Fairfax Small Claims Court: A Mediation Coordinator will give an introduction before
the 9:30am court starting time. You may request mediation from the coordinator at this
time. If both parties in a case are present and interested in mediation, they may begin the
process immediately. If the second party is not present in the courtroom but arrives later,
the parties may request mediation again when the Judge calls their names from the bench.
You will have a second opportunity to offer your interest in the process. When the Judge
calls your name/company name, you may request mediation if both parties are present.

Fairfax County General District Court: A mediator should be present in court on both
your first return and trial dates. The Judge may announce the option of mediation,
emphasizing the use of the process for pro se cases. You may also request mediation
when the Judge calls your name/company name. Alternatively, watch for the mediator to
enter the courtroom. You may approach the mediator during court to request mediation.
In order to discuss the option, you and the mediator will step out into the hallway, since
talking is not allowed in the courtroom. He/She will wear a “Mediator” badge with the
Northern Virginia Mediation Service name and logo and typically sit in the front row of
benches in the courtroom.

Loudoun County Small Claims Court: The Judges in this court refer disputed cases
directly to mediation when both parties are present in court.

Loudoun County General District Court: Some Judges in this court refer disputed cases
directly to mediation when both parties are present in court and the case is pro se. You
may also request mediation when the Judge calls your name/company name.

Arlington County Small Claims Court: The Judges in this court refer disputed cases
directly to mediation when both parties are present in court.

City of Falls Church Small Claims Court: The Judges in this court refer disputed cases
directly to mediation when both parties are present in court.

Last updated on Aug 31, 2011 by NVMS