What is mediation?
A neutral third party, the mediator, assists 2 or more parties in achieving an agreement that will satisfy the common interests of the parties. Those seeking mediation are attempting to find a positive solution, preferably with long-term agreement, by having mediation intervene to reach such a consensus.
Who needs mediation?
Our highly trained staff is committed to seeking resolution to what can become highly volatile, emotional situations. Especially when there are children, individuals and couples often find themselves overwhelmed with the minutia rather than focusing on the big picture. In many cases, the legal system is heavily overloaded and resolution takes much longer than anticipated. At Sharp Focus Centers, assisting individuals, couples and families in reaching a mutual agreement is of paramount importance. While we are not attorneys or judges, we offer our services to enhance and assist the process of amicable resolution. The sooner all parties can settle their conflicts, the sooner everyone is able to move forward productively.
What happens in a mediation?
Generally speaking, no matter who performs the mediation services, there are several common elements to a mediation:
1. a clarification of the interests, concerns and objectives of all parties
2. evaluations of the respective concerns
3. presentation to all parties of possible solutions
4. formalization of mutual agreements into written form
What mediators do not do:
- Mediators are not Emissaries
. It is not the job of mediators to pass messages between individuals who are not able to communicate. Mediators work to establish the trust and common ground to allow communication to happen.
- Mediators are not
Private Investigators. Mediators do not "work for you," nor will they work to build a case against someone. Mediators will examine the facts surrounding the dispute in an attempt to understand what each party is looking for and to determine what may end the dispute.
Mediators are not Advocates. Mediators will not take sides or promote one person's point of view or request over those of another person
Is mediation expensive?
In many cases, insurance companies will pay all or a portion of the fees. In other instances, reimbursement becomes part of the final court settlement. Most importantly, at Sharp Focus it is our belief that monies spent on resolving an issue rather than wasting time in & out of court, are well worth the investment. Additionally, the counseling and education services we also have available can prove invaluable as you move forward with your life.
