LARLJ 6A                                               
                   SMALL CLAIMS MEDIATION                                        
                                                                                 
    Mediation is mandatory before a trial is allowed. The court will set         
the date for mediation at the time of filing. Both parties must attend the       
mediation. If the plaintiff fails to appear, a dismissal will be entered.        
If the defendant fails to appear, their answer, if one was filed, will be        
stricken and a default judgment entered. Parties must bring their evidence       
to the mediation, however, no witnesses are allowed. The purpose of              
mediation is to settle the case if possible; if no settlement is made at         
mediation, the case will be set for trial. Attorneys and paralegals may not      
represent parties at mediation.                                                  
    If the parties have already submitted the case to another type of            
mediation or arbitration service, the case may proceed directly to trial.