What Can People Expect from Mediation?
Category: Mediation
- 19 Nov 2024
- Posted By WebSiteAdmin
As the legal system in the United States has matured, many changes have been made. As litigation became more common in the 1950’s and 1960’s, an option was needed to help disputing parties settle their issues without needing to undergo a lengthy and costly trial. This is when mediation took off.
Mediation offers people a chance to sit down with a licensed mediator in a legal setting and a chance to hash out their differences and reach an agreement. The ultimate goal of mediation is for both parties walking away feeling at least somewhat satisfied with the conclusion.
The Mediator
The mediator’s job is to be neutral. They are trained and licensed to facilitate communication and cooperation. The mediator is there to walk both parties through a step-by-step process with the ultimate goal of reaching a final agreement.
In our state, mediators are certified by the Florida Supreme Court. Training is offered at various schools. Some of those locations are:
- Institute of Conflict Resolution & Communication: Located in Boca Raton.
- Mediation Training Academy: Located in Fort Lauderdale.
- My Florida Mediator: Located in Tampa.
You can rest assured that your state licensed mediator knows what they are doing. Put your faith in the process and know that the ultimate goal is for both parties to reach an amicable agreement.
The process of mediation follows these steps:
- Opening Statement
- Joint Discussion
- Negotiation
- Agreement
- Closure
In Florida, about 70%-75% of mediations are successful in achieving their end goal. In fact, the State of Florida leads the country in meditation cases. For those cases not resolved in mediation, the parties involved can agree to give mediation another shot or they can choose to take their case to court.
Courtroom proceedings can be unpredictable in terms of length, expense and outcome. Most attorneys will advise their client to attempt mediation first.
For more information and pricing regarding mediation services refer to this page.
