Questions & Answers
Mediation: The Basics
Our mediation style is basically facilitative. We believe that most people are capable of solving their own conflicts. Some can do this on their own, while others can benefit from the guidance of a trained mediator. Our role is to help our clients talk over difficult or complex issues and to help them find mutually satisfying and beneficial resolutions.
Conflict Concerns
The mediator sets the tone for the negotiations and actively intercedes to discourage intimidation, threats or bottom-lining. It is up to the mediator to try to provide a "safe place" for all the parties to be heard.
Mediation & Legal Issues
Your mediator may provide you with legal information but is prohibited from giving legal advice – even if he or she is an attorney. To do so would compromise the mediator’s impartiality. It also might create a conflict of interest since an attorney may advise only one of the parties to a dispute.
Time & Money Issues
There is no prescribed number of mediation sessions for any one conflict. Some mediations can be completed within a couple of hours, while others may take anywhere from two to six sessions over a period of several weeks or a few months. The length of time it takes to mediate depends on the number and complexity of issues that need to be addressed as well as the degree of cooperation between the parties.