WHAT IS MEDIATION?
Mediation is a voluntary, fast, and confidential process in which a neutral facilitator assists in the process of empowering people to come up with creative solutions to their dispute. The mediator is not a judge, does not make judgments about who is right or wrong, does not take sides, does not decide how the dispute should be resolved, and does not give advice, legal, or otherwise.
The mediator helps the participants reach their own fair, voluntary agreements. These agreements consist solely upon the input and conditions shaped by the participants in the mediation. These agreements can be legally binding.
Any participant can decide to end the mediation process without reaching an agreement. Further, the mediator has an obligation to end the process if it becomes clear that a fair outcome cannot be reached in the mediation. Mediation is about resolving disputes in ways that satisfy and feel fair to everyone.
THAT’S A GREAT QUESTION!
WHAT IS MEDIATION?
Mediation is a voluntary, fast, and confidential process in which a neutral facilitator assists in the process of empowering people to come up with creative solutions to their dispute. The mediator is not a judge, does not make judgments about who is right or wrong, does not take sides, does not decide how the dispute should be resolved, and does not give advice, legal, or otherwise.
The mediator helps the participants reach their own fair, voluntary agreements. These agreements consist solely upon the input and conditions shaped by the participants in the mediation. These agreements can be legally binding.
Any participant can decide to end the mediation process without reaching an agreement. Further, the mediator has an obligation to end the process if it becomes clear that a fair outcome cannot be reached in the mediation. Mediation is about resolving disputes in ways that satisfy and feel fair to everyone.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL MEDIATION?
The answer is the same as asking “What is a typical human being?” No two mediations are alike. You might have the same issues and conflicts as someone else but your history, conflict arc, and probably settlement items will be different and there is nothing “cookie-cutter” about you or your outcome.
HOW LONG DOES MEDIATION LAST?
After over fifteen hundred mediations, I can safely say…It Depends. Mediations have their own lifespan and last as long as it is necessary and the participants are willing to engage. The reality is you should invest several hours to fully explore everything.
HOW DOES MEDIATION WORK?
Conflict may occur in any facet of our life. It can happen at the workplace, between family members, business associates, or a neighbor that has a barking dog or tree blocking your million dollar view.
Sometimes these conflicts could revolve around personal differences or miscommunication, rather than legal issues. These situations are all ideal candidates for conflict resolution. Cases for mediation can arise from a variety of ways; they may be court imposed, referral from the party or party’s attorneys, or from a party’s prior experience with mediation.
The mediator facilitates dialogue between the parties to help them develop their own resolution to their issues and concerns. The mediator works with all the parties to help them communicate their needs or desires. Mediators do not give legal advice or act as your attorney. Being a “Neutral,” mediators do not take sides or impose decisions.
The participants in mediation are the actual parties involved in the dispute. Although I am neutral, I am your partner with you and your adversaries for the purpose of achieving a collaborative, stable, and satisfactory resolution! Participants have full authority to settle the case at the mediation session.
