Are There Different types of Mediation in AZ?
Different mediators in Arizona employ different styles of mediation. The most well known in the divorce mediation process is called “facilitative.” This means the mediator guides parties toward their own solutions. The mediator helps the parties develop and analyze possible settlements. This style is preferred by mediation participants who want a more laid back mediation where the parties have the power to reach their own solutions. Some mediators are more “evaluative.” This means the mediator tells the participants his/her opinion about the reasonableness of the participants’ positions and how a judge may rule. This style is used more when litigation is already in progress and attorneys are involved. Some people find this style overbearing. The mediator risks appearing biased to the participants, and once a participant looses faith that a mediator is a neutral, it is harder to settle the case. There is also a style called “transformative.” In this model, the parties have control over
