Civil disputes can now be settled by retired judges to save time under a new state program which started Monday.

The Temporary Assigned Judges Civil Mediation Program offers free mediation services to help parties settle disputes without court adjudication. Retired judges, trained as mediators, facilitate cases.

The program was enacted by the Judicial Council of California, the rule-making arm of the California court system. It mostly involves personal injury cases.

“These would usually be what are known as soft tissue injury cases, where the total value of the case is $50,000 or less,” said court Judge John Freeland.

He gave the example of car injury cases where parties suffer back or neck pain and not permanent injuries.

Mediators can also settle business and contract disputes.

Going to a mediator can save time and help free up the court calendar.

The program is for unlimited civil actions with disputes up to $50,000. Limited civil cases (excluding small claims) will be eligible.

Small claims are not part of the program since they have their own mediator and the values involved tend to be much lower ($12,500).

The process begins when parties request mediation by filing a Stipulation form (CV-018) before or within 14 days after the Case Management Conference. If all parties agree to mediation at the Case Management Conference, the judge may refer the case to the mediation program.

Once a mediator is assigned, sessions will be scheduled at a convenient time for the involved parties. Mediation sessions are held in-person, weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. In hardship cases, mediation may be set up for remote appearances.

Mediation must be completed 30 days before any settlement conference.

The mediator, parties and attorneys must attend, along with anyone the mediator requires. Each side must have someone with settlement authority present.

Forms are available on the Stanislaus County Superior Court website at www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov

For more information, visit the website or contact the Civil Clerk’s Office.