Arbitration / Mediation - Contact Family Crisis Counseling Solutions

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This information was taken from the Washington State Bar Association pamphlet Alternatives to Court

In a mediation, all the sides in a dispute meet with an impartial third person - the mediator - to attempt to negotiate a settlement. Quite often mediation is successful at helping parties reach an agreement. Mediation is a fair and efficient process to help you resolve your employment disputes and reach an agreement. A neutral mediator assists you in reaching a voluntary, negotiated agreement. Choosing mediation to resolve employment discrimination disputes promote a better work environment, reduces costs, and works for the employer & the employee.

Mediators are trained in helping parties work out a settlement agreement or compromise. Mediators do not issue orders, find fault, or make determinations. Instead, mediators help parties to reach a settlement by assisting with communications, obtaining relevant information, and developing options.

Mediation sessions are usually held outside the courthouse, often in the mediator's office. Although mediation procedures can vary, the parties usually first meet together with the mediator informally to explain their views of the dispute. The mediator will then meet with each party separately. The mediator discusses the dispute with them, and explores possible ways to resolve it. It is common for the mediator to go back and forth between sides a number of times. Most disputes will be resolved, and often the parties will then enter into a written settlement agreement, which is a binding contract.

Many people report a higher degree of satisfaction with mediation than with court, because they can control the result and are part of the solution. And agreed-to settlements are much more likely to be voluntarily complied with by all sides.

In arbitration, disputing parties take their argument to a neutral third party, the arbitrator, for a binding decision. The arbitrator listens to witnesses and reviews documents before making a ruling. Most people find arbitration less costly, faster and less stressful than a formal trial.

The main difference between arbitration and mediation is that in arbitration the arbitrator hears evidence and makes a decision. Arbitration is more like court because parties still provide testimony and give evidence similar to a trial but is usually less formal. In mediation, the process is a negotiation with the assistance of a neutral third party. The parties do not reach a solution unless all sides agree.

At Georgia Family Crisis Solutions, official Certified Civil and Juvenile Mediators, registered with the State of Georgia are available for your mediation needs. We also offer Domestic Relations Mediation, State of Georgia Certified, for couples who are in a divorce preceding who need help in settlement of assets.

Call for an appointment at 706-869-7373

Arbitration / Mediation - Family Crisis Counseling Solutions