Mediation is a way to resolve disputes and can be used in a variety of settings. In mediation, the participants sit down with a neutral third party, called a mediator, who helps the participants to communicate openly and effectively and work toward a resolution that is mutually beneficial to all participants.
Why should I try mediation before going to court?
While there are some cases that ultimately require court intervention, putting a good-faith effort into resolving a dispute through mediation may prevent the parties from ever having to go to court at all.
What types of mediation services do you offer?
The Law Offices of Sherry K. Myers, LLC offers services as a mediator. We can also represent you when you participate in a mediation conducted by an outside mediator.
What areas of mediation do you practice?
The Law Offices of Sherry K. Myers, LLC can assist you with family mediation, civil mediation, and foreclosure mediation.
Benefits of Mediation
Less Expensive Than Going to Court
With mediation, you only have to pay the mediator's fee, which, unless otherwise agreed, is typically shared equally by the participants. Depending on how effectively the participants can move through the mediation process, the number of sessions required and the length of each session may also be limited, further reducing costs.
Confidential
Confidentiality binds the participants and the mediator. As such, should the parties ultimately go to court, nothing discussed in the mediation can be used in any court proceeding unless the participants both agree.
Voluntary
With the exception of court-ordered sessions, mediation is entirely voluntary. If at any time a participant truly feels that the mediation is not advancing toward an agreeable resolution, they may terminate either a particular session or the entire process.
Less Formal
Unlike litigation, which takes place in a public courtroom in front of a judge, mediation takes place in a private setting with only the participants and the mediator present.
Less Stressful
Resorting to the courts to resolve disputes is both traumatic and stressful. Mediation allows parties to resolve their conflicts while preserving their relationships. This is especially important in co-parenting relationships.
No Legal Rights Are Given Up
Should the participants find that they are unable to reach a workable solution through mediation, they still have all of their legal rights and options available, including going to court.
Chart Your Course
The mediation process allows the participants to examine their present situation thoroughly and to develop solutions that will enable each of them to move forward into the respective futures they wish to create.
