Frequently Asked Questions
What is mediation?
People come to mediation to solve a problem or prevent a conflict. Unlike court, they do not need to show evidence or prove their cases. They just need to be willing to hear the concerns of the person and be able to share, in a respectful way, how they see things.
The mediator helps people look for ways they can be flexible to meet the needs of the other person while meeting their own needs. It is a private way for two or more people to work to solve problems or talk about issues important to them with the help of a neutral third party.
Mediators try to keep people working together and try to rebuild damaged relationships as part of the process. Even when past damage is deep and cannot be fully repaired, mediators can help people make plans on how they can work together in the future.
Q: What are the advantages of mediation?
A: Mediation offers the chance to have difficult conversations in a comfortable setting. The process of gathering evidence and testifying in court can be embarrassing and do long-lasting damage to relationships, making it more difficult to get along in the future. The power to make decisions stays with you and the other person rather than having the details of your plan decided by the Court. Mediation is a cost-effective way to resolve a Court-related matter.
Q: What is the mediator’s role?
A: A mediator’s role might be described as a communication coach. They guide the discussion while you and the other person share your own ideas and make your own suggestions. They will help you and the other party to communicate in ways that calm the struggle and will ask questions meant to help you find any possible win-win scenarios for your agreement. A mediator remains neutral and impartial in the process and does not take sides. They will not make decisions for you, force a particular plan, or give any advice.
Q: Can a mediator give me legal advice or represent me in a Court case or other matter?
A: No, mediators are not allowed to provide legal advice or represent any “side” in a dispute. They are not lawyers and do not provide legal aid services.
Q: Do all MNNC’s Centers offer the same services?
A: Because our Centers offer services based on the needs of the communities they serve, not all Centers offer the same services. The Mediation Centers page lets you search for Centers in your area, and each Center's page has a list of the services they offer.
Some of our Centers offer services outside their normal service area, so if your local Center doesn’t have the service you’re interested in, another Center may still be able to help. Use our Mediation Centers page to search for Centers that provide services outside their normal service area. Then, check the Center pages to see which ones offer the service you're interested in.
Once you find a Center that provides services outside their normal service area and offers the service you're interested in, reach out to the Center directly to find out more about the services they can provide in your area.
Q: What do I do if my County isn’t listed in the service area of any of the Centers on your Mediator page?
A: Some of our Centers offer services outside their normal service area, so another Center may still be able to help. Use our Mediation Centers page to search for Centers that provide services outside their normal service area. Each Center's page provides a list of services they offer, and not all Centers offer the same services.
Once you find a Center that provides services outside their normal service area and offers the service you're interested in, reach out to the Center directly to find out more about the services they can provide in your area.
Q: What do I do if the Center in my area doesn’t have the service I’m interested in listed on their Center page but another Center does?
A: First, call the Center in your area to make sure they do not offer the service you are interested in.
Some of our Centers offer services outside their normal service area, so if your local Center doesn’t have the service you’re interested in, another Center may still be able to help. Use our Mediation Centers page to search for Centers that provide services outside their normal service area. Each Center's page provides a list of services they offer, and not all Centers offer the same services.
Once you find a Center that provides services outside their normal service area and offers the service you're interested in, reach out to the Center directly to find out more about the services they can provide in your area.
Q: How much do mediation and conflict resolution services cost?
A: Exact costs vary depending on the service and the Center, but they generally range from $50-$250. Some Centers charge a flat fee for a particular service, while others have a per hour or per person (for larger groups) cost. Many Centers also have free or low-cost options for certain services.
Contact Centers directly to discuss your issue and their fees.
Q: What happens after I contact a Center to request mediation services?
A: Typically, Centers do an initial intake call to discuss your issue and what services they offer. During this initial call, they will also get your contact information and the contact information for any other parties involved in the dispute, as well as information about when you are available to mediate. If you are interested in mediation with another party, the Center will contact the other party to explain mediation, ask if they consent to participate in mediation, and when they would be available if they are open to mediating. Then, the Center will schedule mediation for a date and time that works for the parties. Depending on the situation, the mediation may be held in-person, by phone, or virtually. Often, only one meeting is needed, but multiple meetings may be needed to finish the mediation or confirm that everything has been completed as agreed.