Mediation as an Alternative to Litigation - Pennsylvania Divorce Source

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Mediation as an Alternative to Litigation

Information Provided by: Larry H. Lefkowitz, Esq.

Mediation is a voluntary dispute resolution process designed to bring people in conflict together in a face-to-face meeting to work out solutions to their differences. The meeting is facilitated by a specially trained, neutral third-party called a "mediator." The parties negotiate their own settlements. The mediator does not force them to do anything.

Advantages to Mediation

It is conveniently located
It is informal, inexpensive, and you don't need a lawyer
It offers flexible scheduling, including evenings and Saturdays
If you don't reach an agreement, you can still bring your case to court
It is confidential; there is no public record
Parties are generally more satisfied with settlements they negotiate personally, as opposed to those that are ordered by someone not involved.

Kinds of Cases Settled Through Mediation

Neighborhood Disputes: noise, pets, property lines, harassment, common driveways, nuisances, minor assaults
Family Disputes: parent-child, divorce, separation, child custody, intergenerational, adult guardianship
School-Based Mediations: peer mediation, student-teacher, parent-teacher involving such issues as: truancy, fighting, miscommunication and fair play
Disputes: landlord-tenant, friends and acquaintances, girlfriend-boyfriend, housemates, roommates
Small Claims Disputes: monetary disputes, consumer-repairperson, consumer-mechanic, consumer-merchant
Employment Disputes: co-workers, supervisor-employee, employer-employee involving such issues as: discrimination, salary, promotions, accommodations for employees who are disabled, and disparate treatment