Kelly Balamuth, Volunteer Mediator for the Congress of Neutrals

By Kelly Balamuth on May 14, 2015

Kelly Balamuth is a volunteer mediator of the Congress of Neutrals, providing services to the Contra Costa County Court Program. The Congress of Neutrals is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation which grew out of comparative studies of community dispute resolution methods used in Japan and the United States. As a mediator for the Small Claims Court in Contra Costa County, Ms. Balamuth meets with parties before their matter is heard by the judge and helps them come to a neutral agreement, if possible.

Small claims court mediations are held on the day of the trial in three of the local branch courts and are confidential, voluntary, and free of charge. The three local branch courts are Concord, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek. The judgment that any party may get is limited to $10,000.

For many of the individuals that turn to the Congress of Neutrals for help, it is a huge relief to have some control over how their lawsuit is resolved.  In addition to helping alleviate a stressful situation, the program helps unclog the over-crowded court calendar.  Ms. Balamuth is proud to be a part of such a supportive organization.

The goal of the Congress of Neutrals is to promote harmony and the peaceful resolution of conflict by giving parties more control over the ultimate outcome of their dispute. Mediation is a great option and alternative to court and being before a judge where the result is taken out of the parties’ hands. Mediators are neutral and specially trained to help everyone work together to find a solution. Ms. Balamuth has mediated automobile accidents, landlord tenant disputes, and debt collection issues.