Experienced Mediation Services in Palm Beach County
In the past, many with entrenched disputes have utilized the courts as a means to secure resolution and justice. However, there has been cause for concern about the reliability and fairness of the courts, something which has led many to turn to mediation as a viable alternative. Listed below are some of the advantages inherent in the mediation process along with an explanation of why disputing parties ought to give it some real consideration.
Using Mediation To Resolve Disputes in Palm Beach County
In essence, mediation represents an informal process for dispute resolution characterized by privacy and a lack of the drama so commonly seen in court proceedings. In mediation settings, the parties come together, either with or without representation, before a mutually-selected mediator. The individual chosen will be an unbiased, fully independent person with no interest whatsoever in the specific outcome reached. This individual serves as an intermediary charged with bringing about final settlement of the outstanding issues. It should be noted, though, that the parties themselves are the only ones able to effect an ultimate resolution, as opposed to a jury or a judge in a conventional court setting.
In order for a mediation process to be effective, the parties need to think about the following critical factors:
- Preparation
When it comes time to attend the mediation, both parties need to be fully prepared to present any available evidence in support of their position. If present, attorneys will have the opportunity to present any law that lends credence to their client’s position. - Candor
Both parties must be willing to reveal the complete set of facts to the chosen mediator. This information will be entirely confidential, and a failure to provide it to the mediator can result in a flawed process. - Patience
The process of mediation may require several days or even weeks to complete, depending on how complicated the issues are and how willing each side is to come to final agreement. Thus, anyone entering into mediation will need to keep this in mind and remain patient for things to run their course. - Amenability To Compromise
Those involved in a mediation process should not view it as a zero sum game where there are clear winners and losers. Mediation requires some give and also some take. By agreeing to mediate in the first place, the parties are essentially acknowledging that litigation brings its own set of risks and that in order to steer clear of a trial, a willingness to compromise is essential.
These facets of the process could be considered as integral to mediation. Inability or unwillingness to accept them is likely to ruin the entire effort. The opportunity mediation offers parties to resolve disputes amicably is invaluable and must not be overlooked.
Here Are 5 Reason to Choose Mediation in Palm Beach County
- Mediation Is Faster Than The Trial Process
Most mediation processes last just a couple of hours, though more complicated case may require additional days or perhaps weeks. However, it should be noted that using the courts to resolve a dispute could take years, not including the time required for an appeal to be heard. - Cost-Effectiveness Of Mediation vs. going to Trial
In contrast to conventional litigation, mediation is extremely cost effective. Litigants in a traditional court case will have to pay court costs, attorney fees and the like, whereas those involved in mediation will have to pay just one half of the mediator’s fee. - Informality of Mediation vs. Court Proceedings
Mediation allows parties to avoid the more restrictive formal rules of a court case, something most find attractive. Parties are permitted to express ideas, opinions and facts without being bound by traditional rules of evidence. They must simply follow the rules outlined by the mediator at the beginning of the process. Also, relationships between the parties stand a much better chance of being preserved, as mediation is far less adversarial than a typical trial. - Confidentiality Of Information
Mediation processes are strictly confidential. Attorneys or parties are forbidden from revealing what occurred at a mediation session. Also, the mediator is strictly bound by privilege rules and cannot disclose the content of a mediation session unless granted approval by the parties. - Flexible Process Benefiting Both Sides
In a court case, all power to determine the outcome of a dispute is relinquished to the jury or the presiding judge. However, in mediation, both parties retain a significant amount of control over how their issues are resolved. Mediators do not render decisions, they simply facilitate discussions. The parties themselves are the ones who decide whether a settlement can be reached and how it will look. No party will ever have to admit to guilt or fault in the dispute, and ultimately, the resolution is likely to offer some advantages to both sides.
Palm Beach County includes: Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Lantana, Wellington, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Highland Beach.
The bottom line is that mediation in Palm Beach County, Fl can be an incredibly efficient and effective way to resolve ongoing disputes without the time, expense and stress of a court battle. It is a process that should be considered by anyone in the midst of a contentious disagreement with another party.
For experienced mediation services in the Palm Beach County area, call (561) 994-4540, or contact Stanly Weissman here.