What is Mediation?
Mediation is a process in which a third-party neutral person works with people in conflict to help them change the quality of their interaction and problem solving from negative and destructive to positive and constructive. Mediation provides a safe and confidential environment so you can explore and discuss issues and possibilities for resolution.
What is the role and responsibility of the mediator?
The mediator is responsible for providing a safe and confidential environment that allows for the free flow of respectful and constructive dialogue. This dialogue will hopefully lead to a series of ideas and possibilities that will enable you to create a mutually agreeable solution to the problems you all are experiencing.
What is my role and responsibility as a mediation participant?
You are responsible for meeting and working in a good faith effort to resolve the problem. You have the role of being respectful to one another and to the process. You are also responsible to engage in full disclosure of all relevant facts that will allow the mediator to guide you as needed and to enable every one involved to make a fully informed decision during the mediation. Lastly, you have an obligation to maintain confidentiality about what occurs during mediation.
What if I start mediation and want to quit?
Mediation is a voluntary process as such you may leave at any time. However, prior to the mediation starting you are asked to at least give a good faith effort to try and make it through the process.
Can I bring a lawyer?
Yes, you may bring a lawyer and that is up to you and the other parties. Mediation is done at many stages of a conflict before lawyers are involved and after. If you have been recommended to try mediation by your lawyer or someone else, after you have already hired a lawyer, discuss with your attorney whether or not they feel they need to attend the mediation. Any agreements reached during mediation will need to be discussed with your lawyer before they are finalized; as such your lawyer’s presence during mediation is not always necessary.
What should I bring with me to mediation?
Prior to mediation you will be asked for information that will provide background about your problem. The information requested will be specific to your issue and may require a pre-mediation conference.
How long does mediation take?
Each problem is different and mediation can take as little as 2 hours. Every conflict will be provided an estimate of the amount of time it will take to mediate along with the cost of the mediation up front.
Who pays for mediation and what is the cost?
The cost of the mediation is split equally by the parties involved. The mediator does not work for either party individually, but for both parties, as such they jointly share the financial responsibility of the process. The mediator estimates the cost up front based on the number of hours it will take to prepare and then actually engage in mediation. The mediator’s hourly rate is inclusive of all expenses related to their time and interaction with the parties. The mediator does not bill for phone calls, copies or anything else other than actual time preparing for mediation, any where from one to four hours depending on the conflict history.
Do you guarantee a solution?
We make no guarantees. The solution comes from and is decided on by you and the other parties involved. We are committed to see the process through the end and we are always hopeful and encouraged, simply by the fact that you are trying mediation, that a solution can be achieved.
