Mediation
what is mediation?
Mediation is a private process where a neutral third person, a mediator, assists the parties in discussing their differences and possible resolutions. The parties are able to have discussions as a group and individually with the mediator to share any related information. The mediator is able to facilitate conversations that lead to amenable resolutions for all parties.
It is an affordable, timely, private, and confidential process that can occur prior to any lawsuit being filed, during a court proceeding, or that is required by the court system once a complaint has been filed.
What to expect
- Our mediation sessions are booked for a minimum of four (4) hours.
- We begin mediation with a review of the rules and the mediation process. We review the items that we are here to resolve today.
- The parties are given an opportunity to share their perspective of why they are here and how they got here.There are opportunities to discuss each item individually as well as collective resolutions. As any agreement comes forward, the parties are given space and time to think about the offer, make sure that everyone has the same understanding and time to document and sign the agreed upon terms.
There are opportunities to discuss each item individually as well as collective resolutions. As any agreement comes forward, the parties are given space and time to think about the offer, make sure that everyone has the same understanding and time to document and sign the agreed upon terms.
Managing Expectations
- Mediation only works if all parties are willing to participate and show a good faith effort.
- The mediator commits to being a neutral and impartial party during the entire process.
- We expect individuals to share if they have any questions or concerns about the process.
- We expect everyone to be honest with what they share and what they need. If a party needs private time with the mediator, please let us know.
- While we know emotions are normally high and are part of the process, we expect everyone to be respectful of one another.
- We expect every participant to hold all things discussed in mediation in confidence.
- We expect attorneys to help prepare their clients for mediation and let us know if they need any assistance with tips to share.
Communication Policy
Preferred Methods of Communication in Order of Importance:
1 – Emails:
Typically, I check and respond to emails either once or twice a day between 10 – 10:30am and 3:00 – 3:30pm. Having this scheduled time allows me to have uninterrupted dedicated time to work on cases, make court ceremonies, conduct mediations and attend any meetings outside the office as needed.
Normal response time is typically 1-2 business days, or sooner if time allows. Any emails will be addressed during normal business hours.
2 – Phone Calls
We typically do not accept unscheduled phone calls as our days are planned with work, meetings, court appearances, mediations and consultations. Instead, we encourage you to leave a message that includes your email address so that we can respond with any information you may need.
We believe that your time is valuable as well. When we accept your case, you are provided a link to schedule your meditations.
Scheduled conversations ensure that we are both available to discuss your needs and provide undivided attention to do so. Please see your welcome email if you need access to the schedule link again.
client responsibilities
We believe in treating you the way we want to be treated. Please be sure that you respond to your emails in a timely fashion, as all letters, contracts and other information for mediation will be received in this manner.
A minimum of 72 hours/3 business days (whichever is greater) is required for all cancellations and rescheduling. Please remember that we have reserved this time specifically for you and therefore, have denied any other requests.
Please arrive on time to mediation and be prepared to stay for our entire reserved time.
Operations Policy
Hours of Operation:
Our business hours are Mondays – Thursdays 9:00am – 5:00pm and Fridays 9:00am – 1:00pm.
We have limited Saturday morning mediations available from 9am – 1pm. If you desire one of these spaces, please email us for availability.
Holidays:
Our office is closed for all Federal and State Holidays. We are also closed the week of Thanksgiving, the last two weeks of each year and the first week of every year for Christmas and New Year’s.
Contact Information:
Email: Syrena@SyrenaWilliams.com
Telephone: (919) 907 – 3009
Booking Your Mediation
Click here to review the Mediation Onboarding Guide.
If we do not have any conflicts with any of the persons involved, everyone will receive an email with a link to select a day and time for mediation. Once selected, we will begin the process to get you to a palatable solution.
Thank you for trusting us during this process!