A less expensive and quicker method in reaching agreements on civil cases sometimes can be found outside of a court trial. Dionna Hatfield-Orr, mediator for Ross County Common Pleas Court, says many times she is called-in to assist both sides.

Hatfield-Orr says mediation can take as little as 2-4 hours and doesn't require an attorney, although you can be represented by legal counsel if you so choose.

The mediator can be appointed by a judge, or can be requested by the parties involved in a civil matter.

For more information on how court mediation works, call 773-1477.