What Is Mediation?

 Mediation is a guided, collaborative process in which those in conflict discuss issues, negotiate with one another, and create lasting agreement with the assistance of trained, unbiased, neutral mediators.  The mediators assist the participants in effective communication, creating multiple possible solutions to the problem and developing mutually satisfying agreement that stand the test of time.  The process is effective in both legal situations where a lawsuit has been filed and in circumstances where a non-legal approach is preferred.  It is a non-adversarial, respectful and flexible process.

  

Why Mediation?

 Mediation is faster, cheaper, and often more effective than litigation.

 Litigation can go on for years, while mediation is usually started and completed in a matter of a few weeks for even the most complex cases. 

Litigation can cost you everything you own and leave you bankrupt even if you win! Many lawsuit startup costs exceed $10,000 and go up from there.  The mediation of a case through an AWS Dispute Resolution Center will usually cost far less than $1,000.

 Litigation is “win/lose”, meaning there are a winner and a loser.  However, if you question people who have been through litigation you will find anger and bitterness lingering years after the case ended, and even if they won. Litigation does not often respect the needs of the individuals or their dignity.  Mediation is centered on the need for people to truly hear each other at a deeper level than that possible in litigation, and for them to craft their own resolutions that work for them rather than having a settlement imposed by a court.

  

Who Are the Mediators?

 The mediators come from all walks of life and all professions. They all must have a minimum of 40 hours of formal classroom training in mediation, complete an extensive written examination and then complete a supervised internship with experienced, certified mediators.  Those who work with dissolution / family cases, group conflicts, victim / offender cases and many other types of cases must have additional training and experience.