What is mediation?
Mediation is an informal and confidential way for people to work through a disagreement. The voluntary process encourages solutions which work for all participants. Impartial mediators help people discuss difficult issues and develop their own solutions. Mediators do not take sides or make decisions about the outcome.
Why should you try mediation?
It Works - Disputant resolve their concerns in over 85% of cases.
It's Fast - Mediation sessions are usually scheduled within two weeks from the time of a request. Most mediation sessions last between 3-4 hours. In contrast, lawsuits often take many months to resolve.
It's Fair - In mediation, you tailor your own solution to the dispute according to your needs. If you do not think a settlement proposal is fair, you don't have to agree to it.
It's Flexible - You can raise any issues related to your dispute that you believe are important. For example, in neighborhood mediation, neighbors could discuss issues concerning their children playing together as well as the boundary and fence.
It's Confidential - Mediation sessions are private. So no one even needs to know that you have a dispute in the first place. In Washington, mediation communications are considered privileged and parties also can make agreements regarding confidentiality.
It's Affordable - Rather than spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars going to litigation, mediation can resolve your issues with a very minimal expense.
It's Satisfying - For many people, going to court is scary. Mediation, by contrast, is informal: emphasizing conversation and understanding where you have control over the outcome of the case.
It's Fast - Mediation sessions are usually scheduled within two weeks from the time of a request. Most mediation sessions last between 3-4 hours. In contrast, lawsuits often take many months to resolve.
It's Fair - In mediation, you tailor your own solution to the dispute according to your needs. If you do not think a settlement proposal is fair, you don't have to agree to it.
It's Flexible - You can raise any issues related to your dispute that you believe are important. For example, in neighborhood mediation, neighbors could discuss issues concerning their children playing together as well as the boundary and fence.
It's Confidential - Mediation sessions are private. So no one even needs to know that you have a dispute in the first place. In Washington, mediation communications are considered privileged and parties also can make agreements regarding confidentiality.
It's Affordable - Rather than spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars going to litigation, mediation can resolve your issues with a very minimal expense.
It's Satisfying - For many people, going to court is scary. Mediation, by contrast, is informal: emphasizing conversation and understanding where you have control over the outcome of the case.
How does mediation work?
We listen to you.
When you find yourself in a conflict, the first step is to talk with a mediator about your situation. The mediator listens and helps you identify your most important concerns. The two of you can then explore possible options and solutions. You may decide that you can solve the problem directly with the other person. The mediator can help you choose the best approach and communication strategy.
We can contact the other person(s).
If the problem seems too big, or you want more assistance, you may want us to contact the other person. With your permission, the mediator talks privately with the other person, listens to his or her perspective and briefly explains your view. This informal conversation often provides the groundwork for a solution, and clears the path for you to work on a solution yourselves.
We can arrange a productive meeting.
Sometimes, it is helpful for all of the people involved to get together and discuss the situation. If all parties agree to participate in mediation, a mediator can schedule a meeting involving you, the other person(s) and two mediators. During the meeting, the mediators will guide you through an informal, yet structured discussion that enables everyone to more clearly understand each other's perspective and develop mutually agreeable solutions. Usually, any settlement the parties develop is written down and everyone gets a copy.
When you find yourself in a conflict, the first step is to talk with a mediator about your situation. The mediator listens and helps you identify your most important concerns. The two of you can then explore possible options and solutions. You may decide that you can solve the problem directly with the other person. The mediator can help you choose the best approach and communication strategy.
We can contact the other person(s).
If the problem seems too big, or you want more assistance, you may want us to contact the other person. With your permission, the mediator talks privately with the other person, listens to his or her perspective and briefly explains your view. This informal conversation often provides the groundwork for a solution, and clears the path for you to work on a solution yourselves.
We can arrange a productive meeting.
Sometimes, it is helpful for all of the people involved to get together and discuss the situation. If all parties agree to participate in mediation, a mediator can schedule a meeting involving you, the other person(s) and two mediators. During the meeting, the mediators will guide you through an informal, yet structured discussion that enables everyone to more clearly understand each other's perspective and develop mutually agreeable solutions. Usually, any settlement the parties develop is written down and everyone gets a copy.
Who are the mediators?
CMS mediators are certified staff and volunteers from the community, skilled in communication and conflict resolution. Mediators listen to your concerns and can help you understand your needs and explore options.
Clark County Community Mediation Services
PO Box 1053 Vancouver, WA 98666 - (360) 334-5862 - www.mediationclarkcounty.org
