Our Services & Mediation Process
The biggest value that Mediation brings to the table is that it encourages compromise rather than confrontation, often leading to more lasting and amicable resolutions. Examples of types of mediation generally covered by this firm include (but are not necessarily limited to) the following:
GENERAL
- Business and Commercial: Contract disputes, Disagreements between business partners or stakeholders, Resolving supplier or vendor conflicts.
- Real Estate and Property: Disputes between landlords and tenants, Property boundary disagreements, Issues arising from homeowners associations (HOAs).
- Environmental: Resolving disputes over land use or natural resource management, Mediating between developers and environmental advocates.
- Workplace: Resolving disputes between coworkers or teams, Addressing allegations of harassment or discrimination, Negotiating employment termination or severance agreements.
- Community and Neighborhood: Resolving disputes over noise, pets, or shared spaces, Conflicts within local organizations or community groups.
- Medical and Healthcare Mediation: Disputes over medical malpractice or patient care, Negotiating resolutions between healthcare providers and patients.
FAMILY
- Divorce and Separation Agreements: Mediation can help couples navigate the division of assets, debts, and spousal support while keeping the process more
amicable. - Child Custody and Visitation: Parents can work out custody schedules, parenting plans, and visitation rights in a way that prioritizes the child’s well-being.
- Child Support: Determining financial responsibilities in a fair and sustainable
manner. - Inheritance and Estate Disputes: Families can resolve disagreements over wills, trusts, or distribution of assets without resorting to lengthy legal battles.
- Family Business Disputes: Conflicts within family-owned businesses – such as
succession planning or business operations can be settled in a way that protects
both the business and relationships. - Domestic Relations: Family rifts and long-standing grievances.
The Mediation Process
A typical mediation meeting is generally scheduled as either a half-day or full-day session, depending on the type and complexity. The Mediator serves as a neutral third party to help the parties come to a mutually agreeable solution. The conference usually begins with a joint discussion of the case, followed by the mediator working with the disputants both together and separately, if appropriate. The mediator’s role is to help the disputants explore issues, needs, and settlement options. The mediator may offer suggestions and point out issues that the disputants may have overlooked, but resolution of the dispute rests entirely with the disputants themselves. Key points to keep in mind:
Know your Facts – One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a mediation session is to gather all the necessary information and documents related to the dispute. Be prepared to present your case clearly and concisely to the mediator. This includes understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your position, as well as being able to identify potential solutions to the dispute.
Define your Goals – Before entering the mediation session, define your goals for the mediation. What do you hope to achieve from the session? Understanding your goals will help you to stay focused and on track during the mediation process.
Consider Different Solutions – As part of your preparation, consider different solutions to the dispute. Keep in mind that for a mediation to be successful, it generally requires some degree of compromise on both sides. Having a range of options and creative solutions to present during the session that may be beneficial to both sides can help to facilitate a quicker and more successful resolution. Most importantly ask yourself: what got us to this point of disagreement? Is there something we can do during our discussions today to break through those barriers, resolve this matter BETWEEN OURSELVES, vs. having a judge or jury make that decision for us?
Preparing for a commercial mediation session is critical to achieving a successful
outcome. By understanding the process, gathering the necessary information, defining
your goals, considering different solutions, and choosing a skilled mediator, you can
increase your chances of a successful mediation session.
We offer flexible meeting options focused on client convenience and efficiency as follows::
Primary Focus – State of Texas, with specific focus on Harris and Montgomery counties and surrounding areas.
In Person Session – Three primary locations to choose from: Central Houston, The Woodlands and Conroe.
Zoom Session – Available for most cases per prior arrangement.