Mediation is a process used to help individuals, groups, or companies reach agreements and settle differences or disputes. Through the mediation process, a “neutral” person trained in mediation works with the parties involved to discuss the issues related to their conflict or disagreement, to explore possible options for resolving the conflict, and to identify possible solutions that best meet the needs of everyone. Please feel free to review the rest of the site or contact us for more information or to schedule a mediation.
F
What are the benefits of mediation?
Avoid legal action. Most legal cases settle prior to being presented to a judge or going to trial. A mediation session serves to quickly focus parties to reach a settlement agreement without a lengthy, drawn-out legal battle. Proposing mediation is an excellent way to get settlement discussions moving in the right direction and away from court.
Preserve and Strengthen Relationships. It is our belief that being able to work out your own solution and the success that comes with successful communication leads to the formation of a stronger relationship between parties. Mediation allows the parties to improve communication, focus on the best possible solution and strengthen the relationship so that any future disagreements can be resolved as quickly and easily as possible.
Save money. A quick settlement naturally saves legal and court expenses and other costs related to litigating the dispute.
Maintain control. As a “neutral”, the mediator does not make a decision or issues judgments. When you agree to mediate, you are agreeing to participate in mediation and to make a “good faith” effort to settle the dispute. The parties involved in medation either agree or disagree to settle and a decision is not forced upon them as is the case when a judge or jury decides the outcome. You are in full control of the outcome.
Out of the box Opportunities / Options. Mediation is a private process and confidentiality is maintained between the parties involved. Because of this, you have the freedom to explore possible solutions either privately with the mediator or with the opposing party if desired without exposing your final position. Creative solutions can be addressed, discussed and agreed to by all parties involved – these “outside the box” solutions would not normally be available to you within a legal setting.
Who can participates in my Mediation?
Mediation can include a combination of participants. Generally in a basic mediation, there are two opposing parties and one or two mediators. If desired, the parties may ask their attorneys to participate as well. You may also invite supporting individuals if you feel their attendance will serve to provide a stronger agreement. It is our feeling that the strongest mediated agreements are put together by the main individuals having the dispute. Open and honest communication is KEY to a successful mediation. It is important to include only those individuals who will have a strong, positive effect on the outcome remembering that the purpose of the mediation is to come to an amicable agreement and to avoid further legal action.
When can Mediation be done?
We strongly believe that mediation should take place quickly — before any legal action is even considered or discussed. When disagreements get to the point that neither party is willing to compromise, communication is at a standstill, others are being affected by the conflict (ie family members or co-workers) or the conflict is beginning to damage emotional health, it is time to schedule mediation.