Frequently Asked Questions

 Mediation requires that the individuals in conflict be willing to express their concerns openly and honestly and consider the concerns of the other party in the dispute. Collaboration between the parties is encouraged so that creative solutions that meet each party’s unique needs can be explored and lasting solutions found. 

Dispute resolution mediation helps families, businesses, and communities manage conflict through good communication and listening. With the help of a trained, impartial mediator, people involved in a dispute meet to identify the problems and make solutions that meet each person’s unique needs.

 Mediation is confidential and often faster, cheaper, and more effective than litigation. Research shows that mediated agreements are more durable and satisfying for participants than decisions imposed by others. Eighty-nine percent of mediation clients said they’d recommend mediation to others for solutions to whatever their issue may be. 

 During mediation parties craft resolutions that work for them long term, rather than having a judgement imposed by a court. Litigation is “win/lose.” In litigation there’s always a winner and a loser, and someone else—a judge or jury—has control of the outcome. Mediation studies show that people follow through on mediated agreements at a higher rate they do on court-issued judgments. 

 Parties who work through mediation have a much better chance of preserving on-going relationships. Mediation also allows parties the opportunity to work through difficult emotional issues—the kind of issues that often escalate during litigation. 

 Mediation is confidential, especially when compared to court processes which are public record. Confidentiality means that nothing said or disclosed in the mediation can be used against any party outside the mediation (with some legally required exceptions such as child abuse). Mediators are bound by confidentiality agreements and generally cannot be subpoenaed or required to testify about the substance of a mediation session. The  mediation process creates a safe place to talk about difficult topics and their solutions.

 Mediation works because the parties involved feel that they have been heard. They leave the mediation knowing that their concerns and needs have been met and addressed through the settlement agreement reached. The agreement was created entirely by the parties involved and was not imposed by others so it’s much more likely to last. We all know that solutions we work through on our own are the solutions that work for the long term. 

 Mediation is usually initiated by a referral from a court, law enforcement agency, attorney or other source, or from a self-referral. All it takes is a phone call to start the process. We will speak with you to learn about the dispute, who is involved, and other important details. We then contact the other people involved who are asked if they would be willing to participate in mediation to find solutions to the conflict. If the other party is willing to participate, a mediation is scheduled.