MWI’s Court Mediation Program
The MWI Court Mediation Program provides free mediation services to fourteen District and Municipal Courts across Greater Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts, including Dorchester, Somerville, Dedham, Central Boston, East Boston, South Boston, Wrentham, Hingham, Roxbury, West Roxbury, Quincy, Newton, Plymouth, and Charlestown.
In partnership with each court’s First Justice and staff, MWI offers mediation at no cost to low-income participants to help ease court caseloads and empower parties to resolve their own conflicts through the support of impartial, professionally trained mediators. Services are available both in-person and virtually.
Program Description
MWI mediators provide regular in-person coverage for small claims and summary process sessions. Parties may alternatively request a virtual mediation in advance or on the day of their hearing by coordinating with the clerk’s office prior to appearing in court.
Participation in mediation is voluntary and confidential. Through impartial facilitation, mediation provides parties with an opportunity to identify key issues, enhance communication, and explore creative options for reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.
When parties reach an agreement, the terms are self-determined and recorded in a Mediation Memorandum or Agreement for Judgment, which is then filed with the court or presented before a judge for approval.
Benefits of mediation include:
- Achieving resolution sooner than waiting for a court hearing
- Retaining control over the outcome
- Saving time, energy, and money
- Improving communication and clarity of issues
- Encouraging creative and comprehensive solutions
- Flexible scheduling options
Even when mediation does not result in an agreement, participants often benefit from hearing one another’s perspectives, gaining clarity around key points of disagreement, and becoming better prepared to present their case before a judge or magistrate.
MWI’s panel of mediators represents a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds and is specially trained in housing and eviction matters. Their role is to guide constructive dialogue, help parties identify interests, and support the development of practical, workable solutions. Mediators collaborate with case managers on complex cases and maintain their skills through ongoing Refresher Mediation Skills Training and monthly Roundtable Seminars hosted by MWI.
MWI’s Impact
Since 1994, MWI has provided mediation services for civil, small claims, summary process, and harassment prevention cases through its Court Mediation Program, always at no cost to the community members we serve.
During this time, MWI’s panel of mediators has facilitated more than 5,500 cases, assisting approximately 13,000 landlords and tenants. In collaboration with First Justices and court staff across the Commonwealth, MWI continues to promote greater awareness of mediation and its benefits, thereby strengthening access to justice, reducing court burdens, and helping communities resolve conflicts more constructively.
For More Information
Please contact Clarice Parsons, Mediation Program Manager, at cparsons@mwi.org or 617-895-4030.
