What is Mediation?        

A cooperative way to resolve your disputes

Everyone has disputes, and there are a variety of ways to deal with those disputes. Some people ignore them. Some people prefer to go to court. But many have found mediation to be a better solution.

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that involves the conflicting parties and a neutral mediator. Any type of dispute can be mediated -- anything from a roommate problem to a major class action law suit to child custody to some criminal matters. The parties may be at the mediation with or without attorneys. Mediation is a non-adversarial process that works to bring the parties together. The role of the mediator is to facilitate productive communication between the parties and help the parties examine each other’s positions, evaluate their own interests and needs, and come to an agreement about their dispute.

Unlike going to court, mediation is a form of conflict resolution that puts the decision-making process back into the hands of the parties. A final decision is reached only if both parties agree to it. Elizabeth’s legal education and mediation training gives her the background to effectively assist you in resolving your dispute.

WHAT MEDIATION IS:
a non-adversarial process
a place where you will determine the outcome
an informal setting
a confidential process
a place to voice your concerns and problems
an economical way to resolve your dispute
a voluntary process

WHAT MEDIATION IS NOT:
a formal courtroom
a place where you must have a lawyer
a place where you are bound to a decision made by someone else
an arena where all the details of your life may become public information

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