Mediation is a process in which an impartial and trained individual helps people to reach a resolution of a legal dispute or claim voluntarily, without the cost of filing and pursuing a lawsuit. Mediation is a type of “alternative dispute resolution” – a formalized method by which you attempt to settle your lawsuit before going to trial.
Mediation can be used to resolve disputes of any magnitude. Instead of asking a judge to make a decision in court, parties in conflict meet with a trained mediator who helps them communicate with one another and, if possible, reach an agreement that everyone involved can agree on.
Our firm will guide you through the mediation process, making sure you understand exactly what to expect at every stage. For more information about our mediation practice, please contact our office.
Attorney Robert Haskins is an experienced, certified mediator. He has been certified by the Mediation Center of Dutchess County as a Transformative Mediator and has also served on their Board of Directors.
The mediator will ask their client what their desired outcome would be to remedy the situation. Answers may include:
- Avoid lawsuit
- Restore reputation
- Receive an apology
- Hear other party admit responsibility
- Receive financial compensation
- Find common ground
- Come up with a solution
- Reach a settlement
- Agree on next steps to solve the problem
There may be a full range of outcomes, from a full settlement to an agreement to gather more information and move forward.
Benefits of mediation:
- Clients feel they had a say
- Clients feel they controlled the conversation
- Clients feel they have been active participants
- Clients feel they have chosen next step for themselves