Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center | Free Mediation Services

The Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center (BCDRC)

Mediation can help people resolve disagreements peacefully without the time and expense that may be involved in going to court. Trained, neutral mediators help both sides communicate, identify the issues involved and explore possible solutions. Mediators do not take sides or decide who is right or wrong. When the parties reach an agreement, the mediator can help them document their understanding in writing.

The Center provides mediation for many types of civil disputes, including landlord and tenant disagreements, neighbor disputes, consumer and merchant problems, unpaid money, workplace conflicts, auto repair disputes, property damage, real estate disputes, unsatisfactory services and certain family or child visitation matters. Community-based mediation is provided at no cost to Bexar County residents and businesses. The Center also provides court-ordered mediation, Justice of the Peace mediation, multiparty public dispute mediation, information and referrals, and community conflict-resolution education.

Not every legal matter is appropriate for mediation. Individuals should contact the Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center to determine whether their situation qualifies and to learn how to request mediation.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER

300 Dolorosa, Suite 1.102

San Antonio, TX 78205-3009

Phone: 210-335-2128

Fax: 210-335-2941

The Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center (BCDRC) provides mediation service to the local courts, residents and businesses in Bexar County, at no cost. We provide this service with the assistance of over 80 volunteers who donate their time to complete the requirements of the state of Texas to become Mediators and donate their time for the cases they accept.

The BCDRC processes Community-Based and Court-Referred Cases. Community-Based are cases which have no legal action initiated by either party and are voluntary. The BCDRC mediates child visitation, landlord/tenant, and workplace issues, consumer/merchant, real estate and business disputes to name a few.

The process of requesting mediation can be done on BCDRC website using a Mediation Request form. An intake coordinator will conduct the initial interview and mediation is scheduled within 10 to 14 days. A letter is mailed to both parties. The mediation coordinators explain the benefits of mediation, answer questions and confirm if the respondent is willing to mediate.

Court-Referred are cases in which someone has filed a civil lawsuit, and a Bexar County Judge orders the parties to mediation. These cases are referred by Justice of the Peace (JP) Courts, Civil District Courts, County Courts at Law and the Probate Courts. Typical cases include divorces, child custody & visitation, probate matters, breaches of contracts, personal injury and small claims. The Children’s Court also refer cases to mediation involving children who have been removed by Child Protective Services (CPS) from their homes for allegations of abuse or neglect by the parent(s). All court ordered; litigation cases are mediated by attorney mediators.

Mediation resolves disputes without having to go to court. If you would like for a representative from the BCDRC to give a presentation about our services to a group, please call the Center to schedule. If you have any questions regarding mediation services, please contact the BCDRC at 210-335-2128 or www.bexar.org/drc.