Request a Mediation

To request a mediation, please complete the online form through the Early Settlement Mediation Alternative Dispute Resolution System Supreme Court of Oklahoma.

Contact Information

Ever Vidana, Director
918-338-8027
[email protected]

NORTHEAST PROGRAM
Rogers State University
Bartlesville Campus
401 South Dewey, Suite 217
Bartlesville, OK 74003

Early Settlement is a program sponsored by the Oklahoma Administrative Office of the Court in conjunction with a grant from the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Mediation is a voluntary process whereby two or more disputants arrive at a mutually acceptable solution with the help of a neutral party.

Dispute mediation for the Northeastern regions of Oklahoma serving Craig, Nowata, Osage, Ottawa, Rogers and Washington County.

What is mediation?

The Alternative Dispute Resolution System in Oklahoma is made up of thirteen (13) regional Early Settlement Mediation Centers (including one (1) municipal program) which provide FREE mediation services to all 77 counties in Oklahoma. There are fourteen (14) State Agencies with programs offering specialized mediation services. The Alternative Dispute Resolution System was authorized (1983) and funded (1985) by the state legislature through the Oklahoma Dispute Resolution Act, 12 O.S. Supp. 1997, § 1801 et seq. The Administrative Director of the Courts administers and supervises the Alternative Dispute Resolution System through a designated, State Director, with the ongoing input of the Dispute Resolution Advisory Board.

How does mediation work?

In mediation a neutral, third-party helps those in conflict define issues, explore solutions and reach practical, workable and mutually satisfactory agreements. Mediation seeks to prevent conflicts from escalating, saving everyone involved the time and expense of going to court. Mediation is a process that can help all parties involved. All mediations are handled promptly and confidentially. Outcomes include:

  • Getting past anger, frustration, guilt or “desire to punish”
  • Clarifying their underlying, bottom-line goals
  • Seeing their “opponent’s” feelings, viewpoints and goals
  • Cooperatively building a lasting, win-win voluntary solution
  • Creating an atmosphere of ongoing cooperation and efficiency

When and where are mediations held?

The mediation sessions are held in out-of-court settings, such as jury rooms, conference rooms, libraries, or other public meetings rooms. Mediations are offered virtually as well.

Every effort is made to schedule sessions at the convenience of everyone involved.

Who are mediators?

Mediators are community volunteers who have completed specialized training and are certified by the Administrative Director of the Courts. Mediators assist both parties in negotiating and solving their problems.

What types of issues are mediated?

Early Settlement provides mediation services for the following types of issues:

  • Small Claims
  • Civil
  • Divorce and Child Custody
  • Guardianship
  • Parent/School (IDEA)
  • Child Permanency
  • Adult Guardianship
  • Family Disputes, including Probate
  • Consumer/Merchant
  • Landlord/Tenant