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Lemon Law Mediation Attorney Questionnaire

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State of New Jersey
ATTORNEY QUESTIONNAIRE
Lemon Law Mediation

For office use only

Date Received:

Date Entered-AOC:

Docket No.:

DIRECTIONS: This form is to be completed by attorneys representing litigants in mediation at the conclusion of mediation.

Did you represent the plaintiff or the defendant in this case?

The mediator for this case was selected by:

Do you think the mediator in this case:

Gave you full opportunity to convey your clients interests?

Was knowledgeable about the law relative to the case?

Understood the issues in this case?

Was impartial?

What impact did mediation have on this case?

Do you think this case was referred to mediation:

Do you think the mediation in this case saved money?

Do you think mediation in this case saved time?

Would you consider mediation for other matters?

Do you think that mediation:

Generally preserved the legal rights of clients?

Generally results in equitable outcomes?

What suggestions do you have to improve this program?

Please provide any other comments you think would be helpful in evaluating the effectiveness and quality of this program.

PLEASE RETURN TO:

Civil Practice Division

Box 981

Trenton, NJ 08625

FAX: (609) 777-0844

Enter text

What the Lemon Law Mediation Attorney Questionnaire Is

The Lemon Law Mediation Attorney Questionnaire is a structured intake and evidence form attorneys use to prepare and present a consumer's vehicle defect claim during mediation. It centralizes vehicle identifiers (make, model, VIN), warranty and repair history, dealer communications, notice and repair dates, documented damages, and client settlement authorization. The questionnaire standardizes facts for mediators and opposing counsel, supports admissible records, and helps map remedies and timelines under state lemon laws. Electronic completion and signature are generally admissible under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted.

Why a Standardized Questionnaire Matters in Lemon Law Mediation

A single, comprehensive questionnaire reduces evidentiary gaps, clarifies client authority, and shortens mediator preparation time. Standardized answers help establish repair and notice timelines, limit discovery disputes, and provide a consistent basis for settlement discussions while aligning with ESIGN/UETA signature and record-retention principles.

Why a Standardized Questionnaire Matters in Lemon Law Mediation

Who Typically Uses This Questionnaire

Attorneys, consumer advocates, mediators, and in-house counsel commonly use the Lemon Law Mediation Attorney Questionnaire to collect standardized case details and signed authorizations.

  • Consumer-side attorneys: prepare mediation briefs, document repairs, and confirm client settlement authority.
  • Small-claims and investor counsel: compile itemized damages and warranty service timelines for arbitration.
  • Neutral mediators: use responses to prioritize issues, determine evidence needs, and set hearing scope.

Typical Roles Completing or Receiving the Questionnaire

Consumer Attorney

Works with the claimant to gather vehicle and repair records, obtain signed authorizations, and draft mediation submissions. Verifies notice dates, coordinates expert inspections, and negotiates remedies while maintaining chain-of-custody for invoices and correspondence.

Manufacturer Counsel

Reviews submitted questionnaires, asks for supporting documents, and assesses warranty and repair defenses. Coordinates with warranty and service teams, matches repair entries against manufacturer records, and negotiates repair, replacement, or refund outcomes within settlement limits.

Essential Fields to Include

Client Name: Full legal name as on ID
Vehicle Details: Make, model, year, VIN
Repair History: Dates, service orders, final repair codes
Warranty Info: Warranty terms, duration, service contract
Settlement Authority: Signed dollar or remedy limit
Supporting Docs: Repair invoices, TSBs, photos, correspondence

Penalties and Risks of Incorrect or Incomplete Questionnaires

Missed Deadline: Claim barred by statute
Lost Evidence: Weakens repair chronology
Unauthorized Rep: Invalid settlement authority
Incorrect Dates: Disputes over notice timing
Incomplete Repairs: Manufacturer defense strengthened
False Statements: Perjury or sanctions risk

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

  • Entering an incorrect or truncated VIN that prevents matching service records and delays verification with dealer or manufacturer databases.
  • Failing to attach repair orders and final invoices; summary statements alone often fail to prove repeat defects or unsuccessful repairs.
  • Using inconsistent date formats or conflicting repair dates between sections, which creates disputes about notice and repair timelines.
  • Collecting unsigned authorizations or incomplete settlement limits; lack of clear authority often stalls mediator settlement offers.

How Teams Use the Questionnaire in Real Cases

Two representative scenarios show how a completed questionnaire streamlines mediation preparation and settlement tracking.

Consumer Claim Mediation

A consumer attorney used the questionnaire to consolidate VIN, five repair visits, and correspondence into a single package.

  • The mediator prioritized failure-to-repair issues.
  • The clear chronology and signed settlement authority reduced the session to one structured negotiation and led to an agreed repair or replacement without additional discovery.

Dealer Repair Dispute

In a dealer dispute, the attorney attached repair invoices and diagnostic reports to the questionnaire.

  • Manufacturer counsel requested a narrow inspection.
  • Because the questionnaire identified missing final repair attempts, the parties focused on remedial options and avoided prolonged back-and-forth on basic facts.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Questionnaire

Follow these practical steps to compile a complete, mediator-ready questionnaire and supporting file.

  • 01
    Collect Documents: Gather repair orders, invoices, warranty pages, and communications.
  • 02
    Enter Vehicle Info: Record exact VIN, make, model, and manufacture year.
  • 03
    Detail Repairs: List each repair date, complaint, and dealer action.
  • 04
    Sign & Authorize: Obtain client signature and explicit settlement authority.

Where to Send or File the Completed Questionnaire

A completed questionnaire is typically routed to mediators, opposing counsel, and retained in client files; follow program or court-specific submission rules where applicable.

  • To Mediator: Submit via mediator portal or email per program rules.
  • To Manufacturer: Send to manufacturer counsel or warranty administration contact.
  • To Court: File only if mediation is part of court-ordered process.
  • Retain Copies: Keep signed originals and digital copies in client file.

Customizing an Online Questionnaire Workflow

Configure online fields, authentication, and routing to match evidentiary needs and mediator program requirements.

Field Configuration
Authentication Method Email link, SMS code, or stronger KBA
Required Attachments Make repair orders and invoices mandatory uploads
Signature Type Click-to-sign, drawn signature, or certificate-based
Routing Rules Auto-send to mediator and defendant counsel

Distribution Channels and Technical Considerations

Choose distribution methods that preserve document integrity, audit trails, and signer authentication for mediation review.

  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace supported
  • File Formats: PDF, Word (DOCX), and scanned images
  • Authentication: Email, SMS code, or KBA where required

Typical Timelines and Scheduling Expectations

Timelines vary by state and mediation program; use these common intervals to manage intake and exchanges efficiently.

Client Intake Deadline:

Complete questionnaire before mediation scheduling

Notice to Manufacturer:

Provide notice and documentation per program rules

Mediation Scheduling Window:

Mediator sets hearing date after packet review

Document Exchange Period:

Allow time for manufacturer to request clarifications

Final Settlement Authority:

Client must confirm signed settlement limit before session

Frequently Asked Questions about the Questionnaire

Answers to common questions about e-signatures, notarization, required attachments, and correcting submitted information.


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