Mediation is an informal process done in a neutral and private setting with two professionally, trained co-mediators. The mediators will help you talk to each other to clarify goals, gather information, and identify options. It is up to you to decide what will meet your needs as you manage the conflict.

The mediator is a volunteer who has been professionally trained to help you resolve your issue.The mediator will not takes sides, assess blame, or tell you what to do. The mediators will not force you to make a decision.

The mediation process is strictly confidential, except in cases of child abuse, elder abuse, and credible threats of future violence. The mediators will not give information shared in the mediation process with anyone outside the process. Mediation is voluntary. Either participant can end the mediation process at any time and no one can be forced to agree to anything that they do not want.

Mediators conduct a mediation session using the following guidelines:

In Agreement: At the close of the mediation, the mediator, or the participants' attorneys, if any, may record the participants agreement in writing.  In doing so, mediators act as scribes, recording the participants agreement using the participants words.  They do not draft legal agreements. If the mediator writes down the agreement, then the participants will be given the chance to have their legal counsel, if any, review the agreement prior to signing.  A signed agreement may be enforceable as a contract.  If a case is pending in court, the agreement can be entered into a court order by the judge dismissing the case, or incorporated into a judgment by agreement of the participants.

Introduction: The mediator will open a session by describing the process, the ethical duties of neutrality and confidentiality, and the fact that a mediator does not provide advice, direct the participants what to do, or make any decisions.  The participants are reminded that nothing is binding in the mediation until it is reduced to writing and signed by all participants.  The participants are encouraged to have their attorneys, if they are represented, review any agreement before it is signed.

Information Gathering: Mediators ask questions and give the participants the chance to speak their minds and express their views in a safe environment.  The participants have the opportunity to talk to each other and to the mediator.

Issue Identification: The mediator will help the participants identify and clarify the main issues in dispute, as well as the needs and interests of everyone affected by the dispute.  The participants ultimately decide what issues to mediate.

Generating Solutions: Mediation encourages creative problem solving by the participants.  As neutrals, mediators will help the participants try to find workable solutions.  The mediator may also call a caucus, which is when each side to the dispute meets separately, and confidentially, with the mediator.