Citizens Mediation Service

Mission: To provide voluntary, collaborative dispute resolution services through neutral third-party mediators and facilitators, who are often volunteers.

Citizens Mediation Service (CMS) was founded in 1992 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the goal of offering low-cost or no-cost mediation services to local parties. Today, CMS serves Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, Branch, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph County residents. Mediations are conducted by highly-skilled volunteers who have received at least 40 hours of mediation training and completed an internship under expert supervision. Every year, CMS conducts hundreds of mediations, saving significant time and money for our residents and local court systems.

Types of Mediation Offered:

• Adult Guardianship: A guardian assumes decision-making rights for the incapacitated person.
• Civil: Civil mediation cases involve people or money or both.
• Divorce/Domestic: Domestic mediation cases include a broad array of family concerns.
• Neighbor to Neighbor: Have you ever found yourself in a dispute with a neighbor?
• Restorative Justice: Restorative Justice programs emphasize healing over punishment.
• USDA Agricultural: Restorative Justice programs emphasize healing over punishment.
• Child Protection: Child Protection Mediation is a pilot program in Berrien County only.
• Civil Rights: Civil rights violations cover many situations, most relate to employment issues.
• Landlord/Tenant: Housing laws in Michigan can be quite complex.
• Real Estate: This service is for real estate agents only.
• Special Education: For schools and parents who have conflicts or concerns related to the educational program of a child with disabilities.

While we have many CMS is always in need of helping hands for any number of non-mediation activities, including preparing mailings or managing projects, Speaking at local civic and club organizations, assisting in fundraising activities, and so much more!