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Mediation can help the community through the communication of issues and the consideration of solutions.

WHAT IS MEDIATION? Mediation is an informal discussion guided by a trained, impartial and neutral person. It is private, confidential and voluntary.



MEDIATION CAN HELP THOSE WHO WANT TO:
· CONTINUE TO BE INVOLVED IN COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIPS
(such as with neighbors, friends and relatives)
· RESOLVE SHORT-TERM PROBLEMS
(such as between consumers/merchants and landlords/tenants)

Situations which may be appropriate for mediation include:
· Separation and Divorce
· Neighbor/Neighbor disputes
· Landlord/Tenant disputes
· Friends and Acquaintances
· Conflict among family members
· Business/Client disputes
· Consumer/Merchant disputes
· Business/Neighborhood disputes



Mediators are highly skilled volunteers who have been trained under the supervision of the NYS Unified Court System.

Mediators help people identify underlying issues and find areas of agreement. They do not take sides, and their goal is to make sure that everyone's concerns are heard and addressed.

Mediators are not judges or lawyers. They do not determine who is right or wrong, take testimony, or evaluate evidence.

Mediators do not give legal advice or provide counseling services. Parties may wish to consult with an attorney or counselor for such guidance.

Mediators exercise strict confidentiality in accordance with the provisions of the NYS Judiciary Law.

Mediation may not be appropriate if there are allegations of child abuse or neglect or if there are concerns regarding domestic violence. In such cases, parties are encouraged to seek help through the legal system.