Mediation
A more collaborative approach to solutions
Conflict Resolution through Mediation
Conflict or the inability to reach resolution of parties on their own can occur in all areas of life including within a family, before, during or after a marriage, parenting, landlord-tenant, business, etc. Often, participation in a mediation process can help parties explore options and move toward resolution.
Mediation is a voluntary, flexible, efficient, and confidential way of resolving conflict which can be used in civil or family matters. The goal of any mediation is to resolve the core issues as quickly as possible, and at a reasonable cost, while establishing a clear understanding of roles, responsibilities, and planning for the future. In a mediation, the parties can work to learn new skills and build a framework for a working relationship that will serve each of them in the future.
The Role of the Mediator
A neutral mediator, who is trained to facilitate communication, can assist individuals, couples, families, and organizations in developing and formalizing agreements. Mediation is not psychotherapy, marital counseling, or legal representation. Mediators with backgrounds in law and mental health can bring that expertise to the table but do not individually represent or counsel mediation clients during the mediation process, but rather serve as neutral facilitators of the decision-making process. The mediator does not decide who is right or wrong, nor do they issue a decision. The mediator helps the parties work out their own solutions to problems.
Why Choose Mediation?
Mediation encourages communication, minimizes conflict, and allows for a fair distribution of responsibilities and assets. Unlike litigation, which can be adversarial, mediation focuses on finding mutually agreeable solutions that benefit all parties involved.
Types of Mediation
What I Offer
Premarital
Premarital mediation can be a friendly and productive approach to identifying premarital dynamics and how both parties anticipate distributing their roles and property. It allows a couple to effectively establish pre-nuptial agreements in a transparent way.
Marital
A process for couples experiencing marital difficulties and desiring to stay married. Unlike counseling, it focuses on present and future conflict resolution.
Estate
A mediator can assist in estate distribution after the loss of a loved one, helping families avoid the high costs and emotional strain of litigation.
Elder Care
This process helps resolve conflicts related to the care of older adults, such as guardianship, health care, finances, and living arrangements.
Business
Whether a contract dispute, merger, or dissolution, mediation offers a safe space for resolving business conflicts.
Employment & Labor
Mediation helps resolve workplace disputes, such as interpersonal conflicts, discrimination, and job performance issues.
Mediation Flexibility
Mediation is arranged privately between the parties and is not subject to the schedules and rules of the court. Records of mediation are also not open to the public. Mediation sessions are flexible, adaptive, and occur at times convenient to the parties and the mediator. Even if court-referred, the parties are empowered to create an enforceable resolution to their satisfaction. Because mediation does not take place in a courtroom, the setting is less formal and less intimidating.