Chandler launches free mediation program to resolve neighborhood disputes outside court

Chandler’s Neighborhood Programs Office and Lodestar Mediation Clinic at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law are partnering to offer residents free, voluntary neighbor-to-neighbor dispute mediations.

The program will connect residents with trained mediators, who will help neighbors communicate and understand each other’s needs to find a solution. The mediators will simply guide the conversation without taking a side, making decisions or recommending outcomes, according to a news release.

The mediation program officially began on Tuesday.

“Mediation gives neighbors a chance to be heard and to solve problems together, rather than letting small disagreements escalate,” Priscilla Quintana, senior neighborhood programs manager, said. “This partnership with ASU’s Lodestar Mediation Clinic brings professional, well-trained mediators to our residents at no cost.”

The purpose of the program is to handle issues like HOA conflicts, property maintenance issues, noise complaints, landlord/tenent disputes or other neighbor-to-neighbor issues, without going to court, in addition to students getting real-world mediation practice.

The Lodestar Mediation Clinic “advances the study and practice of negotiation, mediation and other approaches to resolving conflict through teaching, researching and community service,” the release said. This program will allow students from the clinic to apply their training and develop practical skills in communication, negotiation and conflict resolution.

“This partnership allows our students to put their mediation training into practice while providing a meaningful service to the community,” Art Hinshaw, clinical professor of law and director of the Lodestar Mediation Clinic at ASU Law, said. “By working with Chandler residents on real-world disputes, students develop the skills to help people communicate effectively, better understand one another’s perspectives and work toward solutions together.”

Those interested can fill out an interest form online. Residents will then receive an intake form, along with the other party in the dispute, and the case will be forwarded to the mediation team once both intake forms are completed. The program will then reach out to schedule a session.

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