Frequently Asked
Questions

Advantages

I don't think it
will work

I'm afraid or
worried

What people say
about mediation

What is mediation?

Mediation is an opportunity for people to talk together and make their own decisions on what to do next, with the help of a neutral mediator.

Mediation is private and confidential.

In mediation, you can tell the other person what is important to you about the situation and how it has affected you. You can tell them what you want them to understand. You can ask questions. You can hear what they have to say.

Sometimes mediation is the only chance people have to talk directly to each other, to talk things through, to be heard.

Most of the time, people hear new information in mediation. Often, people feel heard for the first time.

There is no agreement in mediation unless you both agree to it.

Most people are sure that mediation won't work for them. Yet over 70% of the people who mediate reach an agreement, and they are surprised. When people do reach agreement, they save money and time and, more importantly, they make their own decisions.

There are different kinds of mediators. It's imprtant for you to call around to find someone you both think you can work with. Start by looking at the roster of mediators. Both of you should talk with a few mediators to check them out. You want to choose a mediator who is acceptable to both of you so mediation is more likely to work for you.

Even when people do not reach an agreement in mediation, they often find that they are clearer on what to do next and better able to move on.

Mediation: It's your solution.