Services

MEDIATION

Mediation is a process in which two or more people involved in a dispute meet in a private, confidential setting, and with the help of a neutral person (mediator), work out their own solution to the dispute. Mediators do not make judgments, express opinions or give legal advice. Mediators facilitate communication so the disputing parties are able to find a solution of their own. A wide variety of cases can be successfully resolved through mediation such as neighborhood issues, family and friends (including pre- and post-divorce), real estate, landlord/tenant, consumer/merchant, employer/employee, business and small claims, and parent/adolescent.

SPECIFIC USES FOR MEDIATION

Court Ordered Mediation

If your court case has been ordered to Mediation prior to going to court, this may be the appropriate service for you.  We will assess your case and determine whether our services are a good fit.  These mediations are typically a half-day and utilize a mediator who is skilled in the use of joint and individual sessions.  Some examples of suitable cases are pre-divorce, post-divorce, small business disputes, division of estates, etc.

Employer / Employee

Frequently a small business may not have an Employee Relations Department.  When Employer/Employee disputes arise or complaints are filed, mediation may be the BEST way to resolve these differences and avoid the complaint escalating into a costly legal battle. Our mediators will put all parties at ease, allow everyone to express their grievances, and facilitate a mutual agreement or outcome.  This process can take place outside the workplace (preferred) or in a confidential room at the workplace (if available).  Frequently, a series of meetings between the parties is necessary to rebuilt the trust and establish a continuing working relationship.

Larger businesses are encouraged to use professional mediators when the dispute is not able to be resolved using corporate employees or Human Resource Departments.  It is beneficial to use “outside” mediators to ensure confidentiality within the workplace and to establish documentation that all avenues have been attempted prior to litigation over Employer/Employee disputes or grievances.

Real Estate / Property Management

Real estate and property management are some of the most litigious business areas where disputes occur.  Frequently the amount in dispute is not large, but there may be a personal “principle” or “boundary” that one side feels has been crossed.  Mediation is the best solution to resolve these grievances as it allows parties to sit down together, air their complaints and come up with solutions that resolve the dispute quickly and inexpensively.

Estates / Division of Property

At a time when the family may be grieving, estate division often creates conflict and adds to the stressful nature of a truly emotional event – the death of a loved one. Our mediators are also trained facilitators and can be scheduled to work with the family prior to a dispute occurring – we can help create and “manage” the process in dividing up the property of the loved one, maintaining the bonds between the family members and helping to reduce any conflict or ill-will that could surface during this process.

Our mediators are available to assess the situation and provide a plan or process to be used by the family members.  We are also available when conflict has already occurred – to get the family back on track, find solutions and work to regain the relationship and honor the memory of the loved one.

Victim/Offender Mediation

Frequently a victim will want to mediate with those responsible for the crime against them or their property.  These are face-to-face mediations to discuss the impact of the offenses, and to arrange for possible restitution or other solutions agreeable to both parties.

Family / Parent / Child Mediation

Our mediators are available to meet with the family and/or family members to allow the parent(s) and the children an opportunity to discuss issues within the family, draw up “safety” plans, work out “house” rules or any other aspect of the relationship that is causing conflict.  Frequently, there is one member of the family that may be causing conflict – our mediators, often with the help of our licensed counselor, can help the family regain control and set boundaries that will bring peace and harmony back into the home.

Landlord / Tenant

This type of dispute is ideal for mediation as the dispute can often be resolved quickly with a minimal cost and avoid going to court. The law is fairly clear on the rights of tenants and the duties of landlords but mediation allows both parties to sit down privately and work out an agreeable solution.

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