What Happens at Mediation?
Initially, I meet separately with each person to describe mediation, to discuss whether mediation is the right process to use at this time, to plan the mediation and to help each participant prepare for the joint mediation meeting. Then, we have one or more joint mediation meetings. Although lawyers may attend, you may decide that you do not need their attendance. During meetings, I may suggest a brief, separate meeting with each participant.In the joint mediation meeting you agree on what the problems are that need to be addressed. I assist you to express your own hopes, fears, concerns and desires and to hear those of the other participant. Creative options are explored and workable solutions selected. If requested, I prepare the agreement. I encourage you to review it with your lawyer as it is important to understand what the agreement means now and in the future. Sometimes we meet again to refine aspects of the agreement.
