MEDIACIĆN
To learn more about what mediation is, how it works, and why it is an effective option for resolving a wide range of disputes, please read the information on this page. Or click the link below to request mediation now.
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What is Mediation?
In mediation, a neutral and impartial person (the mediator) helps the parties to reach an agreement that everyone is satisfied with. Mediation is informal, voluntary, and confidential. The process gives the parties the opportunity to discuss the disagreement, clear up misunderstandings, determine underlying interests or concerns, and draft an agreement. Any agreement reached in mediation is the agreement of all parties. Agreements are written and signed and may be filed as an enforceable contract, which means you can use it in court later if you need to.
What Can be Mediated?
Hereās how mediation can help in many different situations.Ā You can come to mediation whether the issue has already been filed in court or not.
Estabilidad de la vivienda
The rentās not paid? The promised new carpet never happened?Ā More residents than the lease allows? When either the tenant or the landlord is unhappy about something the other one did or didnāt do, formal eviction is not the only way. Learn more about housing mediation here.Ā Landlord-tenantĀ / tenant-tenant mediation is currently free.Ā
DivorcioĀ
Going through a divorce is difficult and stressful. The thought of taking personal issues to trial makes it worse. Trained mediators at NMC work with both parties to resolve disagreements in a collaborative and peaceful manner.
Planes de parentalidad
Trained mediators at NMC help parents develop a collaborative and child-centered parenting plan. Whether you need to create a new parenting plan or update your current one, mediation provides a cooperative atmosphere to resolve your issues and move forward, focused on your children.
Empresas
Tanto si tiene un problema con el negocio de al lado como si necesita cambiar una asociaciĆ³n empresarial, la mediaciĆ³n puede ayudarle. Un mediador puede ayudarle a resolver los problemas para que pueda mantener buenos negocios y relaciones comerciales productivas.Ā
Cuestiones relacionadas con la vejez (incluida la tutela y la sucesiĆ³n)
Disputes about how to care for elderly family members, or how to distribute their assets when theyāve passed, can cause strife among family members. Mediation can help families make cooperative agreements to stop or prevent fights about elder issues.
FacilitaciĆ³n de grupos
Non-profits, agencies, committeesāwhenever we join together, conflicts can pull us apart. Or they can help us grow stronger and more united. When conflict threatens to stop a group in its tracks, inviting a qualified group facilitator to the tableāa BIG tableācan be the starting point for growth. A trained group facilitator can also help you put together a collaborative strategy for the future.
Otros
ĀæProblemas con empleados o jefes? ĀæProblemas para hablar con tu hijo adolescente? ĀæProblemas contractuales? ĀæProblemas con vecinos? ĀæAlgo mĆ”s? Si tiene un conflicto que no se menciona aquĆ, es probable que podamos mediar. LlĆ”menos o envĆenos un mensaje para informarse.
ĀæPor quĆ© mediar?
ā1. Mediation is Fair and Neutral.
Parties have an equal say in the process and they decide the terms of the agreement. Mediation can be used to negotiate disagreements that are not appropriate for court.
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2. Mediation Saves Time and Money.
Mediation can be used to resolve most disputes: monetary, personal, family or other. Attorneys are not necessary for mediation and are often discouraged, allowing the parties to save money and to have a direct voice in the agreement. Mediation can often be scheduled within a few days of request and the cost is based on a sliding fee scale.
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3. Mediation, Not Litigation.
Mediation can be used as an initial attempt at agreement before going to court, or it may be used as the only avenue in certain disputes. A settlement reached in mediation can eliminate the need for litigation and the uncertainty of a judicial decision. The parties draft their own agreement which may be legally binding.
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4. La mediaciĆ³n es confidencial.
Todas las partes firman un acuerdo de confidencialidad en el que se establece que todo lo tratado en la mediaciĆ³n es confidencial.
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5. Mediation Fosters Cooperation.
Mediation fosters problem-solving and invites cooperation. This is especially important where the preservation of a relationship is critical, which may occur between co-parents, neighbors, family members, co-workers, and landlords and tenants.
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6. La mediaciĆ³n mejora la comunicaciĆ³n.
La mediaciĆ³n proporciona una resoluciĆ³n segura, neutral y mutuamente satisfactoria, que permite preservar la relaciĆ³n.
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7. Mediation Allows You to Design Your Own Solution.
A neutral third party assists the parties in reaching a voluntary, mutual resolution.
8. Mediation can resolve important underlying issues of the dispute.
Mediation can help you understand and talk about the root cause of a dispute, not just the dispute itself.
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9. With Mediation, Everyone Wins.
An independent survey showed 96% of all respondents and 91% of all initiating parties who used mediation would use it again.ā
How To Prepare for Mediation
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Be prepared to express your wants and needs.
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The mediator cannot advocate for anyone.
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You can have a support person present if the other party agrees. You can also request a break during mediation and call or text someone for advice or support.
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Make sure you have read the Agreement to Mediate.
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Be prepared to work in good faith ā come with an open mind and a willingness to work together toward an agreement.
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Bring receipts, references, etc.
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If financial issues are involved, bring material to support your points, like pay stubs if you are discussing a repayment plan with your landlord.
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But keep in mind that mediation is not about proving who is objectively right, so while documents can help, they are not required and will not be necessary like they might be in court.
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Know your rights and responsibilities.
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If you have an attorney, consult with them. If you do not have an attorney, check out websites like WA Law Help.
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Watch for meeting information and links 2-3 days before your mediation.
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We will send you general info, meeting links, and more via email.
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If you have not received emails, please contact us so we can ensure we have the right email address.
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If you do not have an email address, notices will be sent via USPS mail.
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What is the mediation process like?
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The mediator will explain the mediation process and expectations of everyone.
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You and the other parties will give a short summary of why you are here and what issues you want to discuss.
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You and the other parties will discuss the issues. The mediator will keep things on track and ensure the conversation remains productive.
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If there is something you want to tell the mediator but not the other parties, you can request a caucus at any time. The caucus is confidential unless you give permission to discuss what you said with the other parties.
More Info
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How much does it cost?
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NMC uses a sliding scale to determine cost. You may pay as little as $10 an hour for mediation at NMC. Please see our Costs page for more information.
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How long does it take?
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It depends, but we book mediations in two-hour blocks, so set that much time aside. If you want to continue past those two hours, we can usually continue it right then. We can also make another appointment if needed.
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Can the results of mediation be used in court?
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An agreement reached in mediation can be used in court.
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Whether or not mediation occurred can be used.
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The actual events of the mediation cannot be used.
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What training do mediators have?
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All mediators at NMC have taken at least 40 hours of mediation training and completed a practicum and evaluation (our practicum program is approved by Washington Mediation Association). Family mediators at NMC take an additional 20 hours of training in family mediation.
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Contact us to start the mediation process today.āāā
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Once you request mediation, we'll reach out for intake. To prepare for intake with Northwest Mediation Center,Ā please have the following info ready:
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Your name, address, phone and email
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Contact info for the other parties
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Nombre de su abogado (si lo tiene)
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Your gross yearly income, for determination of your rate (see the 'Costs' section for more info)
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Fechas u horas, durante el horario laboral habitual, en las que podrĆa participar en la mediaciĆ³n
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What kind of conflict it is (for example, parenting plan, divorce,Ā landlord/tenant, etc.)
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Or reach us at one of these:
509-456-0103Ā
info@nwmediationcenter.comĀ
contact formĀ
to begin the process or get more info.
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Northwest Mediation Center does not provide legal advice. Ā NMC always recommends that each party consult an independent attorney regarding her/his legal rights and responsibilities, to help make fully-informed decisions in mediation.
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Haga clic en estos enlaces para obtener informaciĆ³n jurĆdica sobre "estudios independientes":