|
Frequently Asked
Questions:
- What is mediation?
- Can mediators advise me
of my legal rights?
- What kinds of disputes do
mediation programs address?
- What other kinds of
services do mediation programs offer?
What is Mediation?
Mediation provides an alternative
method of resolving problems without having to go to court. Through the
mediation process, the individuals involved in a dispute work out their own
solutions with the help of a mediator. The mediator does not enforce a decision
on the individuals, but helps guide them in reaching a solution. Since the
individuals involved in the dispute play active roles in resolving the program,
they usually are comfortable and supportive of the solution.
Successful mediations often result in
written agreements that are signed by both individuals in a dispute. If the
parties do not reach a mutually agreeable solution, either or both of the
parties may still file a court action.
Mediation procedures are voluntary, and usually
take place in one or more sessions. The mediator's role is to work with
both parties in a dispute to identify the issues, reduce misunderstandings,
clarify priorities, vent emotions, find points of agreement, explore new areas
of compromise and collaboration, and negotiate an agreement.
^top
Can mediators advise me of my legal rights?
It is not part of a mediator's role
to provide legal advice. Mediators are neutral parties, and their main
responsibility is to help parties reach a mutually acceptable conclusion or
resolution to a problem. Mediators are impartial negotiators, not advisors
and they work equally on behalf of all parties. Therefore, a mediator
cannot advise an individual party of their rights.
^top
What types of
disputes do mediation programs address?
The typical kinds of situations
mediation programs can address include: disputes involving neighbors, landlords
and tenants, merchants/contractors and consumers, businesses, family members,
co-workers, youth, schools, homeowner associations, seniors and many, many more!
^top
What other kinds of
services do mediation programs offer?
In addition to mediation services,
mediation programs often also offer training in mediation skills, communication
techniques and other tools for dealing with conflict. Many programs have
services focused on schools including training for youth, teachers and parents,
and supporting school-based peer-mediation programs. Community mediation
centers also offer group meeting facilitation services for community forums,
non-profit organizations and other groups.
^top
____________________________________________________________________________________
"We Shall Overcome"™
Please eMail us with comments, questions or
suggestions!
| 
