Mediation FAQ
HOW DOES MEDIATION WORK GENERALLY?
A mediator is a neutral party trained to help you find your own solutions. A mediator will clarify communication, explore options, and focus the conversation. All parties have an opportunity to express their point of view and participate in the discussion. For many, mediation is a satisfying and affordable means to resolved legal disputes.
WHAT SORTS OF CASES DO YOU OFFER MEDIATION SERVICES FOR?
Port City Legal has an established mediation practice, assisting couples to craft their own divorces and parents to work together to create co-parenting plans for their children. In the emotional area of family law, mediation offers an effective and less expensive approach to those who seek to work together rather than litigate.
Probate administration is another area of the law where emotions run high. Dealing with grief and loss as well as financial expectations and needs, family members sometimes approach probate from very difficult angles. Mediation offers an alternative to the time, money and stress of litigation – and also offers the possibility of reaching agreement and thus salvaging family relationships.
WHERE DOES MEDIATION HAPPEN?
Port City Legal is set up to offer mediation either in person or via Zoom. We prefer Zoom because it allows for a much more dynamic scenario: we are able to set up various “rooms” so that the mediator can work with any of the participants in any configuration: both parties together; privately with each party; with just the attorneys if attorneys are involved, etc. Also, Zoom mediation makes it easier for remote participants to join.
HOW DO I BEST PREPARE FOR MEDIATION?
We counsel participants to make sure they really understand the issues before them and have a sense as to what their goals are. Additionally, recognize that successful mediation typically involves compromise by all parties. Participants should think ahead of time about what constitutes a true “deal-breaker”, what they most value, and what they are willing to give ground on.