Mediation brings disputing parties together in a safe and supportive environment to discuss the area(s) of conflict. A mediator, who is completely neutral, will walk you through the entire process, start to finish. Mediation is an entirely voluntary process. Parties maintain control of the outcomes, meaning they stay in the driver’s seat. Any agreement that is reached will be satisfactory to both parties. Your mediator is not a decision maker and imposes no judgment, they simply control the process so that you can do the work of problem solving together. The goal is to have a productive conversation in which the needs and interests of both parties are identified and addressed, resulting in an agreement that works for both of you!
Mediation is confidential. Your mediator is bound by strict standards of confidentiality. If you are represented by a lawyer who joins you in mediation, they also are bound by the same standards and cannot use what is shared in mediation in court. This allows both parties to share without fear and fosters a safe environment for all.
Mediation is cooperative and forward-focused. On the contrary, litigation is adversarial by nature and can be extremely costly, both financially and in terms of time and emotional stress. Mediation is a much faster process and allows parties to avoid the stress of adversarial court proceedings. Mediation allows disputing parties to come to the table in good faith and work cooperatively to solve presenting problems. Agreements are focused on the future and map out a plan of action that is satisfying to both parties.
Most non-criminal disputes are appropriate for mediation.
Mediation often addresses disputes between family members, neighbors, landlords/tenants, business partners, labor unions, and management. Conflict arising in divorce (alimony, division of property, etc.) and custody concerns, as well as problems within a marriage, can all be managed in mediation. Employee workplace disputes, family trust, and debt relief are other areas suitable for mediation. The principles of managing conflict apply to really any arena in which disagreement may arise.
Yes! Mediation is highly effective, and participants are highly compliant to the terms of agreement reached in mediation. An independent analysis done by the U.S. Department of Justice found that of 449 cases, with a median claim size of $180,000, mediation was capable of settling 78 percent of them. Other studies have shown that 85-90% of cases are successfully settled in private mediation. Findings indicate that compared to arbitration and litigation, mediation took less time and participants were more satisfied with the process and the outcomes. On average, mediation costs 74% less than litigation.
The process is built for both parties to reach a conclusion, mutually agreed upon. A confidential setting, with trust and integrity at its base, gives all involved a sense of completion and the ability to move forward.
Mediated Solutions is here for you! Conflict is a part of everyday life. Most of the time, disputes are easily managed, but on occasion, help is necessary. The presence of a third party, neutral mediator, who will facilitate a productive conversation about the issues at hand, can be a huge benefit. Mediation empowers parties to come to an agreement, many times avoiding the cost of litigation. At Mediated Solutions, we recognize each case is unique. We promise that all parties will be served with professionalism and respect in a relaxed and supportive environment.
We understand that experiencing conflict is stressful and that you are seeking relief. We are passionate about what we do here at Mediated Solutions and can help you navigate these rough waters and come to a point of restful resolution. We want you to know that there is hope! We can help you manage the conflict in your life and are here for you, every step of the way.