If conciliation does not work, what is the next step in the process?

In situations where conciliation does not successfully resolve a dispute, the next appropriate step is to go to an administrative law judge. This process typically involves seeking a more formal resolution to the issue at hand, especially in cases involving real estate disputes that may relate to violations of fair housing laws or other regulatory concerns.

The role of the administrative law judge is to provide a neutral party who can review the evidence, hear testimonies, and make a determination based on the established law and facts presented. This step is crucial as it allows for a structured adjudication of the dispute, ensuring that due process is followed and that both parties have a chance to present their case.

Other methods such as filing a complaint with the broker or going to civil court may be relevant in certain contexts, but they do not represent the next immediate step after conciliation fails, particularly within regulatory frameworks that often emphasize administrative procedures before escalating to civil litigation. Seeking mediation through a third party might also be an option, but it is usually seen as a form of alternative dispute resolution that ideally precedes formal legal actions like reaching an administrative law judge.