Mediation is a more informal, civil, less expensive and healthy process for resolving disputes, especially in family law. Mediation involves the parties of a case meeting with a trained mediator who acts as a neutral party. The Mediator is impartial, advocating no position and does not decide who is right or wrong. Mediation involves talking through resolutions to the parties’ dispute(s).
Unlike the litigation process, where a judge imposes a decision over the matter, the parties and their mediator can control the mediation process, deciding when and where the mediation takes place, who will be present, how the mediation will be paid for, and how the mediator will interact with the parties.
Is Mediation Right for You?
When parties are unwilling or unable to resolve a dispute, one good option is to turn to mediation. Mediation is generally a short-term, structured, task-oriented, and "hands-on" process.
The goal of mediation is to reach an agreement or agreements that all parties have input into and can live with. In mediation, parties make their own decisions rather than leaving the decision to a judge, master or arbitrator. The parties craft the agreement as they agree, not as the court imposes. Parties maintain input to and control of their future and their children’s future in mediation.
Mediation is a voluntary, private and confidential process. Participants will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement prior to mediating. The mediator has confidentiality with all parties in mediation. A mediator cannot discuss the mediation afterward except to report the status of the case if needed. A mediator cannot put anything in writing except court required reports and any agreements the parties may come to in mediation. Finally, a mediator cannot testify for either party if the mediation breaks down and the parties proceed to court.
Contact us today to see if Mediation is right for your case.