Mediation

Divorce mediation still feels like a new idea in some parts of the country, but it's increasingly well-known and widely accepted. Mediation means different things to different people. In the form I recommend, you and your spouse would sit down in the same room with each other and with a neutral mediator. With the mediator's help, you would work through all the issues you need to resolve so the two of you can get through your divorce.

Comprehensive information about mediation and mediators.

Find out what can be mediated, how to mediate, why mediation should be considered, lawyers and mediation and more.

This mediation and dispute resolution resources site contains substantial on-line materials for alternative dispute resolution and mediation.

What is mediation? Is mediation some sort of legal proceeding? When can I use mediation? Will a mediator decide who wins? If a court sends me to mediation, does that make it different?

Everything from defining mediation, to guidelines for choosing a mediator. An international searchable directory with links to mediator's web pages.

Strategic management of organizational conflict, conflict management and mediation training. Organizational and human resource development consulting.

Mediation Works Incorporated is dedicated to providing innovative dispute resolution services and training to corporate, institutional and individual clients seeking to resolve difficult disputes.

Role of the Mediator - Mediation leaves the decision power totally and strictly with the parties. The mediator does not decide what is "fair" or "right," does not assess blame nor render an opinion on the merits or chances of success if the case were litigated. Rather, the mediator acts as a catalyst between opposing interests attempting to bring them together by defining issues and eliminating obstacles to communication, while moderating and guiding the process to avoid confrontation and ill will. The mediator will, however, seek concessions from each side during the mediation process.

Circuit Court Judges trained in mediation and settlement conference skills.

The National Mediation Board (NMB), established by the 1934 amendments to the Railway Labor Act of 1926, is an independent agency that performs a central role in facilitating harmonious labor-management relations within two of the nation's key transportation modes--the railroads and airlines. Pursuant to the Railway Labor Act, NMB programs provide an integrated dispute resolution process to effectively meet the statutory objective of minimizing work stoppages in the airline and railroad industries. The NMB's integrated processes specifically are designed to promote three statutory goals: The prompt and orderly resolution of disputes arising out of the negotiation of new or revised collective bargaining agreements; The effectuation of employee rights of self-organization where a representation dispute exists; and The prompt and orderly resolution of disputes over the interpretation or application of existing agreements.

If you've given up on negotiating a settlement of your dispute directly with the other party, mediation may be the best way to solve it. Compared to a lawsuit, mediation is quick, private, fair, and inexpensive. And, if your dispute is with someone that you’ll need (or want) to deal with in the future -- such as an employer, landlord, neighbor, or co-parent -- mediation will help you resolve your disagreement without destroying your relationship.