1.) What is mediation? A voluntary settlement process to help you resolve disputes. Mediation is an informal process where a mediator helps people with a dispute to reach an agreement. The mediation process identifies important issues, clarifies misunderstandings, explores solutions, and negotiates settlement.
2.) What is the role of a mediator? The mediator is not a judge and does not make a decision or impose a solution on the dispute. Rather, the mediator helps those involved in the dispute talk to each other, thereby allowing them to resolve the dispute themselves. The mediator manages the mediation session and remains impartial.
3.) How does mediation work? At the mediation session each person involved in the dispute presents a summary of his or her point of view. If you have an attorney, he or she may go with you to the mediation session if you want. The mediator will meet with everyone together and may also meet individually with each side. This offers participants the opportunity to communicate to the mediator their real interests in the dispute as well as to vent anger or frustrations outside the presence of the opposing side. The mediator will work with each person until an agreement is reached that is acceptable to everyone. The agreement is put in writing and signed by the people involved, with the advice of their attorneys.
4.) Do you need an attorney for mediation? No. If you have one, they can attend the session with you.
5.) How long does mediation take? The time required for mediation varies. It depends on the complexity of the issues and the concerns of the people involved. It may be necessary to meet with the mediator more than once.
6.) Who pays for mediation? The cost of mediation is shared equally by the persons involved unless they agree otherwise.
7.) How quickly can mediation be scheduled? Once both parties agree, we will schedule a session at a time that works for everyone.
8.) What is litigation? the act, process, or practice of settling a dispute in a court of law. When a party chooses to litigate, this can be time consuming, emotionally draining, expensive, and unpredictable.
9.) Is mediation cheaper than litigation? Yes, mediation is much more affordable than going to court.
10.) Is the mediated agreeement a legally binding document? Yes, a mediated agreement becomes legally binding as soon as all parties sign the written document.
11.) What are the benefits of mediation?