_{Mediation helps tenants and landlords come to legal agreement which may lower court costs and eviction records}

_{CDRP’s are nonprofit organizations that offer free or low-cost dispute resolution service to Minnesotans. Employees or volunteers trained in dispute resolution serve as independent third parties to help participants voluntarily work through differences and seek mutually agreed upon solutions. To operate as a CDRP in Minnesota, these organizations must comply with Minnesota Statute 494 and related operational guidelines. These help ensure quality services for Minnesotans. Any organization in Minnesota that meets Statute 494 requirements, may become a CDRP.}

_{Neighbor property disputes}

_{Conflicts between extended family members (e.g. grandparent visitation)}

_{Resolving issues between business owners}

_{Landlord/Tenant disputes}

_{Helping mediate parenting time for never-married parents}

_{Helping mediate parenting time changes for post-divorce parents}

_{Anyone experiencing a conflict or dispute can seek community mediation, as long as their case meets program guidelines and does not involve issues specifically excluded under Minnesota law. Common participants include neighbors, landlords and tenants, small businesses, and families in conflict. While many disputes are eligible, some exceptions or restrictions may apply.}

_{A mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates discussion. The mediator does not:}

• _{Take sides or represent either party.}
• _{Give legal advice or make decisions for participants.}
• _{Offer therapy or counseling.}

_{Instead, the mediator guides the conversation, helps clarify issues, and explores possible solutions. The goal is to empower participants to decide on an agreeable path forward.}

_{The Minnesota Judicial Branch Website states:}

• _{It can save you time}
• _{It can save you money}
• _{It can be less stressful}
• _{It is confidential and private}
• _{It gives you more control over the outcome of your case}
• _{It can produce more lasting agreements}
• _{It may preserve or improve relationships.}

_{Written Agreements: If the parties reach an agreement, it can be put in writing and, in some cases, submitted to the court for approval. Once approved by the court (if that step is necessary), it becomes an enforceable court order.}

_{Informal Resolutions: If the dispute does not require a court filing (for example, a neighbor dispute), the signed agreement may still serve as a contract.}

_{CDRPs serve as a unique and critical function in Minnesota because they:}

_{Provide interpretation and culturally relevant practices to Minnesota’s immigrant communities}

_{Are free or low-cost}

_{Provide services statewide}

_{Reduce the number of cases in the Court including cases involving youth and housing (landlord/tenant issues)}

_{Create safer schools}

_{Reduce parenting time disputes after divorce}

_{Offer tailored services depending on the disputant’s needs}

_{Train volunteer mediators, increasing conflict resolution practice across the state}

_{Yes, certain types of family law matters are not suitable for or may be restricted in community mediation. These may include:}

• _{Active Domestic Abuse or Child Abuse Cases: If there is an existing Order for Protection (OFP) or a history of ongoing domestic violence, the case may need specialized mediation and will be inappropriate for community mediation altogether. Safety is always the top priority.}
• _{Divorce Decrees and Formal Property Division: While some private mediators can help divorcing couples negotiate terms, certain final legal processes (like drafting and filing the official divorce decree or dividing complex property) may require court oversight or representation by attorneys. Therefore, community mediation would not be appropriate in these types of disputes.}
• _{Cases Requiring Immediate Court Intervention: If a party needs urgent judicial relief (such as emergency custody orders), community mediation is not appropriate to address those pressing needs.}
• _{CHIPs cases:  Children In Need of Protection cases Time (Visitation)}

_{Before proceeding, the mediation program will generally screen for these issues to determine whether your family law concern is eligible and appropriate.}

_{Yes. CDRP’s are not allowed by statute to take on disputes involving:}

• _{Violence against persons}
• _{Any matter involving a person who has been adjudicated incompetent or relating to guardianship, conservatorship, or civil commitment}
• _{Any matter involving neglect or dependency or involving termination of parental rights}
• _Custody 
• _{Divorce mediations}