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Today's Date: Monday, September 6, 2010
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Mediation
What is Mediation? Mediation is an informal, constructive way of resolving disputes. You and the person (or people) you disagree with sit down with a person who's neutral (the mediator), and the mediator helps you find a solution you can live with. The session is private, and reaching agreement is voluntary (you can back out of the process at any time).
If you resolve your dispute, the agreement is really yours. The mediator only helps you look at the problem in new ways - ways that may offer more options than just one person winning or losing. The mediator's role is to establish an atmosphere that will allow you to communicate openly, but safely and effectively, so that you can find solutions to disputes you thought were insoluble - solutions you might not otherwise have been able to think of.
What Mediation is Not
Mediation is not a legal proceeding. A mediator doesn't take sides and is not a decision maker.Mediation is not the practice of law. You may well benefit from mediation if you are in a legal dispute (mediation may be quicker, cheaper, and more comfortable than going to court), but you should always have your attorney review any agreements you reach.Mediation is not therapy or counseling. Mediation helps people resolve specific disputes and come to specific agreements. How Might Mediation Help You?
Mediation can be used in resolving many different types of disputes, but is most helpful when you have an ongoing relationship with the other person: Are you trying to work out parenting issues with a divorcing spouse?
Is your co-worker driving you up a wall?
Are you having a problem with your landlord?
Did your dentist charge more than you expected to pay?Do you and your spouse disagree over your children's discipline?Are your siblings arguing over who should take in your elderly mother?Are neighbors interfering with your peace?Is your teen always in trouble with the teacher?
Some issues are too important to keep fighting over. Mediation may help you to settle your differences without inflicting unnecessary injury or causing a permanent rift in the relationship.
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Frances P. Allen, MA, LSW
Mediator
Fran Allen is a trained mediator and licensed social worker with a Masters degree in corporate and organizational communication. She provides mediation services for families (including parenting plans during and after divorce), workplaces, and community conflict. She also offers training in communication skills and assists with conflict resolution for agencies, churches and businesses.
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Professionals Serving Children
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