Mediation is a voluntary, respectful, and confidential way to resolve disputes without giving the decision-making power to someone else (like a judge). The mediator, who is impartial and fair, meets with you and the others involved in the dispute.
The role of the mediator is to help and encourage everyone to identify the important issues in the dispute so that you and the others involved are better able to make decisions to resolve the dispute yourselves. The mediator doesn't tell anyone how to settle the dispute, or make a judgment about who's right and who's wrong.
Control over the outcome of the case stays with you and the others involved in the dispute.
The mediation itself is conducted in the following steps over one or more meetings typically lasting two or more hours as the parties choose:
Confidentiality is provided by Arizona statute and by agreement of the parties, plus all mediations are conducted in a private setting rather than in open court proceedings or negotiations with other third parties present. Neither the mediator, you, nor the others involved are allowed to testify in court about what was said in mediation.
Any case where there is a mere glimmer of hope, or more, that you can work, or are willing to try, with the other person. Even if you distrust each other, you will usually find mediation more ameable and productive than attorney-driven negotiations.
Yes. Mediation can work only if all individuals involved participate. Instead of assuming others involved won’t mediate, if given information about the mediation process and benefits, the opportunity may be greatly appreciated, so why not ask!
That varies depending on the complexity of the issues and everyone’s cooperation with the process. Our rates are generally $100 - 250 per hour based on a sliding fee schedule and a mediation can last from 2 hours to 10 or more over several sessions for complicated cases.
Mediation is not just for people already cooperating -- it is especially helpful when people aren’t productively able to talk directly with each other.
Once agreement is reached, the mediator (or your attorney) prepares an Agreement document which is then reviewed by you and your attorney, then signed, and, if appropriate, incorporated into any court decrees.
All mediations are designed to fit your situation. We accept MasterCard, Visa and Discover.
Mediation Path -- Creating Pathways to Resolutions 480-694-2273