What is mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process that helps people:
- Identify issues in dispute
- Think of ways to resolve the issues
- Consider options and
- Work together to reach an agreement
Di Paolo & Associates provides the following mediation services:
- Workplace Mediation
- Family Business Mediation
- Family Mediation
- Eldercare Mediation
- Child Protection Mediation
What is the mediator’s role?
The mediator is a neutral third party that does not sit in judgement or take sides. The mediator’s role is to manage how the mediation is run by serving as a facilitator of conversations and understanding. The people in dispute decide what is discussed and what is agreed upon. The scope for solutions is usually greater than the options available in prolonged negotiations or in the courts.
What are the advantages to Mediation?
| Cost Effective: | Mediation costs considerably less than litigation. |
| Efficient: | The mediation process can usually settle a dispute within a few sessions. |
| Effective: | Mediation statistically settles over 85% of initiated disputes. |
| Flexible: | The process of mediation is flexible and informal. It is not necessary to have a lawyer represent you during the mediation process. However, some individuals feel more comfortable with legal representation. |
| Empowering: | Parties are directly involved in resolving their issues and negotiating a mutually satisfying agreement. This improves the possibility of continuing their relationships beyond the mediation process. |
| Confidential: | Mediation encourages people to be open and honest about the issues between them. Furthermore, information discussed during mediation may not be disclosed as evidence in any legal proceeding. |
| Empowering: | Parties are directly involved in resolving their issues and negotiating a mutually satisfying agreement. This improves the possibility of continuing their relationships beyond the mediation process. |
How does Mediation work?
The process generally follows these steps:
- Mediators meet each person privately to explain the process and “ground rules” for the mediation.
- If all parties including the mediator agree to proceed, then the mediation is scheduled.
- During the mediation, each person is listened to without interruption.
- Mediators encourage and facilitate discussion between the people on issues they have identified.
- The parties brainstorm possible options and together decide on the best course of action.
- Once the parties reach an agreement, the Mediator documents it and provides a written copy to each person.