Going to small claims court involves going infront of a judge and having the judge make the final verdict on your case. This process can be a lengthy and overwhelming one, not to mention costly and frustrating. Choosing to go to mediation instead might be a better choice for you depending on the type of dispute you have.

Mediation involves you and the party you have a dispute with, as well as a indifferent person: a mediator. Specially trained to help in a legal dispute, a mediator can regularly get the two sides to agree on a settlement. With this option you will not have to going infront of a judge and the mediator will not force your to a decision nor make any choices for you.

In the end, mediation can be an empowering instrument since if you are able to reach a answer, you will know that it was done with your own devices. Still, in court the judge will make the choices and decisions for you.

Still, if you cannot come to a favourable closure in mediation, you can take your case infront of a judge.