Unlike arbitration, mediation does not employ a neutral third party to make a judgment that is binding on the parties. Rather, mediation is a facilitated process in which the parties arrive at their own decisions. Like arbitration, mediation is usually faster and more private. Unlike arbitration, rules of evidence and other court procedures do not apply unless the parties request them.
At the Philadelphia area firm, Maribeth Blessing Mediation and Arbitration, LLC, our lawyers act both as counsel to parties in mediation and as mediators. Our principal family law attorney is a member of many professional organizations devoted to mediation, including the Pennsylvania Council of Mediators and the Association for Conflict Resolution.
Mediation Usually Benefits the Children
Attorney Blessing and the other mediators in the firm are especially dedicated to using voluntary mediation in family law disputes involving children. Using mediation to deal with custody and support issues is far less confrontational. It can also allow the parties to develop creative and amicable solutions that would not be possible in a traditional litigated divorce.
How Mediation Works
It's quite simple: the two parties receive training in the process, obtain legal representation and bring to the table a list of the issues that need resolution. The mediator guides them through the process, keeping the discussion on track and productive. The attorneys are present to provide legal advice and draft and file the paperwork required to complete the matter. There is no winner or loser, but mediation works because it empowers the parties to make their own decisions.
What Types of Issues Are Resolved Through Mediation?
Our lawyers have represented clients in mediations involving issues such as these:
- Family law matters, including divorce, custody and property distribution. We also recommend mediation for cohabiting partners because there are no remedies under the law for most non-marital family matters.
- Commercial and business disputes, including dissolution and payment issues
- Will contests
- Elder law matters, including nursing home placement
- Neighborhood disputes, including zoning, nuisance and compliance issues and boundary disputes
- Employment and labor disputes, including addressing claims of harassment and discrimination
Call a Pennsylvania Mediator
Our attorneys can advise and represent clients in mediation, whichever area of practice is involved. Contact Maribeth Blessing Mediation & Arbitration, LLC, at 215-392-0849. Learn how you can resolve your legal disputes in a less stressful way.
