• Mediation is a process in which two or more people involved in a dispute meet in a private, confidential setting, and with the help of a neutral trained mediator together work out a solution to their problem.
   
• Mediation is an effective, efficient, affordable alternative to litigation for helping people resolve their differences.
   
• Mediation offers the opportunity for parties to participate in resolving their dispute rather than having it resolved for them.
   
• During mediation all parties involved in the dispute explain the problem situation as they see it and present their ideas on how they think the matter can be resolved. Mediators help the disputing parties develop and agree upon a realistic, workable solution to their problem.
   
• Mediators are community volunteers who receive specialized training in conflict resolution techniques and communication skills. A mediator is not a judge; they do not decide who is right or wrong in a disagreement.

Why Should I Use Mediation?

1. The decision making process belongs to you.
    
2. It works. The goal of mediation is to have all the parties arrive at a mutually satisfactory agreement.
    
3. It’s simple and low cost. CMS has a minimum administrative fee of $30 per disputant per mediation.
    
4. It’s quick. Most mediation sessions are scheduled within ten days of both parties agreeing to mediate.
    
5. It’s convenient. Mediations can be held in comfortable settings at locations convenient to participants and at the CMS mediation center in Gaylord on weekdays, Saturdays or evenings to accommodate parties’ schedules.
    
6. It’s private. All discussions related to the subject of the mediation remain confidential and cannot be used in a lawsuit.

What happens if an agreement is not reached?

No one will force you to reach an agreement. If an agreement cannot be reached between the disputing parties, or if one or more of the parties fail to follow through with the mediation session, additional options may include filing a legal case in court, such as a small claims action, a civil suit, or conducting a second mediation session.

Who are the Mediators?

CMS mediators are volunteers who have completed 40 hours of mediation training approved by the Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Office and ten hours of supervised internship. Many CMS mediators have completed additional and extensive training in specialized areas of mediation.

Cases Appropriate for Mediation

A wide variety of cases can be successfully resolved through mediation. CMS typically handles cases involving:

• property issues
• neighborhood issues including property owners associations
• consumer/merchant disputes
• business and contract disputes
• small claims
• landlord/tenant disputes
• custody and parenting time
• victim/youth offender
• guardianship issues
• civil rights issues
• real estate issues
• special education issues
• pre and post divorce property settlement
• other disputes when both sides agree to try mediation.
   

© 2007 Community Mediation Services