If you are seeking to take control of your situation and avoid litigation, Neutral Corners Mediation offers customized dispute resolution services in West Palm Beach. Our mediators are highly trained individuals who possess industry-specific experience to get the results that you need. Call Neutral Corners Mediation for a free 30-minute consultation.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is the voluntary process in which a neutral third-party (the mediator), facilitates the negotiation of a dispute (i.e. divorce, custody, property, etc.), with the goal of reaching a settlement agreement. The goal of mediation is to resolve conflict before having to seek legal action for resolution. Mediation provides many benefits such as expediency, confidentiality, custom made solutions, and a cost-effective alternative to litigation and attorney fees.

Section 44.405 (1), Florida Statutes, states that “A mediation participant shall not disclose mediation communication to a person other than another mediation participant or a participants counsel”. Everything that is said in mediation is kept confidential, unlike the Florida court system which is a formal system. Because the court system is formal, most of what is filed or said become part of a public record. However, in mediation, the mediator and the parties present at the mediation are bound by law not to reveal what has been discussed in mediation. The exception to this rule is the abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults and the commission of a crime which must all be reported to the appropriate authorities.

What Does the Mediator Do?

Mediators help the parties to focus on a mutual problem(s) and effectively communicate their positions so they can discuss possible solutions and agree upon a solution. Mediators encourage parties to come to an agreement on how to solve a mutual problem. People who resolve problems through mediation report that they feel better after having resolved things for themselves and without someone else making the decision for them.

Is Mediation Formal?

Mediation is an informal process. General rules are commonly established at the beginning of a mediation session. At a mediation, there are no additional parties, no recording the sessions, or individuals witnessing the discussion as in court proceeding. Mediation participants are not required to dress up they can wear whatever feels comfortable.

Types of Cases That Can Be Mediated

If you have a dispute, chances are you can successfully mediate your dispute. Common examples of cases that can be mediated include:

  • Family Mediation – Common family mediation issues are divorce, parenting, support, and marital property. Family mediation typically requires a few sessions to work out an agreement.
  • Divorce Mediation – Is about you and your spouse controlling your divorce and deciding what’s best for you and your family moving forward.
  • Workplace Conflict Resolution – If you’re experiencing conflict in the workplace mediation can be a confidential alternative to litigation.
  • Civil Mediation – Civil rights, discrimination, personal injury, wrongful death, commercial, corporate, real estate, employment-related claims, family law, trust, estate, probate, guardianship, construction disputes, nursing home claims, and bankruptcy disputes and claims can be mediated and or arbitrated by the professional mediators of Neutral Corners Mediation.
  • Business Dispute – Business disputes can be mediated and are often times resolved after one or two sessions with a third-party neutral.
  • Property Dispute – Property disputes can be mediated and resolved much faster than through litigation.

Other Practice Areas

  • Adult Family
  • Automotive
  • Bankruptcy
  • Business
  • Civil (General)
  • Contracts
  • Divorce (All Issues)
  • Divorce (Parenting)
  • Elder
  • Foreclosure
  • General
  • Health Care
  • Insurance
  • Landlord – Tenant
  • LGBTQ
  • Marital Mediation (900+ Mediated)
  • Personal Injury
 

The Benefits of Mediation

The advantages of mediation are commonly recognized to be numerous and substantial. Common benefits of mediation include:

  • Control – The parties to a mediation control the outcome of the agreement as opposed to litigation.
  • Better Results – In mediation, the mediator helps guide both parties to effectively communicate their point. The parties understand their dispute much better than any court, judge or jury could.
  • Greater Compliance – Parties are more likely to comply with a mediated agreement rather than a judgment.
  • Reduced Time & Expense – Mediation is usually concluded within one or a few sessions.
  • Voluntary – In mediation, the parties control the outcome and the terms of their agreement.
  • Preserve Relationships – Through mediation since both parties come to an agreement, there is usually less resentment and hostility.
  • Confidential – Mediation is confidential and will not be made public.
  • Improve Skills – Mediation teaches parties to learn how to effectively negotiate and resolve disputes in the future.

What Are The Basic Styles of Mediation in West Palm Beach?

  • Facilitative – In facilitative mediation, the mediator assists the parties in their process to reach a resolution. The mediator asks questions, validates, and normalizes points of views and helps the parties in locating options for a resolution. This type of mediation, style does not allow the mediator to make recommendations to the parties, give advice, or opinions as to the outcome. The mediator guides the process and the parties are in charge of determining their results.
  • Evaluative – In Evaluative mediation, the mediator helps the parties reach an agreement by pointing out the weaknesses of their case and predicting what a judge or jury would likely do if such a case where to be litigated.
  • Transformative – Transformative mediation is meant to transform individuals. This type of mediation is meant to go beyond resolving a dispute. Transformative mediation for mediators is more important than just solving a specific problem. This type of mediation has the potential to save relationships and friendships.

Should I Mediate or Litigate?

Litigation can be expensive, time-consuming and unpredictable. Mediation is an informal method in which a neutral third-party helps to guide parties to effectively communicate their viewpoints and attempt to resolve their dispute by reaching an agreement. The benefit of mediation is that both parties mutually agree on the resolution which commonly preserves a relationship.

Contact Us

If you are experiencing a family, divorce, work, civil, or any type of dispute consider mediation as an alternative to litigating your dispute. Contact Neutral Corners Mediation for a free consultation on how we can assist you in ending your dispute.