The Advantages of Using Mediation Services for Dispute Resolution
Whether in marriage or business, any relationship may come to a point when it no longer works and both parties must part ways. Even so, this can be challenging, especially when there are children or financial holdings involved. Even if these agreements are negotiated in court, it could be an expensive and unpleasant experience for all concerned. It is more efficient, cost effective, and, most importantly, less stressful to resolve such disputes through mediation with the assistance of alternative dispute resolution services. These are some of the reasons you should consider using dispute resolution services.
What is a mediation meaning?
A mediation meaning is where each party to a dispute agrees to meet under the supervision of an outside mediator to resolve the disagreement (such as a marital or business dispute). This discussion allows each party to express their views, make recommendations, put forward solutions, and offer concessions. Each side maintains control during the mediation session, and no one is forced to agree to anything they don’t feel happy with. In the event that an agreement cannot be reached, the discussions are conducted without prejudice, so that nothing is repeated in court. After an agreement is reached, the mediator will discuss how the agreement can be legally bound. Alternative options such as arbitration or litigation will be considered by the mediator if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached.
Benefits of alternative dispute resolution services
- Mediation is an effective alternative to court because most cases resolve the same day or within a few days.
- Legal processes can be expensive, so mediation is a cost-effective way to settle conflicts. This is critical given the current economic climate and rising living costs.
- Mediation allows both sides to maintain control throughout the meeting, and no one is forced to agree to anything they do not want to. As a result, everyone is on equal footing when negotiating.
- Compared to judicial processes, mediation provides a greater variety of outcomes and can provide more favourable settlement conditions.
- In case of a trial, all information given during the mediation process will be kept confidential. As a result, there is less risk of humiliation or reputational damage.
- Your meeting can be mediated by anyone you choose depending on the nature of the argument. Depending on whether it is a matter between family members or one regarding intellectual property and financial transactions, the mediator will handle it differently.
- Disagreements can be resolved more amicably through mediation. In the event both parties negotiate and reach an agreement, divorce or separation can be amicable and without bitterness or hostility.
- A judge will likely view you negatively if you refuse mediation and instead approach the court directly. You may be subject to large fees even if you win your lawsuit because you refused to mediate.
- Technology has advanced to the point where you can now use video conferencing programs like Zoom to mediate. The advantage of this is if one side lives at a distance and cannot meet in person.
Types of mediation services
Depending on the type of dispute, there are many different mediation services available:
- Parenting mediation for separated or divorced parents to make arrangements for their children’s welfare and education.
- Property mediation for separating couples to divide their assets and liabilities fairly and cooperatively.
- Business mediation involving employees and stakeholders in order to negotiate and resolve any issues relating to business activities.
- Elder mediation between older adults, family members, caregivers and service providers for the arrangement and negotiation of living arrangements, guardianship and inheritance.
- Community mediation to resolve disputes between neighbours, relatives and friends within the community.
Services offered at East Mediation
Here at East Mediation, we offer the following services:
- Family Mediation Services – By arranging a private meeting with a mediator you can avoid costly and uncomfortable court proceedings. We will arrange a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting between you and your mediator to discuss the mediation process and what you hope to achieve out of it. Once all relevant parties have attended a MIAM, a joint meeting will take place that will allow all parties to discuss and negotiate their cases.
- Shuttle Mediation Services – Where both parties wish to mediate but one or more are unable to attend in person, we can offer shuttle mediation services. After the initial MIAM session, each party will conduct mediation in a similar way to family mediation services, but in separate rooms rather than together in person.
- Hybrid Mediation Services – In certain cases such as inheritance disputes a hybrid mediation service might be the ideal solution. Hybrid mediation services allow you to have a lawyer present in the room if it has been agreed to in advance. If an agreement is reached your lawyer may be able to prepare settlement documents on your behalf.
East Mediation
If you are looking for dispute resolution services that can help you resolve any issues in a timely and cost effective way, then get in touch with us at East Mediation. Take a look at our service page for more information or contact us today.