FAQs

What is Mediation?

Mediation is an informal way for people to come together and talk through their conflict with the help of an impartial third party. During the mediation, each person has the opportunity to vocalize their issues and concerns surrounding the conflict. The mediator helps each person evaluate their needs and goals for reaching a solution. All decisions are made by the parties, not the mediator.

What are the Benefits of Mediation?

Mediation allows you to control your own dispute and resolve the conflict yourself, rather than having a judge or jury decide it for you. It promotes communication and cooperation.
Mediation is confidential, thus avoiding public disclosure of personal problems. The process can be completed in less time than litigation, allowing you to move ahead with your life.
During the mediation session, everyone has an opportunity to voice their concerns. Mediation encourages the parties to develop alternative ways to solve the issues at hand.

Where will my mediation session take place?

Do I need a lawyer to come with me?

Attendance is mandatory in most cases. Although the presence of an attorney may not be required, parties are encouraged to consult their attorneys throughout the process. The mediator will assist the parties in executing the necessary forms to complete the case. If an agreement is not reached, your case will continue through the normal judicial process. Although attendance is mandatory, resolution is not.

Do I have to be in the same room with the other party to my agreement at anytime?

What forms of payment are accepted?

The mediator's hourly fee is typically split between the parties equally and is paid immediately at the end of the mediation session. However, whether the fee is to be split, as is usually the case, or shared in some other way, is a matter that can be negotiated between the parties BEFORE the mediation is scheduled.