Mediation offers the opportunity to work with a neutral third party to help resolve a wide range of differences. Mediation provides a safe and confidential environment in which to explore a variety of options to settle disputes.

Considering the high costs of litigation or the even higher costs of leaving problems unresolved, mediation can be a cost effective solution. Unlike litigation, where a judge makes a decision about the outcome of your dispute, mediation offers the parties the opportunity to control their own fate by crafting their own solution.

In addition, mediation can be used in complex cases to resolve specific issues without incurring high legal fees. For example, when two business partners recently decided to go their separate ways, mediation offered them an effective way to work out many of the details before having their attorneys draw up the necessary documents to sell the business to one of the partners. In family court cases, mediation can provide a safe venue to discuss property settlements in a non-adversarial environment.

The mediator is trained to help both parties clarify their needs and develop options. Mediations can take place in a single session or multiple sessions can be scheduled if needed. In addition, the mediation can result in a written agreement that both parties sign.

Please contact me if you think mediation is something you would like to try. I’m happy to provide a confidential consultation at no cost.

 “Mary is very adept in parsing out the positions and interests of the disputants.  Her ability to gently guide them through the mediation process, such that they are able to experience the paradigm shifts necessary to even consider resolution of their differences, makes her a very effective mediator.”  - Karen Thompson, N.C. Lifeline, Dispute Resolution Program Supervisor