Mediation and you

Why our mediation services might apply  to you current situation?

Whatever the nature of your conflict or dispute, be it family, workplace, business, commercial, landlord/tenant or simply a misunderstanding between friends, it might be de-escalated and resolved through mediation.

Getting ready for mediation: Before attending a mediation session, make some notes about the nature of your dispute. Summarize how the dispute arose, the key issues in the disagreement and what you would like to see included in a settlement agreement.

During the mediation session, we will create a safe, creative and positive environment to help you separate anger, frustration, resentment, and other negative feelings from your negotiations and provide powerful tools to assist you in building the best possible resolution to your dispute, designed to meet the needs and interests of both parties

Through mediation we will help you find and explore common interests like your children and your mental and physical well-being, to assist you in co-parenting and to minimize the effects of divorce on family members.

We will apply our fees on a flexible scale to make mediation accessible to everyone, regardless of income level.

We have a bilingual team that can serve Spanish speaking couples or family members without the need of translators.

“A Guide to Washington State Courts” define Mediation as:

“Mediation is a confidential, voluntary, non-binding process which uses a neutral third party to guide parties towards a mutually beneficial resolution of their disagreement. Resolutions are created to suit both parties, and may include an agreement not available via the court system. The mediator does not impose his or her will or judgment on the parties but helps them decide for themselves whether to settle, and on what terms. The mediator is a catalyst, helping parties reach agreement by identifying issues, exploring possible bases for agreement, and weighing the consequences of not settling. Mediation works well in one-on-one disputes and in large, multi-group conflicts. It is effective in all types of civil matters, and may occur before or after the filing of a lawsuit. Although attorneys may be present during the mediation process, they are not essential to the process..

 (f) Mandatory Mediation. 

1. Requirement for mandatory mediation. In all cases specified in SPR 94.04(a)  with unresolved issues, both parties all in good faith engage in mediation with a court-approved mediator in an effort to resolve the case, unless waived as set forth herein.  Mediation shall be completed at least 60 days prior to the scheduled trial date.
2. Waiver of Mandatory Mediation.  Mediation shall not be required in the following cases:  
   1. Good Cause.  For good cause shown upon motion and approval by the court, or
   2. Restraining or protection order.
   3. No contact order
   4. Domestic Abuse
   5. Order to require mediation.
3. Settlement conference after mandatory mediation. If, after mediation in good faith or where mediation is not required there remain unresolved issues in any case specified by in SPR 94.04(a), the parties may participate in a settlement conference pursuant to LCR 16(d).
4. Effect on Court Proceedings.
5. Cost of Mediation. Mediators shall be paid by the parties in accordance with the agreement of the parties, or in the absence of agreement, as determined in mediation. 
6. Responsibility for Compliance. The party shall be responsible for arranging for and completing all mediation requirements established under this rule. 
7. Failure to comply with Mandatory Mediation.  Willful refusal to participate in mediation or willful delay in completing mediation may result in a finding of contempt and imposition of sanctions.
8. Approval of mediators. Mediators performing mediation services pursuant to this row must fulfill certain qualifications established by the court.  The court administrator shall maintain a list of such minimum qualifications for distribution to the public. In order to fulfill the mediation requirements of this rules, the parties must use the services of a court-approved mediator.  The court administrator shall maintain a list of approved mediators, either persons or agencies, for distribution to the public. The list shall contain the following information each mediators name organization if any address and telephone number and fee schedule.
9. Selection of Mediator, Right of Mediator to Decline.  The parties met either agreed to a mediator from the court-approved list or the mediator will be determined by use of a strike list. A mediator has the right to decline to serve in a particular case. He declines to serve, the party shop select a different mediator using the same selection process by which the preceding mediator was selected.
10. Authority of Mediator. The mediator has the authority to determine the time, place, manner and duration of mediation. In appropriate cases, the mediator shall have the authority to terminate the mediation prior to completion.
11. Attendance at Mediation.  The parties shall personally attend all mediation sessions unless the mediator permits telephonic or other attendance.  The mediator shall have the authority to require other persons to attend.
12. Declaration of Completion of Mediation. Within 7 days of completion of mediation, a declaration that mediation has been completed shall be filed with the court by the mediator. The mediator shall advise counsil and the parties of the results of mediation in writing. The mediator shall advise the court only whether an agreement has been reached on some or all of the issues.
13. Confidentiality,  (See RCW 5.60.070)  The work product of the mediator and all communications during the mediation shall be privileged and confidential and not subject to compulsory disclosure.  The mediator shall not appear to testify in any Court proceedings.
14. Effective Date. This rule shall apply to all cases described herein filed after January 1, 1997