What is Mediation?

Are you having a conflict with someone? A landlord? An employer or employee? A spouse? Have you considered going to court to have the conflict settled? You may want to consider mediation first.

In 1990, the Georgia Supreme Court established a Commission on Alternative Dispute Resolution to assist in providing "speedy, efficient, and inexpensive resolution of disputes and prosecutions. Mediation is one method of Alternative Dispute Resolution in which a trained neutral (impartial) person facilitates settlement discussions between parties. The neutral attempts to focus the attention on the parties' needs and interests, rather than on their positions. Although in some instances, parties may be court-ordered to attend mediation sessions, any settlement is entirely voluntary. In the absence of a settlement, the parties do not lose their rights to a jury trial.

Mediation not only frees up the court system but also assists parties develop skills in clarifying their perceptions, focus on their needs, generate options, and construct workable agreements - all essential skills in building cooperation and teamwork. Mediation is usually less expensive than going to court.

I am registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution, Registration #1806 in General Mediation and Domestic Relations Mediation, and a member of the Georgia Mediators.