What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process of working with conflicted parties in an attempt to  seek a resolution. Often times a court may require disputed parties to participate in mediation or alternative dispute resolution sessions in an attempt to try and get the parties to resolve the dispute, thus not having it process through the court system. Mediators, also known as Neutrals, facilitate these processes with an objective and unbiased approach.

What is a Registered Neutral?

A Registered Neutral is an individual that has received the required training as outlined with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution.  This training enables the individual to provide mediation services at various levels within the legal system, thereby, a Registered Neutral is also a Mediator. In many cases attorneys are also mediators, however, in Georgia having a background in law is not a requirement for providing mediation services.

How much does mediation cost?

Mediation services are typically provided for on an hourly basis. The hourly rate can range from $100 to $400 per hour or more depending  on the mediator and type of case. There is typically a minimum number of hours applied to the hourly rate, such as a 2 hour minimum.  At Settle Your Conflict we only handle General Civil Cases and we charge a rate of $150 per hour with a 2 hour minimum. 

Do I have to use a court appointed mediator?

In most court jurisdictions you may choose your own mediator as long as both parties agree, and the mediator is registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. Gary, the mediator for Settle Your Conflict is a Registered Neutral. In more complex cases the court may require that they assign the mediator.

How are mediations done?

Traditionally, mediations were performed at an office where both parties met and the mediator hosted or facilitated the meeting. They are still performed that way in some cases, however, many are performed via remote video or by email. Technology today as allowed for the remote aspect to become more useful which helps all parties with scheduling. Settle Your Conflict uses video and email to facilitate mediations. 

Do I need an attorney to go to a mediation?

Attorneys are not required to attend the mediation, however they are welcome if your attorney is advising that they attend. In General Civil Cases, sometimes when the two conflicted parties are able to directly participate in the mediation process, the resolution can be reached quicker and easier than having additional parties in the mediation. 

What is "General Civil Mediation"? 

This is the type of mediation that handles civil cases in the areas of commerce, contracts, debts, property, real estate, and construction. The other type of mediation process in Georgia is called "Domestic and Family Mediation", this area covers divorces, child custody, and other family related matters. 

Settle Your Conflict only practices in the "General Civil Mediation" area.