Mediation

Mediation is an activity that involves people finding their own solution to their issues and conflicts.  Mediation can be used for family and consumer matters, large commercial business deals, and even international disputes.  

As our lives are changing with the integration of the internet and the applications of technology, big data and artificial intelligence, mediation is evolving to keep up.  The people we have disputes with may not be in the same town or state, or even in the same legal jurisdiction.  

Mediation is the practical tool we can turn to for solutions before we spend time and money involving the courts or where jurisdictional boundaries are crossed. It is the dispute resolution method for situations where an ongoing relationship is important.  

(Navigation cue: People looking for assistance with an issue of conflict, you are in the right place –  read on. Attorneys  and others researching mediators to refer can find credentials, experience, standards etc. here. Mediators can collaborate and share resources here. )

  • What exactly is mediation good for:
    • Everyday issues can be addressed in mediation before they reach court.
      • Landlord and tenant conflicts such as
        • evictions, and
        • security deposits.
    • Civil court cases – filed but scheduled in the future such as
      • small claims,
      • evictions, and
      • limited civil
    • Family issues such as
      • custody and
      • parenting time.
    • Work and workplace issues such as
      • project conflicts  (especially tech projects),
      • vendor conflicts, and
      • interpersonal productivity.
  • How it’s done:
    • Delivery of mediation is changing.  Now it can include:
      • Remote participation by voice or video call for one or more of the people involved
        • all at one time (Virtual) or
        • at times that work for peoples’ schedules (Adaptive).
      • Classic – All parties meet at one time and one place,
      • On site – The mediator comes to you, meeting at a location determined by the people involved.
      • The Policies and Procedures vary with the way the service is delivered. Please see the details here.
  • How much does it cost:
    • Pricing of mediation is changing as well.  Now it can be:
      • Value priced – package priced according to benefits expected based on:
        • competitive rates for mediator time,
        • expenses to deliver, and
        • expected value of having a resolution, or
      • Billed for time and expenses.
      • Here is the complete Fees Schedule.
  • More on Mediation:
  • Mediation is effective, voluntary, confidential, and self-determined.  Learn more about mediation and the ideas behind it in the article “Mediation Is” in the Articles section of the Library.
  • Providing mediation is a practice that requires education, training, experience and a code of conduct.  Please see more about LM Johnson’s education and training of at https://www.mediate.com/member/Lynn-Johnson/31848