What is Mediation?

Settling a dispute can be one of the most frustrating experiences of a person’s life.  Whether the dispute is related to a family or civil lawsuit, taking the matter to court can be an expensive, time consuming and ultimately unsatisfactory experience.  Mediation helps resolve disputes by working with all sides to reach an agreement that meets everyone’s needs.  It is a positive alternative to litigation.

Legal Alternatives offers trained, court-approved mediators* who facilitate discussions between the parties to work through their unique set of issues.  Mediators are neutral third parties – they do not make a ruling or decide who is “right or wrong,” but help each side see the dispute from various points of view and better understand what is in his/her best interest.  In the end, disputing parties are empowered to resolve their differences themselves without returning to, or ever stepping foot in a courtroom.

*In addition to completing rigorous training, Legal Alternatives mediators successfully complete a process through the Court of Common Pleas, Franklin County, Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch to become court approved.

What are the Benefits of Mediation?

Mediation is Cost and Time Effective

One of the main benefits of mediation is its cost effectiveness.  Since disputing parties have more control over the process than they do in litigation, they are also better able to control the costs.  Mediation often takes less time and requires less negative energy from those involved.  In some cases, mediation makes it possible to resolve an issue in just a matter of hours.  Therefore, unlike the litigation process, mediations are often completed within a few sessions, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of dollars. By including a neutral third party, such as a mediator, disputes can be resolved in a more effective, productive and civil manner.

Mediation begins with “Me” - Mediation Puts Control in the Hands of the Disputing Parties

An extremely appealing benefit of mediation is the control it gives to the disputing parties to resolve their issues. When a dispute is argued in a courtroom, the fate of all participants is decided by strangers – a magistrate, judge or a jury.  Often, this means unsatisfactory, upsetting outcomes for both parties.  Mediation makes it possible to craft unique and mutually agreeable outcomes for all involved.  In fact, mediation is only considered successful when all parties accept and commit to final resolutions.  Ensuring that everyone is satisfied with an outcome increases the probability that those involved will abide by their agreed to obligations and resolutions.

Mediation Makes it Possible to Continue a Relationship

Litigation often destroys the relationship of those involved in a dispute. Disputes typically arise from an existing relationship that at one time was mutually beneficial (e.g., a spouse and his/her spouse, an insurance provider and the insured party, a business owner and a vendor or client, etc.).  There were many aspects of the original relationship that eroded due to a dispute.  Mediation is a problem-solving process that attempts to bring out the best in everyone involved.  The participants are able to resolve issues because of what they learn during the mediation process.  In many cases, mediation settles the dispute at hand and allows the participants to continue their relationship.  This is particularly important in family disputes when children are involved and parents must learn to work together.