Mediation

Last weekend I attended training classes in Boca Raton, Florida to become a Florida Supreme Court Certified County Court Mediator. Mediation is a process whereby a neutral third person, a mediator, acts to encourage and facilitate the resolution of a dispute between two or more parties. It is an informal process with the objective of helping the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable and voluntary agreement. In mediation, decision making authority rests on the parties.

Many businesses are choosing mediation over court because it is:

• Less expensive and does not require the presence of lawyers.
• Expedient in comparison to litigation.
• User friendly, meaning the process is simple to follow and a mutual agreement is reached. There is no judge deciding for you.
• Confidential and private. Court is very public.

Anyone can hang out a sign and call themselves a mediator. To find one who is qualified and certified for your particular situation:

• Get a referral from someone who has used a mediator.
• Call lawyers in your town and ask them about mediation. Some may perform the service themselves or refer you to people who do.
• Visit the Association for Conflict Resolution at: www.acresolution.org
• Visit a state or local mediation site. In Florida we have the Florida Academy of Professional Mediators www.tfapm.org
• Ask your county court house if they can refer mediators.
  

Do you have a story about mediation you would like to share?