Mediation Services

The Mediation Process

Here is a general overview of how the mediation process works:

1. Agreement to Mediate: The parties involved must agree to try and resolve their dispute through mediation.
2. Selection of Mediator: The parties choose a mediator. This can be anyone they trust to be impartial and has the necessary skills to guide them through the process.
3. Preparation: The mediator may hold pre-mediation meetings to understand the background of the dispute, the parties involved, and the issues at stake.
4. Joint Meeting: The mediator typically facilitates a joint meeting where each party has the opportunity to share their perspective on the dispute without interruption.
5. Discussion and Negotiation: The mediator helps the parties identify issues, needs, and possible solutions. This can be done in joint sessions or separate ones (caucus), depending on the situation.
6. Agreement: If a resolution is found, the parties usually sign a written agreement outlining the terms. If no agreement is reached, the parties may choose to go to court or try other methods of dispute resolution.

The advantages of mediation include preserving relationships between parties, confidentiality, and control over the process and outcome. It can also be less expensive and less time-consuming than going to court.