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Solving Disputes through Mediation

Mediation provides an opportunity to resolve disputes before appearing in court. While reaching an agreement is always voluntary, the process helps participants clarify their needs, better understand the other party’s perspective, and prepare more effectively for court if necessary.

​Parties can participate with or without legal representation. CDRC mediators remain neutral—they do not give legal advice or advocate for either side. Instead, they guide the conversation, listen actively, and help identify common ground.

In Montana, mediation is a confidential process. Mediators cannot be called to testify, and information shared during mediation cannot be used in court. This protects open and honest communication, supporting creative problem-solving.

Small Claims & Justice Court Mediation

The CDRC partners with the Missoula County Justice Court to offer mediation services for civil claims of $7,500 or less. These cases often include landlord-tenant issues, customer complaints, business disputes, and even conflicts within families.

Cases may be referred to mediation by the court or people seek out mediation on their own.

Co-Parenting & Family Mediation

Mediator Qualifications

All CDRC Family Law mediators must complete our Foundations of Mediation training (or an approved equivalent) and our specialized Family Law Mediation training.

To ensure experience and quality:

  • Mediators are required to observe 4 parenting plan mediations.

  • To mediate without a partner, they must have co-mediated at least 4 sessions.

  • To become fully certified, they must lead 4 parenting plan mediations.

Our training includes essential topics such as:

  • Child development

  • Domestic violence awareness

  • Relevant family law procedures

  • Hands on experience 

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