About Mediation

Mediation is a process in which a mediator, an impartial third party, assists parties in resolving a conflict. A mediator facilitates communication between parties while guiding the process in a constructive direction to ensure that the the parties can get their true needs met upon resolution. A mediator helps participants explore options, make decisions and reach their own agreement.

Mediation is a confidential process, in that the happenings within a mediation are to be held in confidence by both the mediator and the participants. Confidentiality in a mediation, however, is not absolute. A mediator from our office, if forced by subpoena or judge’s order, can provide information in a court of law, but it is very rare as the judicial system understands that doing so undermines the mediation process. Another exception to confidentiality is our requirement by the state to report any violence, threats of violence or harm threatened to a third person, including child abuse.