Benefits of Mediation
Many people still believe that hiring attorneys and going to court is the only way to resolve conflicts with other people – whether it be a dissolution of marriage or a neighbor/neighbor conflict. People think that the courthouse is the only venue to hear their complaints and resolve their differences with others. If more people knew about the benefits of mediation, I believe they would come to realize, as I have, why it is the better way to settle conflicts and bring peace of mind back into our lives.
Mediation is very affordable and considerably less expensive than going to court. Mediators generally work with Parties on an hourly basis and don’t ask for retainers (large sums of money paid up front for work not yet done). Most attorneys ask for large retainers when they agree to represent parties in a dispute. Because the mediation process takes less time than going to court (it could take months, even years, to get to trial), it costs less money to resolve your conflicts through mediation.
Working with a mediator is private and confidential. The courts and legislature have recognized the value of conflict resolution and have protected it by making it confidential as set forth in the Evidence Code of California. Nothing said or written (except for the final agreement between the Parties) can be brought into a court proceeding should mediation not be successful. In so doing, the courts and legislature are encouraging open lines of communication during mediation sessions. Mediation sessions are usually held in private settings such as the mediator’s office and/or conference room. It is very different than the open, public forum of a courtroom where other people can hear your story.
Working through conflicts utilizing mediation is much less stressful than litigation. Because you get the opportunity to vent, be heard, and define your interests and needs, it brings a peace of mind to Parties that is not available in the court process. It fosters communication and cooperation between the Parties which preserves relationships and helps with co-parenting for the sake of the children.
Parties can be very creative and flexible as they design their own solutions. These solutions are more meaningful to the Parties as they own them and are more likely to abide by them. This creates a much higher long-term success rate with mediation vs. a litigated result for the Parties. Conflict resolution through the mediation process also teaches problem-solving skills for the future. It repairs and restores broken relationships for everyone’s peace of mind.
Let me help you to resolve your conflicts in a private, confidential, less stressful, and less expensive way – through mediation. Please contact me to find out more about how mediation may benefit you and help you move forward from your conflict to resolution.
