Mediators have received dispute resolution training. They have expertise helping people to communicate more effectively with one another, even when it seems that no consensus can be achieved. For mediation to be successful, you should feel at ease with the mediator and be able to freely share your requirements.
Location is a selection criterion to consider:
There might be several sessions. Can the mediator and the participants travel? Is the mediator's office easily accessible?
Expertise in the subject matter:
If your disagreement is in a certain field, such as divorce, business, or environmental concerns, you will most likely want to hire mediation services lawyer Santa Cruz with comparable expertise. Some individuals feel that it is essential for the mediator to be knowledgeable about the subject matter of the disagreement. Others argue that subject matter knowledge is only important in particular areas such as environmental, domestic, or highly technological conflicts.
Training and certification in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR):
Examine the sorts of training the practitioner has received. Except for individuals in court-connected or other types of required conflict resolution, the Voluntary Maryland Standards do not specify certain levels of expertise or training.
Background in education or professional experience:
Other credentials, in addition to mediation training, may provide additional depth to the conflict settlement process (i.e., backgrounds in dispute resolution as an attorney, social worker, or teacher; technical expertise as an engineer, small business owner, car mechanic, house inspector, non-profit manager, etc.).
Previous experience with comparable scenarios:
Take into account the nature and intricacy of your case. This may be especially important for firms contemplating using mediation.
A distinct style/approach:
A Santa Cruz mediation services lawyer may use one of numerous ways. Some are more passive, allowing the parties to direct the process. Others are more engaged and provide suggestions. Find out more.
Believe in your intuition:
Do you feel at ease with the "neutral" individual? Was the individual eager to talk with you, answer your questions, and provide you with the information you sought? Do you believe the individual will be unbiased and fair? Are you certain that the mediator have the necessary skills and personality? If not, find someone else.
References or a good reputation:
You may get references from prior clients to see if the mediator has a reputation for expertise, impartiality, and/or the capacity to design a successful conflict settlement procedure. Because mediation is a private process, some mediators may not have clients who have consented to serve as references.
Fees:
Most mediators charge an hourly fee. Some merely charge for the time spent mediating, while others charge for preparation and travel. Many may require payment in advance for a set number of hours of mediation or full payment at the time of mediation. Inquire if the fees are distributed between the parties.
