What to Expect at Mediation
I. Joint Session: Introduce & Summarize
All parties and their attorneys will begin with a joint session. Every side will have an opportunity to give a summary of their side of the case. After the summaries are given the parties break into separate rooms with their attorneys.
II. Negotiate in Private Discussion
I will be going back and forth between the separate rooms to relay offers and information. I will be spending different amounts of time with parties and attorneys so do not think that the different amount shows any favoritism. Sometimes I will talk with just the party and other times just the attorney. Most of the time I will speak with both of them together.
We will discuss your understanding and expectations of the case. We will also discuss its strengths and weaknesses. I will provide lunch, snacks, and coffee.
A written agreement will be signed by all.