Mediation in Weatherford, Texas. I’ve decided or have been court ordered to do it; now what?
The first question you might ask is what is mediation?
Mediation is a process in which a neutral individual is selected by both parties to settle a dispute. A mediator helps the parties in settlement discussions and attempts to have the parties negotiate a resolution to an dispute. Mediation offers the freedom for creative solutions that are individualised to the participants situation.
Do I need an attorney?
An attorney is not always necessary in the mediation process, but you can have one.
Is Lee Counseling Service a law office?
No, we are Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC’s) who are specifically trained to help disputing parties reach a resolution. By exploring the strengths and weaknesses of each party’s position and defusing the parties emotions, the mediator establishes a relationship of understanding and trust. The end result is usually a settlement.
Why do I want to mediate instead of litigate?
Litigation is an expensive process. Lawyers have to perform pretrial discovery, file motions and find expert witnesses which cost you a lot of money and time . Parties may wait months or years on a crowded docket before the matter comes to trial and when you do get to go to trial the judge looks at your attorney’s and tells them to mediate a solution. In litigation, you have less of a voice about the resolution to the issue and the resolution is solely determined by the law. Where as with mediation, a neutral party will spend time listening to both sides without interruption, help to see additional contributing circumstances, and offer the freedom of helping the parties find a creative solution that can feel good to all involved.
Is mediation faster than trial?
Yes, Lee Counseling Services can usually begin the process within two weeks of contact. The mediation process usually takes about a day. Once an agreement has been made a document is usually drafted with input of both parties and signed.
Is mediation confidential?
Yes, mediations are confidential matters between the parties. Unlike a lawsuit, they are not matters of public record. All records are destroyed and the mediator cannot be subpoenaed to court.
Cost of mediation?
Mediations arranged through LCS are typically either half-day sessions (four hours), six-hour sessions or full-day sessions (eight hours). Morning mediations are scheduled from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Six-hour mediations are scheduled from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Afternoon mediations are scheduled from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Full-day mediations are scheduled from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Mediation Fees
Half-day session—$200 per participant or party
Six-hour session—$300 per participant or party
Full-day session—$400 per participant or party
Two-hour session—$100 per participant or party