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Mediation is a process whereby a neutral, trained person called a mediator brings parties in dispute together to resolve issues. The process can be elementally described as follows:
- Each party in dispute is given the opportunity to state what is in dispute in their own words.
- The mediator, with the help of the parties, identifies the issue or matter in dispute. If there are several matters, each matter is addressed separately.
- The mediator may meet with the parties individually, to offer possible suggestions for settlement.
- Once the issues are identified and defined, the mediator assists the parties in reaching their own settlement.
- It is important to note the following:
- Mediated settlements are accomplished by the parties themselves.
- Mediators maintain confidentiality of any settlement discussions or final settlements.
- In most cases, the parties reduce their settlement agreement to writing to insure compliance by the parties.
- Mediators are not judges or attorneys. Mediators do not adjudicate matters, or declare winners or losers. Mediators only seek to aid the parties in reaching their own settlement.
Will mediation work for me?
Mediation can be useful and successful if both parties to an issue have a desire to settle the matter. Any type of dispute, other than criminal matters can be mediated. Types of issues include:
- Relationship Grievances
- Workplace Conflicts
- Victim-Offender Programs
- Parent-Teen Conflicts
- Small Claims
- Real Estate
- Landlord-Tenant
- Family Affairs
- Construction/Contractors
- Homebuilding
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