Mediation/Dispute Resolution

What is Mediation?

1

Mediation is a voluntary process in which people in dispute meet with a neutral third party (a "mediator") who guides them through a structured and confidential negotiation. The goals of mediation include:

  • Clarifying the needs and desires of each party;
  • Establishing common understanding of important information; and
  • Reaching an informed and mutually agreeable solution.
  • Being in control of your own destiny rather than the Courts/Judge

Why choose mediation?
It works. People who mediate reach agreements about 70 percent of the time. People who try mediation generally value the opportunity to explain their perspective to the other party. Mediation can help people in conflict preserve good relations, and it provides a chance to find creative solutions rather than remain stuck in a tug-of-war. Mediation helps people move away from conflict and begin to heal. You can control what happens in mediation, trial you have no control! Move away from the conflict and use your energy into something positive.

Compared to litigation, mediation is:

  • Quicker – mediations can generally be scheduled within a couple weeks, while trials are often scheduled six months to a year after filing the case.
  • Cheaper – mediations are extremely less in cost; litigation can cost many thousands of dollars.
  • Less stressful – you control the outcome in mediation. In court, the judge will dictate your fate.
  • Child Focused - best interests of child
  • One to five sessions - vs. expensive litigation and attorneys.
  • Binding once both parties have reached an agreement
  • No need for attorneys unless parties request their attorney(s)
  • Separate Rooms (upon request) or Same Room (depending on situation)
  • Basic issues to more conflicted issues