A. Sections 11 through 20 of this act shall be known as the "Choice in Mediation Act".
§ 1831.Short Title - Purpose
Chapter 38A: Choice in Mediation Act · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified August 3, 2026
In one sentenceNames Sections 1831 through 1840 the "Choice in Mediation Act," explaining that the law exists to clarify parties' freedom to pick their own mediator from the pool of trained volunteer and for-fee mediators that grew under earlier Oklahoma mediation statutes.
Full Text of § 1831
B. The Legislature has previously enacted measures designed to create programs for and encourage the use of mediation in resolving disputes involving citizens of this state. These measures provide guidelines and standards for qualifications of mediators and their use in resolving disputes. Over the years since the first of these measures was enacted, there has developed a significant number of trained and experienced mediators, some of whom work solely in volunteer programs under the Dispute Resolution Act and some of whom provide mediation services on a "for fee" basis, either solely or in addition to volunteer work. The power of the parties to a dispute to settle their own dispute with the help of a neutral person being the essence of mediation, there now exists a need to clarify the choice available to disputants to select a mediator.
Amendment History
Added by Laws 2002, HB 1939, c. 468, §11, eff. 11/1/2002.
Plain-English Summary
Section 1831 opens the Choice in Mediation Act by naming it -- Sections 1831 through 1840 -- and explaining why the Legislature passed it. Earlier laws had already built programs encouraging mediation and set qualifications for mediators, and over the years a substantial pool of trained, experienced mediators developed: some working purely as volunteers under the Dispute Resolution Act, others offering mediation services for a fee, either instead of or alongside volunteer work.
Because the parties' own power to settle their dispute with a neutral person's help is the essence of mediation, the Legislature found a need to clarify the choice available to disputants in selecting a mediator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Choice in Mediation Act?
Oklahoma's law, at Sections 1831 through 1840, clarifying that parties to a dispute get to choose their own mediator.
Why did the Legislature pass this act?
Because a substantial pool of trained mediators -- some volunteers under the Dispute Resolution Act, some working for a fee -- had developed over time, and lawmakers wanted to clarify disputants' choice in picking one.
Are mediators under this act always volunteers?
No -- the statute recognizes that some mediators work solely as volunteers, while others provide services on a for-fee basis, either solely or alongside volunteer work.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature.
Last verified August 3, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: Choice in Mediation Act oklahomawhy was the choice in mediation act passed12 O.S. § 1831