If you are in a dispute and think mediation might help you and the other party resolve the dispute, call the DRC at (206) 443-9603, or toll-free at (888) 803-4696, and press "1".

A telephone conciliator will discuss your dispute with you and help you think through your options. If you're willing to negotiate in good faith, the conciliator will call the other person, listen to their perspective, and see if they would be willing to mediate. If so, the conciliator will either mediate the case over the phone or schedule a face-to-face mediation.

The DRC schedules mediations on weekdays, at a time in the day or evening that is convenient for both parties. It takes two to three weeks – from the date both parties agree to mediate – to schedule a mediation session. Mediations usually take place at our office in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle, conveniently located close to I-5, and on many bus lines.

Most mediations are completed in one session, which usually lasts two to three hours. Complex cases, such as divorce and multi-party mediations, may require more than one session to work through all the issues.

Not all disputes are appropriate for mediation. If we determine that your dispute isn't, we will recommend our other services to you, or do our best to refer you to an agency or person who can help you. You might find the information on our Links and Resources page helpful.