Mediation FAQ

How Do I Schedule a Mediation Session?

Just give any of our offices a call. A program coordinator will take your call and begin the intake process. The process is the same if you were referred from a court/social service agency, or if you contacted us on your own.

How Does the Intake Process Work?

The program coordinator talks with you about the general nature of the conflict to understand the issues involved. This helps to match you up with mediators that can offer you the best chance at a workable resolution. The program coordinator then contacts the other people involved and has the same conversation. All of these conversations are also kept confidential.

After each party agrees to try mediation, the coordinator works with you, the other people and our mediators to find the ideal match-up of times and locations for the mediation to be held.

What Should I Expect During and After Mediation?

The session will be an informal conversation about the issues, where the mediator will sometimes interject to clarify what has been said and encourage more discussion. At the end of the session, participants can choose to record their progress, make a written agreement, and schedule follow-up sessions if needed.

How Long is a Mediation Session?

Mediation sessions are typically scheduled for 2 hours, but can be shorter or longer if the parties need. Additional sessions will be scheduled if the parties require additional time.

How Would I Refer Someone for Mediation?

If you are a representative of a local court, social service agency, school, business, etc., simply call our office or contact us electronically. One of our program coordinators will respond and begin handling the case. They will ask you for the participant’s contact information and pertinent information about the conflict. They’ll then reach out to each of the participants and begin the intake process.

What Situations Are Not Appropriate for Mediation?

Safety Concerns and Power Imbalances

Appropriateness for mediation is taken on a case by case basis. In general, if one of the participants feels unsafe around the other or we perceive a gross power imbalance between the participants, we deem the case not suitable for mediation.

Child Abuse & Domestic Violence

For family disputes, mediation is not appropriate if there are ongoing allegations of child abuse or neglect and/or if there are concerns regarding domestic violence.