Mediation: Should I use it?

It is a way to settle a disagreement without having to go to court. In a mediation session, you can share your side of the story, how the disagreement affects you, and how you think you should settle it.

Both parties in a court case must be ready to compromise. You each must try to reach a reasonable solution in good faith. Otherwise, it does not work.

Mediation takes place with the help of a trained mediator. The mediator does not take sides. The mediator tries to help you reach a fair solution that works for each of you. The mediator helps with communication. The mediator creates a safe place to negotiate. 

• The mediator works to make sure you each have a chance to be heard, show respect for the other's values and feelings, and explore workable solutions to your disagreements.  
• The mediator does not give legal advice, decide who is "right," or make decisions for you.
• When asked, mediators may share their opinions.

• You do not have to do it. You and the other party both must be satisfied to reach agreement. This protects you. The mediator cannot force you to accept a decision you do not like. At the same time, you must pay attention to what the other person needs to reach agreement.
• You can still always go to court if mediation does not work out.
• Some counties require mediation, especially in cases involving parenting plans or custody.
• Mediation is confidential. Generally, what you say there stays there. No one can use what you say there against you later in court or other hearings.  (There are exceptions to this. For example, threats of violence are not confidential. Neither is information about abuse that has not been reported.)
• Mediation lets you try to solve problems creatively. After discussing both sides of the dispute, it may be easier to see and suggest a simple solution.
• You have a trained mediator's help. Feelings and values are part of the dispute and negotiations. You can use them to reach an acceptable agreement.
• Mediation is generally cheaper than court. Many mediation organizations offer a sliding fee scale. Even if you need a judge to sign your agreement and convert it to a court order, as in a parenting plan case, you will not have to pay a lawyer to go to trial about these issues with you.
• Mediation can help you save an ongoing relationship. This can include your landlord-tenant, employer-employee, parent-parent, or neighbor-neighbor relationship.

In court, a judge listens to both sides of the dispute and then decides for you.  You must follow it, even if you think the judge's decision is unfair.

In mediation, you and the other party are encouraged to work hard to determine how to solve the dispute. You are active in finding a solution.

If you cannot agree, you can still go to court. If you solve part of your issue in mediation, you have less for a judge to decide. If you reach full agreement, you do not need a trial at all.

Maybe. You can use it in all sorts of areas: family law, personal injury, consumer complaints, employment law, landlord-tenant disputes, disputes between neighbors, and/or collections.

Probably not. When there is an imbalance in power, such as in cases of physical, emotional, or economic abuse, or if you feel intimidated by the other person, the result will probably be unfair.

If you decide to use mediation even though the other person intimidates you, you should have a lawyer. The mediation should take place with you each in different rooms.   

You must:

• Work to understand your legal rights and the results of the choices open to you.
• Understand what the law requires. Then you will not ask for something it does not allow.
• Work to organize your thinking. The mediator cannot do this for you.

You can mediate at any time before going to court, during a court case, or after it ends. Example: You can mediate to clarify a final parenting plan.

If your county requires mediation for your type of case, you must mediate and try to reach an agreement before going to trial.

It depends.

Many Washington counties have Dispute Resolution Centers. They provide mediation services at no or low cost.

Mediators in private practice can charge $50 – $200 an hour. They often base it on type of case and your family income. There may also be a small administrative fee.

The mediator will usually put the agreement in writing and have everyone sign it.

Yes. If that is what you want, have the mediator put in the agreement that lawyers can review it.

Check the Resolution Washington website, resolutionwa.org for your local Dispute Resolution Center. 

You can use a referral service to try to find a private mediator.  There is a list of mediators in private practice at washingtonmediation.org/find-a-mediator.

Before you choose a mediator, read their website. Ask about fees.