To start, the mediator will sit down together with the people in dispute and discuss a few housekeeping items such as communication and confidentiality.

With the assistance of the mediator, the issues that need to be resolved will be put on the table.

The mediator will then assist you with a discussion about any of your concerns, needs or interests relating to the issues.

You may be asked some questions by the mediator to help clarify information making it easier for you to be heard by the other person.

The mediator will help to balance “air time” and reduce any obstacles to clear communication.

You will have the opportunity to come up with and explore a variety of options.

All decisions are made by the people involved in the mediation, not the mediator.

If an agreement is reached, the mediator will write this information down and will provide you with a copy of your Mediated Agreement in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding within a few days of the mediation.

The Mediated Agreement is not legally binding, but can be used as the basis of a legal agreement or Court Order.