When you call us, an intake worker will take basic information from you, such as names of disputants, contact information for disputants, the issue(s) that must be resolved, and when and where the mediation can be scheduled. There are many neutral sites available throughout the three-county area of this center.

The intake worker then calls the parties, explains the mediation process, and finds out if the parties will agree to mediate and when and where the session could be conveniently held. Mediations may be scheduled as soon as the next day, but often it is best to allow a few days for the parties to prepare for the mediation.

Click Here for "How to Prepare for Mediation".
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At the mediation, the mediator will explain the ground rules and ascertain that the parties agree to the rules and to mediate. Then, the mediator will ask each party — usually beginning with the one who initiated the mediation — to describe the dispute and offer some possible solutions. Following all parties' statements, the mediator may ask clarifying questions or the mediator may outline the issues and begin helping the parties negotiate solutions. The mediator helps the parties to focus on the real issues causing the problem and helps them find fair and workable solutions. When the parties arrive at an agreement, it is put into writing. When all parties sign the agreement, it becomes a legally binding contract.