Mediation

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process for resolving disputes together. The people involved in a dispute meet and talk with the help of a mediator.  The mediator will help the people define their problem so they can try to resolve it.

The mediation takes place in a private, informal setting where the parties take part in the negotiation and design of a settlement. The mediator has no power to make decisions. The dispute is settled only if all of the parties agree to the settlement.

Mediation focuses on the interests and needs of the people involved rather than just what they say they want. Interests are the key to every dispute. A position is only what a person has concluded is the best way of meeting those interests. Interests can be about many things, including money, control, the process or the way in which a dispute is resolved or even about needs relating to feelings or emotions about the issue. By looking for these underlying interests, parties can create new options for settlement.

Why choose Mediation?

Mediation, compared to other processes, tends to be quicker, more cost-effective, less stressful, more adaptive to the needs of participants and be overall a more satisfying process.

In mediation, you control the outcome. The mediator assists you and your spouse to ensure you have productive conversations and make the decisions you need to move forward. For couples with children, mediators can help you develop an effective co-parenting plan. They can also assist with the division of family assets and debts, spousal support and child support.

Safety Screening in Family Mediation

If abuse is disclosed, mediators are expected to determine what safeguards must be put in place to ensure a safe and fair mediation and, if none can be devised, to refer the participants to appropriate professionals.

How to Get Started

Normally, Mediation can be broken down into 4 steps: