Mediation:

Mediation is a process in which people in conflict work with a neutral third party to reach an agreement that addresses the needs of all participants. It allows for the opportunity to be heard and understood and to hear and understand the other party.

Mediation is not adversarial; it helps a party to work with the other party to solve problems. No one is judged right or wrong. In mediation an agreement is designed that specifically addresses the problems that are specific to the issues.

The Goal of Mediation is to reach an  agreement which will resolve the conflict so that people can move forward with their lives.

The Consortium for Appropriate Dispute Resolution on Special Education (CADRE)found that:

Mediation is less expensive than litigation or other forms of conflict resolution; it usually provides much more rapid results than other methodsof conflict resolvution; parties are generally more satisfied with solutions that are mutually agreed upon rather than imposed by a third party; and parties are more likely to follow through and comply with the terms of mediated agreements than those imposed on them by others. 

Other significant benefits of mediation are: 

• Mediated settlements can address both legal and extra-legal issues, contrasting with court decisions, which are limited to legal issues only and are constrained by procedural and evidentiary rules. 

• The resolutions from mediation are more comprehensive and creative than court judgments and are much more satisfactory to the parties as a result.

• Mediated solutions hold up better over time because they address underlying issues and not just the symptoms of the conflict.
  

• Parties have more control over the outcome in mediation than they have in arbitration or adjudications, and are empowered by the process to deal with future disputes more productively. 
  

• Parties can communicate their motivations and limitations in the mediation process more fully than in an adversarial environment.  Mediation helps to foster that communication and preserve relationships where litigation often cuts off communication and destroys relationships.

How Does Mediation Help You?

Mediation allows you to solve your own disputes in cooperation with the other party. It is a win-win situation. You have a chance to get past your anger and direct your attention to solving the problem at hand. Mediation promotes trust, cooperation and respect.

Mediation can reduce the cost, time and stress of resolving conflicts, which might otherwise end up in Court. It is also flexible, accommodating different personalities and problems; generally, the only rules involve respect for the other parties and for the process.

What We Do:

• DIVORCE
• CUSTODY VISITATION 
• SUPPORT
• COMMUNICATION TRAINING
• BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY MEDIATION
• PARENT and TEEN MEDIATION
• CASE ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION
• REFERRALS

What are the Costs of Mediation and Who Pays for it?

The mediator is paid on an hourly basis for his/her time in the mediation conference as well as time spent preparing agreements. Some disputes may be better mediated with co-mediators which may include a mediator with particular knowledge of the subject matter involved in the dispute. 

Generally, the mediation fee is split equally among the parties, although the parties may agree to other arrangements. Although the mediation is paid on an hourly basis, the fees are far less expensive than the costs associated with pursuing the matter through trial. And, given the fact that most disputes submitted to mediation are resolved, the cost of mediation is well worth the risk of not solving the dispute. 

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MAINTAIN CONTROL

Mediation helps you to choose the best mutually-acceptable solution to the problem rather than a third party making a decision for you. 

MAINTAIN PRIVACY

Mediation sessions are private and confidential.  The notes of the mediation sessions are discarded and only the Agreement is preserved.

SAVE TIME AND MONEY

You can enter into mediation immediately and work at your own pace. Mediation cost less than any other form of dispute resolution.

IMPROVE  RELATIONSHIPS

Mediation is likely to reduce anger and stress, build cooperation and make future communication and conflict resolution easier.