Voluntary Mediation
Experienced Mediators for Voluntary Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
When the parties involved in a dispute are willing to work together to come to terms, pursuing voluntary mediation can be a highly effective approach. By working with a qualified mediator, the parties can thoroughly consider viable settlement options while saving time and avoiding the costs of litigation. While there are no guarantees, voluntary mediation is successful in most cases, as the parties’ agreement to mediate generally sets the stage for good-faith settlement negotiations.
The Essential Role of an Experienced Mediator
With that said, the parties’ choice of mediators can play a critical role in their ability to reach a mutually acceptable settlement.
The mediator’s role is essential. An experienced mediator will carefully consider the issues and evidence underlying the parties’ conflict before shifting focus on conflict resolution. This ensures a custom-tailored approach—which will generally be both more cost-effective and more likely to lead to a favorable result. With a clear understanding of the parties’ dispute, an experienced mediator will then be able to focus on facilitating an amicable outcome, working with the parties to evaluate viable options based on the specific circumstances at hand.
Our Mediators Are Available to Assist with All Types of Civil and Commercial Disputes
Our attorneys serve as mediators for voluntary ADR proceedings involving all types of civil and commercial disputes. When parties agree to participate in mediation, engaging a qualified mediator is a key first step. At Oberheiden P.C., we offer:
- Mediators with Extensive Trial Experience – With extensive experience securing judgments for clients in court, our mediators are well-versed in potential resolutions when cases go before a judge. This informs their approach to helping mediation participants make the process a success.
- Mediators with Experience as Advocates in ADR – Along with extensive trial experience, our mediators also have extensive experience representing clients in ADR proceedings. This, too, informs their approach to helping participants leverage the benefits of mediation.
- A Custom-Tailored Approach to Voluntary Mediation – In all cases, we take a custom-tailored approach to helping parties attempt to settle their differences through the mediation process. Our mediation services are guided by an in-depth understanding of the parties’ dispute in each case.
- A Focus on Helping Parties Make Their Own Decisions – Negotiations are more likely to be successful when the parties make their own decisions. With this in mind, we provide advice, insights, and recommendations that are designed to help the parties decide what is best for themselves.
- Cost-Effectiveness and Strict Confidentiality – Money is often a key factor in parties’ decisions to pursue mediation instead of filing (or defending against) a lawsuit in court. We understand this, and we take a cost-conscious approach to every dispute we mediate. We help ensure that all information disclosed during the mediation process remains strictly confidential as well.
Our process for initiating voluntary mediation is relatively straightforward. Once the parties have entered into a written agreement to mediate, we work with the parties’ respective lawyers to establish a timetable for the mediation. We then request the documents we need to ensure that we are prepared to discuss the parties’ dispute in-depth at the first mediation session. We can attend mediation sessions in person or remotely; and, at the end of the process, we can work with the parties’ lawyers to finalize the terms of their settlement agreement as necessary.
FAQs: Understanding the Voluntary Mediation Process
When is Mediation Viable as a Voluntary Process?
Voluntary mediation is viable when both parties are prepared to come to the table with the goal of reaching a mutual agreement that allows them to resolve their dispute without going to court. Mediation is unique from other forms of dispute resolution in that the parties are not relying on a neutral third party to make decisions for them. So, for the process to be successful, the parties must be willing to consider reasonable options for resolving their differences amicably.
How Much Mediation Time is Required to Resolve a Dispute?
The answer to this question depends on the nature and complexity of the parties’ dispute, among various other factors. Ultimately, however, regardless of how long mediation takes, the process will be quicker and less costly than litigation if it leads to a negotiated settlement.
Do I Need to Schedule One Mediation Session or Multiple Sessions?
The answer to this question also depends on various factors. While some disputes can be resolved over the course of a single mediation session, complex disputes may require multiple mediation sessions for the parties to address all of the various issues involved. When you engage a mediator at Oberheiden P.C., the mediator will be able to assist with developing a schedule that is appropriate to the dispute at hand.
Speak with a Senior Mediator at Oberheiden P.C. for Free
If you would like to speak with a mediator at Oberheiden P.C. about voluntary mediation, we invite you to get in touch. Call 888-680-1745 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation today.
