Mediation
Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process that helps resolve disputes with the assistance of a trained team of mediators. Unlike litigation, which often focuses on adversarial positions, mediation fosters collaboration, helping the parties involved communicate openly and effectively. Mediators guide the process by:
Clarifying issues: Helping each party express their concerns and what matters most to them.
Exploring options: Encouraging creative solutions that benefit all parties involved.
Reaching agreements: Ensuring that any agreements made are realistic, and sustainable over time.
Mediation is a confidential process, meaning that anything discussed during the session cannot be shared without the consent of all parties. It is voluntary—each party can choose whether or not to participate, and they can end the mediation at any time. The mediators’ role is to ensure that the process remains safe, respectful, and impartial.
Our trained mediators can help resolve conflicts in various areas, including, but not limited to:
- Neighbor-Neighbor
- Divorce and Family
- Landlord-Tenant
- Consumer-Merchant
- Real Estate
- Condominium
- Civil Rights
- Parenting Plans
How to Schedule a Mediation
- Complete the online intake form or call our case manager at (808) 885-5525.
- Intake Process: Answering the intake questions typically takes between 20 to 25 minutes. You will provide basic information about your case, including the names and contact details of the other participant(s). This allows our case manager to reach out to assess their willingness to participate in mediation.
- Agreement to Mediate: Once all participants confirm their willingness to mediate and complete their intake forms, we will schedule the mediation session at a mutually agreeable time. Please note that scheduling may take up to 8 weeks.
What to Expect at Your Mediation Session
Two Mediators: You and the other party will each have the guidance of two neutral mediators who facilitate the process.
Joint Session: All participants generally begin in the same room for an initial discussion, where the mediators set the ground rules for the session and outline the process.
Private Sessions: Following the joint session, the mediators will conduct private sessions with each party. During these private meetings, participants can speak confidentially with the mediators while the other party waits outside. This allows for open discussion of sensitive issues and can help foster productive conversations.
Drafting the Agreement: If an agreement is reached, the mediators will draft a written agreement based on the outcomes of the session. Each participant will have the chance to review and sign the agreement. Before signing, participants may review the agreement with a qualified advisor (such as an attorney, if necessary).
Confidentiality in Mediation
Confidentiality is one of the cornerstones of the mediation process. All parties, including mediators, sign a confidentiality pledge before the mediation session begins. This ensures that anything discussed during mediation cannot be disclosed to others without the consent of the participants. You can view a copy of the pledge here
Cost of Mediation
Our mediation services are affordable and designed to accommodate a wide range of financial circumstances. We operate on a sliding scale, which takes into account each participant’s annual income to determine the appropriate fee. Here are the typical costs for mediation:
District Court Cases: Some district court-referred cases are eligible for free mediation services.
Session Fees: Fees range from $70.00 to $485.00 per session. Sessions last up to 3 hours.
Financial Hardships: If you are experiencing financial hardship, we are committed to working with you.
Why Mediate with WHMC?
Cost-Effective: Mediation is often a more affordable alternative to litigation.
Faster Resolution: Mediation can often resolve disputes more quickly than the court process.
Preserving Relationships: Mediation fosters a cooperative environment and can help maintain or rebuild relationships between parties, which is especially important in family or neighbor disputes.
Confidentiality: Mediation provides a safe, private space for individuals to share their concerns and seek resolution.
Empowerment: Participants have control over the outcome, creating agreements that are mutually beneficial.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward resolving your dispute, please reach out today. Whether you need more information or are ready to schedule a mediation session, we’re here to help.
To schedule a mediation, complete our online intake form or call our case manager at (808) 885-5525. We look forward to assisting you.