Georgia Mediation & Arbitration

A calmer way to resolve homeowner association disputes.

For Georgia HOAs and homeowners caught in assessment disputes, lien questions, or governing-document disagreements. Faster than court, less expensive, and almost always done in under 60 days.

Virtual by default
Resolves in 30–60 days
Binding under Georgia law
We resolved our $4,200 assessment dispute in 38 days — without ever stepping into a courthouse. — PROPERTY MANAGER, ATLANTA HOA
30–60
days, average resolution time
$925
starting per-side cost for mediation
100%
virtual by default — appear from anywhere
5+
years required experience for every neutral
The Process

Three steps. No courthouse. No drama.

Most cases follow the same simple path from filing to resolution. The full timeline is mapped on the next page if you'd like the detailed view.

01

File and pay

Submit the request online with the basic facts of your dispute. Pay your administrative fee and 4-hour minimum. The other party is notified and given 10 days to respond.

02

Meet the neutral

A qualified mediator or arbitrator is appointed within 5 days. They contact both parties to schedule the hearing — typically within 30 days of appointment.

03

Reach resolution

Mediation produces a settlement agreement signed by both parties. Arbitration produces a binding written award within 15 days of the hearing.

What We Offer

Choose the path that fits your dispute.

All services are virtual by default. In-person hearings are available when both parties agree.

Mediation

Voluntary, confidential, non-binding
Starting per side $1,125
  • Facilitated negotiation
  • 4-hour minimum session
  • Settlement agreement on the spot
  • Confidential — protected from later proceedings
Learn more

Document-Only Arbitration

Mandatory for assessment disputes ≤ $7,500
Per side $1,200
  • No hearing required
  • Decision based on written submissions
  • Faster than a hearing
  • Same binding effect
Learn more
Who We Serve

Whether you're an association or an owner — start here.

I'm with an HOA or property manager

You're trying to recover an unpaid assessment, enforce a covenant, or resolve a dispute that's been simmering for months. We move quickly, document everything, and produce an enforceable result.

Start a case as the association

I'm a homeowner

You believe an assessment is wrong, the lien is improper, or the association hasn't followed its own rules. We give you a real seat at the table — without the cost of a lawsuit.

Start a case as the owner
Common Questions

Answers, in plain language.

Do I need a lawyer?
No. Most parties handle the process themselves, especially in mediation. You may bring counsel if you'd like, but you must notify the other party at least 5 days before any hearing. The process is designed to work without lawyers — that's part of what keeps it affordable.
Is the result binding?
Mediation produces a voluntary settlement agreement only if both parties agree to its terms. Arbitration produces a binding written award that can be confirmed as a court judgment under the Georgia Arbitration Code.
What does this typically cost compared to court?
A typical mediation runs $925 per side. A typical virtual arbitration runs $1,300 per side. Litigation in superior court — by the time you account for filing fees, attorney time, and discovery — typically runs five to ten times that amount, and takes a year or more.
What if the other party refuses to participate?
For mediation, participation is voluntary, and we'll let you know if the other party declines. For arbitration where the governing documents require it, the proceeding can move forward and an award can be entered based on the evidence presented. The non-defaulting party may pay the missing fees and recover them in the award.
Can we do this in person instead of virtually?
Yes — if both parties agree and HOA-ADR approves. Default is virtual because it's faster and less expensive. In-person hearings carry slightly higher fees and may include reasonable travel costs for the arbitrator.

Ready to move forward?

Filing takes about ten minutes. We'll guide you through what's needed, calculate your fee, and route the case to the right neutral.

Start a Case