Mediation Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mediation, sometimes referred to as Alternative Dispute Resolution, is a program providing an alternative to litigation to settle disputes. It is a process in which a third-party, the mediator, assists in resolving a dispute between two or more parties. The mediator plays a neutral position and assists the parties to develop a solution themselves. The role of the mediator is to facilitate communication between the parties, assist them in focusing on the real issues of the dispute, and generate options that meet the interests or needs of all relevant parties in an effort to resolve the conflict.
What Can Family Services Center Do?
Orientation
Provide information about the process and gives an opportunity for all parties to ask questions.
Provide information about the process and gives an opportunity for all parties to ask questions.
Assistance
Provides a list of mediators, including trained mediators on FSC staff .*
Provides a list of mediators, including trained mediators on FSC staff .*
Coordination
Contact parties, mediators, and court before the mediation.
Contact parties, mediators, and court before the mediation.
Administrative Support
Prepare paperwork before and after the mediation.
Prepare paperwork before and after the mediation.
*Family Services Center provides a limited number of mediations, facilitated by trained staff, at no charge. Call today for more information.
"A successful mediation results in a workable outcome based on decisions and compromises. Each party contributes to the process and focuses on resolving the problem in a way that allows them to work together in the future."
-Gelilah Galloway, FSC Mediation Coordinator
'It wasn't easy to get things worked out but the mediator was patient with us and we got it done. We can talk civilly to each other now. I'm so glad that we could resolve it in private instead of having to air our dirty laundry in public.'
-FSC Client
Why Mediation
Instead of Court?
Privacy
Court cases become public record. Mediation is confidential with no disclosure of personal information to the public.
Cost
Mediation reduces cost because there are no court fees.
Time
Mediation is by appointment, eliminating a waiting period through the court. Mediation can usually be settled quickly.
Control
There are no losers in mediation. Each party makes decisions based on what is in their best interest, rather than giving that authority and control to a judge.
Informal
Mediation is less intimidating than court because there are no strict rules of procedure limiting the discussion of issues.
Court cases become public record. Mediation is confidential with no disclosure of personal information to the public.
Cost
Mediation reduces cost because there are no court fees.
Time
Mediation is by appointment, eliminating a waiting period through the court. Mediation can usually be settled quickly.
Control
There are no losers in mediation. Each party makes decisions based on what is in their best interest, rather than giving that authority and control to a judge.
Informal
Mediation is less intimidating than court because there are no strict rules of procedure limiting the discussion of issues.
1-800-252-5400