Mediation: A Wise Solution
Are you having trouble with neighbors? Is your family feuding? Dealing with difficult personalities at work? Before you file charges or grievances, consider mediation. Even if formal legal processes have been started, you may be able to use mediation to help settle your particular situation.
Mediation is an excellent way to ensure a more positive outcome to conflicts. Through mediation, you are more likely to reduce the emotional pain and financial costs of conflict. The conflict will most likely be better managed and, in many cases, results in a resolution that gives all parties a much better outcome. Ignoring the conflict may only ensure that it continues to fester. Trying to "win" may seem like a good option, although you run the risk of escalating the fight, no matter what decision is made by a third party (e.g. judge, arbitrator, supervisor).
Interaction Management Associates can provide you with the highest quality of mediation services available. We provide experience, understanding and a commitment to fairness.
Why choose mediation?
Mediation works. Nationally, people in mediation reach agreements 80-90% of the time.
The main advantage of mediation is that you and your opponent keep control of your own outcome. You will not be at the mercy of a court-ordered outcome or a policy decision. It is not an adverserial process. Ideally, you both end up with a solution you can live with.
Having control over the outcome can make all the difference in your recovering from conflict and moving on with your life. Because mediation is all about working with shared knowledge, the time you spend working on an agreement is shorter and the cost is shared, meaning fewer emotional and financial strains for you.
Mediation is likely to take less time, involve less pressure and cost less money than going to court. Furthermore, people who mediate agreements are less likely to go back to court later to fight about something, because you – not a judge – determined your own solutions. We aim to ensure that you won't lose face, you maintain control over the outcomes and you won't empty your bank account in the process. In mediation, the "power" rests with the process.
The Top Ten Reasons To Consider Mediation:
- You set the pace, avoiding legal delays and high-pressure deadlines.
- Avoid the unpleasant surprises that arise in court.
- The parties own the conflict and control the outcomes.
- The mediator creates a safe, neutral environment.
- The discussions are private and confidential.
- The discussions are managed by the mediator--ground rules are enforced.
- You want to be heard and the mediator aims to ensure that your viewpoints are communicated to the other party.
- The focus is on jointly crafting a mutual gain solution, attacking the problem and not each other.
- The mediator controls the process, keeping parties moving toward a positive outcome and the parties -- not a judge -- ultimately determine the outcome.
- You will get your “day in court,” a chance to be heard, but in a private and non-threatening environment.
FREE Consultation -- Give Us a Try
We offer a free 30-minute consultation. Once we have a sense of your needs and an estimated duration for the mediation, we will ask for a retainer. This helps both parties feel confident about their commitment toward resolving the conflict. Any portion of the retainer not used will be fully-refunded to the parties.
We offer a positive, affordable alternative to the often adversarial and divisive experiences you could face in court. We can help you work through critical decisions such as family conflicts, dealing with difficult neigbhors, workplace issues and business disputes.
To request a freee consultation, please contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my chances of coming out ahead?
In mediation, you are aiming for a solution you can both live with. Mediation is about taking matters into your own hands. It builds a foundation for putting the past peacefully behind you. Most people report after mediation that they are satisfied with the process and with the outcome.
How does it work?
We will sit down with all parties and listen to your respective concerns and needs. We will help you work through all the issues necessary to reach agreements that meet your needs and satisfy any necessary court or policy requirements. The idea is to craft your own solution, not one that meets any specific requirements or is based on what either of you may be entitled to. Often, parties tell us the ended with a larger pie, rather than a bigger slice of it.
Unlike resolving matters through the court system, mediation is flexible, confidential and the process moves at your pace. We help you seek ways to reach agreements that will help you transition to a brighter future, putting the conflict behind you.
What do the mediators do?
The mediators will point out in open sessions to both parties things that each of you should be aware of. That open exchange of information frees up both parties to negotiate with each other in confidence. Because everyone is working with the same information at the same time, it usually takes far less time to negotiate a resolution that makes sense to everyone involved.
The mediators are committed to remaining neutral. That means the mediators will not give advice to either party or act as lawyers for either party.
How do we get legal advice?
Some people will persuade you to “get a good lawyer” so you can win in court. With We encourage you to have the support of your lawyer to advise you and review your decisions, but the final results are in your hands, not that of a judge. You will be encouraged to use your lawyer as an advisor between sessions. Your lawyer will review all documents before you sign or file anything in court. He or she will not, however, be required to sit with you in mediation.
What if we change our minds about mediation?
Mediation is voluntary. It continues only for so long as you and you want it to. We understand that this may be one of the most stressful times in your lives and that the decisions you are making should not be taken lightly. You will never be under pressure from the mediators to continue the process if you are uncomfortable with moving forward. You may withdraw from mediation at any time, for any reason.
Mediation Services Offered by IMA
We have a track record of success in mediation with over 15 years of experience in the field. Our services include:
- Mediation in Education
Mediation
Conflict Management
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