What Types Of Disputes Can Be Resolved Through Mediation?

During the mediation session, the disputing parties will meet with a impartial professional, the mediator, in an attempt to reach a mutually acceptable settlement. It does not matter whether liability is admitted or contested, whether the case is not yet filed, in litigation, or on appeal, or whether the case involves a few dollars or millions–mediation has been proven effective in all of these situations. Murray Mediation Group, LLC only works with certified mediators who have many years of experience within all areas of civil litigation or pre-suit disputes.

What Are The Benefits Of Mediation?

Mediation is often an attractive solution as it gives the parties the opportunity to discuss the issues raised in the complaint, identify their priorities and concerns, clear up any misunderstandings, find areas of agreement and, ultimately, incorporate those areas of agreement into a final resolution of the complaint. ​Other benefits of choosing mediation may also include:

1. Informal and Convenient Process. There are no formal rules of evidence and no witnesses. Unlike with a judge or arbitrator, the mediator has no authority to render a decision or force the parties to accept a settlement. Additionally, all of our mediators and staff are currently employing video and telephonic conferencing platforms to allow us to continue helping you to resolve disputes from anywhere virtually.

2. Confidential. Mediation is a strictly confidential process. Our mediators will not disclose any information revealed during the mediation. The sessions are typically not tape-recorded or transcribed. At the conclusion of the mediation, our mediators will shred any notes they took during the mediation session.

3. ​​Quick and Efficient. Mediation generally takes less time to complete, allowing for a more cost-effective solution than what may be possible to achieve solely through through litigation. Early settlement naturally saves the parties litigation expenses and other costs related to the disputeallows the parties the opportunity to decide for themselves on how to resolve their dispute.

How Much Will Mediation Cost?

Our private mediators each set their own respective and competitive rates for mediation, and the total cost will be dependent on the type of case you are seeking to mediate and how much time the mediation takes in total. Our mediator's will be entitled to compensation for all time spent on the case, including but not limited to preparation time, attendance at the mediation session and follow up. All parties will be asked to make an initial deposit toward mediation costs and fees. Any unused portion will be refunded upon conclusion of the mediation and/or the parties will be billed for any remaining balance due. Mediation fees are usually divided equally between the parties, however payment of all fees by one side is not unusual as long as all parties agree. All mediation fees will be due upon receipt of the invoice. Please feel free to contact our office, and we will be happy to assist you with any specific pricing information.

Cancellation Policy

We endeavor to accommodate the schedules of all parties/counsel on all matters for which we are retained to provide mediation services. Once we have set aside your date to the exclusion of all other requests, in the event that the mediation is cancelled for the date reserved for any reason including settlement, or postponed and/or rescheduled there will be a cancellation fee equal to the amount of time reserved unless written notice is given with no less than three (3) complete business days prior to the mediation date.

Preparation for Mediation

Please consider the following:

1. Pleadings - There is generally no requirement for any documents to be sent prior to mediation, however in a more complex case the parties may wish to furnish the mediator with a summary and/or explanatory documents that were prepared for another purpose.

2. Representation - each side must be represented by a person with adequate authority to settle the case. This typically means that clients, business managers, claims representatives, etc., should attend.

3. Sufficient Information - Prior to the mediation, all parties need to have obtained sufficient information to undertake meaningful settlement decisions.

What is Pro-Se Mediation?

Mediation as defined above, except the parties are not represented by attorneys. This method can be used to resolve any type dispute before or after litigation has begun.

What is Arbitration?

Arbitration means a process whereby a neutral or third person or panel, called an arbitrator or arbitration panel, considers the facts and arguments presented by the parties and renders a decision which may be binding or non-binding depending on the circumstance and as provided by statute.