If you do not reach agreement, which can happen, you can use the more expensive options of the adversarial process that you had available to begin with.  The mediator(s) and those involved in the mediation are not allowed to testify in court about what was said in mediation as explained in the confidentiality discussion on the About Mediation page. 

WHAT IF WE AREN’T FRIENDLY OR I AM INTIMIDATED BY THE OTHER PERSON?  

Success does not depend on the individuals involved being friendly, reasonable, or even talking to each other, as long as everyone is willing to mediate.  By using mediation communications skills, the mediator(s) will keep the process fair to each person and even the most seemingly impossible situations can often be resolved. 

I’LL WIN IN COURT SO WHY BOTHER WITH MEDIATION? 

The fact is someone always loses in court and nothing is certain -- you can avoid that risk, and expense, and instead manage your time to achieve a result that is acceptable to you.  You are in control when you mediate, not the judge, and that can produce a result that is predictable and much more acceptable to you. 

WHAT IS CO-MEDIATION? 

Co-mediation is available upon your request and usually involves 2 mediators, often 1 female and 1 male.  Co-mediation is more expensive but could be helpful to couples with significant interpersonal issues. 

Mediation Path -- Creating Pathways to Resolutions                                    480-656-8341