How Mediation Works

What are the steps involved in mediating, who can benefit from mediation, and more

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential, no-cost process in which a third party, the mediator, assists you and others involved in having a conversation about how to resolve the issues between you.

As the mediator supports your conversation, you get clearer about what's going on for you as well as a better sense of what's going on for the other person. The information and perspectives that are shared can help you figure out next steps and, often, agree on some or all of the issues involved.

Most mediations begin when one person involved calls CDRC for help. Staff describes the mediation process and timeline, answers any questions you may have and gets basic information about the situation from your perspective as well as the names and contact information of others who are involved.

Not all parties involved need to agree to mediate before CDRC is contacted. After one person has contacted the agency, staff will reach out to others involved and encourage them to give mediation a try. Once everyone involved has agreed, staff schedule a mediation session at a time and date convenient to all. A two-hour block is set aside for the mediation, with the option of scheduling another session if needed.

Mediators will support you in having the most productive conversation you can. You'll decide what to talk about, what guidelines, if any, will help you communicate and whether or not there are agreements to be made. If you reach an agreement, you'll decide whether or not to write it down.

So, if you're having trouble talking things through, contact us to explore mediation as an option. Remember, there is no cost to you. To learn more about mediation from those who have experienced it, please see Mediation Stories.