Mediation of Disputes

Center for Resolutions -- Mediation

Mediation is an opportunity for people in conflict to talk about the situation as they see it and, if possible, come up with an agreement that satisfies everyone. Impartial mediators serve as a guide for the conversation; however, they make no decisions and will keep everything confidential.

Mediation gives people the chance to air their grievances. Intense conflict tends to generate misunderstanding and suspicion; many of these evaporate when the parties are able to talk directly.

Because mediation is not bound by the rules of a formal legal proceeding, the parties can bring up whatever concerns them most; they are not restricted to those issues which are the official, public subject of dispute.

Center for Resolutions' mediations usually end with a written agreement. This helps protect the parties from further friction and misunderstandings.

Mediation

When Can Mediation Help?

Are you having a problem with:

A neighbor... about noisy parties, a common driveway, a barking dog?

Your ex-partner... over child custody, harassment, finances?

A family member...over care of an elderly parent, sharing a household, hassled with your teenager?

Your landlord or tenant... over repairs, rent, eviction

People in your organization... who have trouble working together with colleagues, co-workers, customers, supervisors, or partners?

Business transactions...over payments, quality, repairs?

If you aren't sure whether your situation is appropriate for mediation, give us a call to talk it over.

What are the advantages of using medation?

• Privacy-all proceedings are confidential

• Flexible scheduling-to avoid the financial hardship of time lost at work, sessions may be scheduled weekdays, evenings, or weekends.

• Convenient location-Mediations are held in non-profit or public facilities in your neighborhood or near your business.

• Minimal cost-for mediations, we ask a small $25 donation from each party. However, no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Organizations are charged on a sliding scale.

• Signed agreement-When a conflict is settled, an agreement is prepared and signed, with each participant receiving a copy.

I'd like to arrange a mediation, but I'm afraid the other side will never come.

We will contact them for you. Mediation is voluntary, so if they do not agree to attend, we will not schedule a session. However, our staff may be able to help you think through your other options for handling this difficult situation.

How can I become one of your volunteer mediators?

Center for Resolutions welcomes new mediators. There are two steps you need to take:

1. Take one of our 24-hour mediation training courses

2. Sign up to apprentice with us. We will send you out with a mentor mediator 3-4 times, then evaluate whether you are ready for promotion to a regular mediator.

How can I learn more about mediation?

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