Dispute Resolution

The Dispute Resolution program offers an alternative to resolution of common disputes without resorting to civil court mediation

Services

The Dispute Resolution program provides $1,940,000 biennially as a grant to the fiscal agent of Dispute Resolution Washington to increase the following services beyond the service level supportable with local funding:

  • Training and background knowledge on specialty issues
  • Pre-divorce child custody mediation
  • Small claims mediation
  • Neighborhood association and covenant violations
  • Mediation
  • Youth peer conflict mediation
  • Landlord-tenant mediation
  • Eldercare mediation
  • Workplace issues mediation

Strategic Goal

Mobilize and enhance local assets that strengthen community ability to meet Washington’s families, workers, and employers’ economic and social needs.

Statutory Authority

RCW 43.330.130 Services to poor and disadvantaged persons — Preschool children — Substance abuse — Family services — Fire protection and emergency management.

Public Safety Programs

Dispute Resolution
Multi-Jurisdictional Drug-Gang Task Force
Financial Fraud and Identity Theft
Justice Assistance Grant

Fast Facts

Each dollar of General Fund-State program expenditure generates savings of $10 in court costs.

Local courts frequently mandate civil disputes be mediated before accepting petitions for civil hearings.

Agency Representative

Bill Johnston
Section Manager
360.725.3030
bill.johnston@commerce.wa.gov