mind about mediators the judge might offer parties in the courtroom during small claims hearings, is that not only does it take five or six weeks to get to your court date, but they may not even have the needed experience to help you with cases involving sensitive issue areas like 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. The mediators there are often having to commit to a certain number of free service hours as mediators, to finish their licensing or other requirements to become court approved mediators. They certainly will not have the same level of skill that a seasoned attorney or experienced private firm mediator will offer.

Post-Litigation Alternative Dispute Resolution Services:

After certain settlements and judgments like those occurring within family law, divorces, and child custody cases, the attorneys may write into the agreement that if any further disputes arise that the parties will seek mediation services to help them resolve it. This is common, because it requires both sides to come together in a less formal, often less expensive, faster process of alternative dispute resolution. 

How Social Media Scans Help with Mediations for Small Claims:

Social media scans are another option during the ADR process that litigants from both sides might potentially benefit from. Our digital private investigator can go online and seek out all kinds of information about someone. So, whether you are trying to find out if someone really got injured in an accident or on the job or if the person you are suing bragged about stealing your cat, the Internet and social media can be a beautiful place to view all sorts of juicy information. Nothing helps mediations and even small claims lawsuits go more in someone’s favor than some nice damning evidence!

Costs to Hire a Small Claims Mediator:

The cost to hire an alternative dispute resolution mediator can vary. There are several principal factors to consider when selecting a mediation service in Edmond, Oklahoma, to help you resolve a small claims case or other matter. Things like costs, experience, availability, specializations in areas like special education, family, and divorce mediations, etc., and the duration of the mediation itself are all factors you must consider.

Mediators in the courtroom that a judge or magistrate offer can come at no extra cost if you have already paid for the small claims case itself, but remember their availability and time are extremely limited, as may be their experience and expertise in certain areas. They may not even be there to help you, as not all courtrooms have them on standby – especially not for free.

The best mediators in Oklahoma often charge $325-$375 per hour or more, and you normally must reserve dates and times for sessions with them in advance. Some mediators are also attorneys, while others are not. Trained mediators, especially court-appointed ones, often have dual certifications as counselors/therapists, clergy members, social workers, and other helping roles.

The type of mediation service in Piedmont, Oklahoma you choose depends upon your specific needs and your case’s circumstances. If you want experience, quality, and the highest level of professionalism, then hire a mediator from a local company or law firm in Oklahoma. If you are on a budget and your courtroom will have mediators on standby to assist for no extra charge, then opting for one of them may be your best bet.