Why Should You Consider Mediation?

Mediation is a form of dispute resolution that encourages the individuals involved in the dispute to talk with each other and resolve their differences. The mediator helps the parties communicate but has no independent decision-making authority.

In mediation, the parties can:

• Informally communicate their thoughts and concerns.
• Identify and clarify miscommunication and misunderstandings.
• Acknowledge that there may be differences of perspective or opinion.
• Better understand the origins of the dispute.
• Share their respective interests.
• Examine ways to address dissatisfaction and unmet expectations that may have occurred.
• Develop improved communication and restore relationships.
• Collaborate on ways to manage future conflicts and prevent additional disputes from arising.
• Retain the right to pursue the matter through another process such as the EEO complaint process, negotiated or administrative grievance procedure, or litigation, if an agreement cannot be reached.

 Mediation is not a determination of who is right and wrong, and the mediator is not a judge, factfinder, or decision-maker. Mediators do not give legal advice. Choosing to mediate does not preclude you from your right to try other options such as litigation or arbitration. 

• There is interest in resolving the dispute quickly.
• There is a need for a private setting to discuss the issues.
• People want someone not involved in the dispute to facilitate their communication.
• People want to either preserve their relationship or end the relationship in the least adversarial way.
• The parties are interested in retaining control of the outcome.

•  People want someone to determine who is right and who is wrong.
• The dispute involves restraining orders, fraud, abuse, criminal activity, or allegations of sexual harassment.

•  Neighborhood
• Housing
• Family
• Workplace
• Consumer
• Agricultural
• Discrimination