What is Mediation?

Mediation is cost-effective way to settle a dispute.  It involves a mediator, or neutral, who will sit down with two parties involved in a conflict to help the parties have a conversation towards a solution to the conflict.  

It is important that both parties realize that a mediator does not represent either party.  We are simply a neutral party who help the conflicting parties work together towards solutions.  

Parties can mediate at any time in the legal process; whether or not any one has filed paperwork with the courts.  Parties can also have their attorneys, if represented, attend the mediation process.  Additionally, parties can try as many mediation sessions as they wish.  Sometimes, a couple of sessions are necessary in order to ensure all of the parties' issues are resolved.

Specifically, at Mediation Services of NNY, parties may have a conflict about a divorce, child custody, child support, or civil disputes involving land, money, or small claim issues.  We will sit down together to determine what is important to both parties, discuss possible solutions, and work towards an open and good working relationship for the parties.  

Benefits to mediation are avoiding multiple court appearances, keeping costs down, learning tools and ways to solve future disputes, as well as keeping parties working together towards solutions.  Agreements arising from a mediation are also meant to come to agreement quicker than they might arise waiting for court appearances.  

Another good resource to learn what mediation is and what to expect is linked below.

 Mediation (americanbar.org)