Mediation Services

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A process where a neutral third person, called a mediator, helps facilitate the resolution of a dispute between two or more parties. It is informal and non-adversarial, aiming for a mutually acceptable and voluntary agreement. The mediator assists in identifying issues, fostering joint problem-solving, and exploring settlement alternatives.

Mediation is at the core of our services. We begin with an initial consultation to assess your situation and determine if mediation is the right path forward.  Our mediation services foster constructive communication and collaboration between disputing parties. We offer a confidential and voluntary platform for discussions, guided by an impartial mediator, empowering parties to take charge of their resolution process and achieve mutually agreeable outcomes.

Spanish language mediation is available upon request.

This refers to the mediation of civil cases involving amounts of $50,000 or more (excluding family matters) in circuit court. If a party is represented by counsel, the counsel of record must appear unless otherwise stipulated by the parties or ordered by the court. 

Circuit Civil mediation can cover a wide range of civil disputes, including:

• Contract disputes: Issues arising from the interpretation or enforcement of contracts.
• Personal injury claims: Disputes involving claims for damages due to injuries.
• Property disputes: Conflicts over property ownership, boundaries, or usage.
• Homeowners' Association (HOA): disputes between an HOA and a homeowner regarding the use of or changes to the parcel or common areas, covenant enforcement, amendments to association documents, board and committee meetings, and access to official records are subject to presuit mediation
• Business disputes: Disagreements between businesses or within business entities.
• Employment disputes: Issues related to employment contracts, workplace conditions, or wrongful termination.
• Construction disputes: Conflicts arising from construction projects, including contract breaches and defects.

Circuit civil mediation offers several benefits, making it an attractive option for resolving disputes. Here are some key advantages:

• Confidentiality: Mediation sessions are private and confidential, encouraging open and honest communication without fear of public disclosure.
• Control: The parties involved retain control over the outcome, as opposed to a judge or jury making the final decision. This often leads to more satisfactory and mutually acceptable resolutions.
• Cost-Effective: Mediation is generally less expensive than going to trial. It reduces legal fees and other associated costs.
• Time-Saving: Mediation can be scheduled much sooner than a court date, and the process itself is typically quicker than a trial.
• Flexibility: The mediation process is more flexible and informal compared to court proceedings. Parties can discuss a wider range of issues and explore creative solutions that might not be available in court.
• Preservation of Relationships: Mediation fosters a collaborative approach, which can help preserve personal or business relationships that might otherwise be damaged by adversarial litigation.
• High Success Rate: Many mediations result in a settlement, reducing the need for further legal action.
• Stress Reduction: The less formal and adversarial nature of mediation can reduce the emotional stress often associated with court cases.

Family Mediation refers to mediating family matters, including disputes involving married and unmarried persons. It covers issues before and after judgments involving:

• Dissolution of marriage (divorce)
• Property division
• Shared or sole parental responsibility
• Child support, custody, and visitation

Family mediation provides a structured and supportive environment for resolving family disputes, aiming for mutually acceptable agreements without needing a contentious court battle. The process is designed to be informal and non-adversarial, encouraging open communication and cooperation between the parties.

For family mediation, we are currently pending certification, and are outsourcing these services to partners who are Certified Family Mediators. Contact us for additional information about these experienced professionals and how they can assist you in navigating family disputes.