Small Claims Mediations

Pursuant to Winnebago County Local Court Rule 4.03 D and 9, disputed small claims cases in Winnebago County are ordered to attend a Mediation Orientation.  Failure to appear may result in a default judgment or dismissal of the action.  The WCRC cannot overrule the court rule or court order - if you are ordered to attend, you must do so.

The WCRC holds all small claims Mediation Orientation sessions on Thursday mornings at 9:00am.

Rescheduling

Pursuant to the Order to Attend the Mediation Orientation, any requests to reschedule should be made as soon as possible and must be made at least one week in advance of the scheduled date.  After the one week deadline, any rescheduling must be completed with the approval of both parties.

Virtual Appearance

Only individuals who live (pursuant to the address on record with the Court) more than 100 miles from the Winnebago County Courthouse may appear virtually.  This must be requested in advance and may require that the case be rescheduled to allow for the virtual appearance.  As such, it is recommended that any request to appear virtually be made as soon as possible and at least one week in advance of the mediation.  

Mediation Orientation

At 9:00 am (Central Time) the session begins with a brief description and explanation of the mediation process. Cases are then called forward individually to discuss whether mediation is appropriate in that case.  If the parties agree to mediate, which the majority do, they are immediately sent off with mediators to attempt resolution of the dispute.  75% of all WCRC mediations result in an agreement of the parties.