What To Expect After Reaching Out

There are six stages of mediation. The first stage is the Pre-Mediation stage. This stage will occur directly after the Mediator confirms that all parties are willing to mediate. In this stage, the Mediator will schedule individual screening appointments with each participant. The purpose of these meetings will be for the Mediator to learn about the parties including, but not limited to, any special needs, cultures, socio-economic factors, whether there are any transportation issues, and to assure that there are no barriers to the ability of the parties to safely and voluntarily engage in the mediation process.

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After these meetings, and once the Mediator confirms that the case is appropriate for mediation, the parties will be asked to make their initial deposits, which they will be able to do in person or on our website. Once the deposits are received, the first mediation session will be scheduled.

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At mediation, the parties will go through the remaining five (5) stages. These stages are:

• Stage Two – Introductions;

• Stage Three - Parties Explain the Dispute;

• Stage Four – Identification of the Issues and Interests;

• Stage Five – Generation and Selection of Solutions; and

• Stage Six – Conclusion of the Mediation

Upon successful completion of the mediation, the Mediator will assist the parties in drafting and Memorandum of Understanding, a Mediation Agreement, or another conclusory document, reflecting the agreement of the parties. This Agreement will then be submitted either to the attorneys for the parties or to the Court for adoption, after which it will become binding on the parties.