For clients & unrepresented parties

Every mediation is a little different, but the basic goal is the same: to give you an opportunity to shape your own outcome rather than leave the decision entirely to someone else.

Some mediations begin with everyone together. Others begin in separate rooms. Most involve a series of conversations among you, your attorney if you have one, the other side, and me.

We will discuss the issues and risks, explore possible settlement options, and work toward helping everyone make informed decisions about what comes next.

You do not have to accept a settlement. A court, program, or agreement may require participation in mediation, but the decision whether to agree to a resolution remains with the parties, subject to applicable rules.

Settlement is often the goal, and I will work hard to help you reach one if it makes sense. My job is to help you understand your options so you can make an informed decision.

A mediator is not a judge and does not decide who is right.

My role is to help the people involved understand the issues, evaluate risk, explore options, and communicate more effectively. That may mean listening, asking difficult questions, helping someone think through a proposal, or taking a break when the conversation needs one.

I am there to help you make the best decision you can, not to make the decision for you.

Most people arrive at mediation believing they are right. Part of my role is helping everyone understand the strengths and weaknesses of the situation as completely as possible.

Understanding another person’s perspective is not the same as agreeing with it. It is often part of evaluating your options realistically.

That is okay. People often arrive carrying months or years of stress, uncertainty, frustration, or financial pressure.

Emotion does not mean you are doing mediation wrong. It may tell us something important about the dispute or what is making movement difficult. My role is to help us understand it, keep the conversation productive, and support thoughtful decision-making.

Mediation is generally treated as a confidential process, but the precise rules can depend on applicable law, the governing forum or program, and the parties’ agreement. Ask your attorney about how those rules apply to your matter.

When I meet privately with one side, I will not share information with the other side unless I have permission to do so. That allows people to ask questions and explore options candidly.

Not every mediation ends with a signed agreement that day. Sometimes people need more information or time to think about what they have learned.

Even without an immediate settlement, mediation may clarify the issues, narrow disagreements, or identify a path forward. Many matters settle days or weeks later.

If you have an attorney, talk together beforehand about your goals, concerns, and questions. If you are representing yourself, gather the information you need and consider seeking independent legal advice when appropriate.

Think about what you hope will happen and what you may be willing to consider if the conversation takes an unexpected direction. You do not need to use perfect legal language; I would rather understand the dispute in your own words.

Not necessarily. Some mediations include joint conversations; others take place almost entirely in separate rooms.

The format depends on the case and the people involved. I will not surprise you with a group conversation or force a conversation that makes you feel unsafe.

Come prepared to ask questions. Say when you do not understand something, need time to think, or believe an important part of the dispute has not been understood.

Mediation works best when people actively participate rather than feeling like something is happening to them. Use your mediator: the more I understand your concerns, priorities, and questions, the more helpful I can be.