Mediation 201: Who Needs It?

In our part two of mediation basics, we’ll go over the process of mediation and the different kinds of situations mediators can specialize in. Welcome to Mediation 201.

Mediation is typically an option for all non-criminal disputes. Some non-violent criminal disputes can occasionally be a good candidate for mediation, like libel an defamation. Here are some common areas that mediators focus on:

Workplace Mediation

Workplace mediation typically includes mediating issues between employers and employees, but peers within an organization can benefit from workplace mediation as well. Some common instances that occur in workplace mediation include sexual harassment claims, terminations, and diminishing performance from an employee.

Union Mediation

Union mediation actually falls under the umbrella of workplace mediation, but it’s common enough that it deserves a mention all its own. Unions and employers are often clashing when it comes to pay, hours, and work conditions. A mediator is often brought in to help with smaller disputes.

Family Mediation

Family mediation services covers the gamut of disputes that could occur within a family. This includes inheritance distribution, taking care of elderly relatives, budgeting, succession within a family business, marital issues, child support, parenting schedules, and anything divorce-related like alimony.

Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation services technically fall under the branch of family mediation services, but like union mediation, divorce mediation is notable on its own. When divorcing couples have difficulties deciding on the splitting of assets, guardianship of children and pets, or other important factors in divorce, a mediator may be called in to help the couple come to a seemingly fair conclusion. A mediator may be called in again to help wrap up loose ends when a divorcee is remarrying. Most people remarry around three years after their divorce, and some resolutions from the initial divorce may need an extra push.

Neighborhood Disputes

Common issues within the neighborhood like noise, trees, fences, ‘unsightly’ property, or property boundaries are often best handled by a mediation service than in court. Note: C.E.L. and Associates take a lot of pride in the 10-Step Plan Dealing with Neighborhood Disputes that we developed! If you’d like to know more or request a copy of the plan, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Large-Scale Conflict Resolution

On a much broader note than the previous five examples of mediation, mediation can take place between international entities such as governments or interest groups. This is typically referred to as ‘conflict resolution’, but it is an example of mediation theory at work.

This is only the tip of the iceberg, mind you. Mediation is a very flexible process that can help in a variety of situations. Thanks for checking in to Part Two of this mediation mini-lesson!