What is mediation?
This is a question we quite often get asked, as this is mostly a new and foreign experience for people. Mediation is a process of dispute resolution where a qualified, impartial third party assists people who are in a dispute to discuss their concerns and find a resolution. We, as the mediator, will assist the parties to talk through the issues in a constructive way with a view to resolve the dispute.
The goal? To reach an agreement that works for both parties and that each party can uphold into the future.
The mediation process
The dispute resolution process of mediation is quite flexible, and no two cases are exactly the same. However, as an indication of what what generally happens in mediation, read on!
Step 1 – Identifying the need for mediation.
This is the part where you approach us!
Step 2 – One-on-one preparation meetings
We meet with each of the parties to dive deeper into the dispute and identify what outcomes each party is seeking.
Step 3 – Mediation meeting
The mediation meeting is where the two parties meet to discuss the issues and seek a resolution. Generally speaking, there are a few phases to a successful mediation meeting.
Phase 1: Agree on the ground rules
Phase 2: Allow each person their opportunity to speak and discuss their issues.
Phase 3: Clarify the priority issues for discussion to create an agenda.
Phase 4: Explore each of these issues in turn.
Phase 5: Identify options for agreement and discuss these.
Phase 6: Discuss and decide on outcomes.
Step 4 – Agreement and certificates
After the joint mediation meeting, an agreement should be reached. There is a high rate of resolution at this stage of mediation, as the next steps are to go to court.
If an agreement is reached, each party signs a document and receives a certificate to signify that the dispute has been resolved.
And it’s as easy as that! Here at Blue Horizon Counselling and Mediation, it is our goal to make things as easy and satisfying as reasonably possible. If you want mediation made easy, we’re your team!
The types of matters suitable for mediation
Personal Injury
Why should I engage a mediator?
Attending mediation with the objective of reaching an agreement with the other party involved in your issue offers many advantages, such as:
you are able to make your own decisions and have control over the outcome
you greatly reduce the financial and emotional costs of legal proceedings
your continuing relationship with the other party is likely to work better
you are able to move forward with a practical outcome
you may improve communication with the other party and be better able to resolve disputes should they arise in the future
your quality of life can significantly improve
Please call us on 0403 866 997 to discuss your mediation needs today.