Is Mediation Right For Me?

If you are open to communciation and compromise, and looking for a more peaceful and amicable resolution of your legal issues, then mediation is right for you.

Mediation is less adversarial and more collaborative than court proceedings, and it can help preserve relationships between the parties in your dispute. Additionally, the parties have more control over the outcome in mediation, as opposed to a judge deciding for them in court. Statistically, 90% of disputes that go to mediation with both parties' agreement, are resolved without the need of a contested hearing or trial in a court.

However, mediation may not be suitable for all disputes. If the parties are unwilling to negotiate or if the dispute involves issues such as domestic violence or restraining orders, it may be more appropriate to use the court with an attorney.

Parties often come to mediation with varying strengths and weaknesses.    A good mediator can help you understand and present your issues to address any power imbalance. While mediation is very often successful, the traditional process of lawyers and the courts always remain available.

I often work with clients without attorneys, when each client has an attorney and when only one client has an attorney. However, you do not need to have an attorney to make mediation successful. If you don’t have an attorney, it is often a good idea to consult with an attorney before agreeing to any final resolution. If you have an attorney, you can consult with your attorney (privately) during or after our sessions.