FAQ’s

  • A mediator is any individual who conducts the mediation. A mediator’s primary purpose is to facilitate discussions between parties in an effort to reach an agreement. There are different “types” of mediation - facilitative, evaluative, and transformative - that each use different methods in trying to reach a settlement.

  • With mediation, the parties are in complete control of the outcome. When an arbitrator is involved, if the parties cannot reach an agreement, the arbitrator will make the final decision for them.

  • Typically, the cost of mediation is split equally between the parties. Sometimes, however, the court will refer a case to mediation and order a different cost split, often based on the parties’ respective incomes.

  • No, in most cases, it is just the parties and the mediator present during the mediation process. However, it is your right to have an attorney and/or a support person present during the mediation process. When considering whether to bring someone with you to mediation, it’s best to remember the old adage, “Too many cooks in the kitchen spoils the broth,” i.e., will this extra individual make it more or less likely that you will reach an agreement?

  • Look for a mediator that has experience in the same area of law as your conflict. For example, a mediator who has worked as a family law attorney can provide invaluable guidance and support during the mediation process.

  • No, anyone can contact Meis Mediation Services to request mediation.

  • In the world of divorce and family law, a mediation agreement is not binding until it is subsequently made into a court order, which is then signed by the parties.

  • There is no one size fits all in mediation. Some matters may be resolved in one session, though it often takes several sessions before a full, detailed agreement is reached. Individual sessions can range from four to eight hours.

  • Under Ohio’s version of the Uniform Mediation Act, mediation communications are confidential to the extent agreed by the parties. However, regardless of what the parties choose to do, the mediator will always maintain confidentiality unless an exception applies including, but not limited to, the following: (1) the parties expressly waive confidentiality as to the particular mediation communication; (2) the mediation communication contains an imminent threat or plan to inflict bodily harm; or (3) the mediation communication contains a plan to commit or conceal a crime.

  • Oftentimes, people find it helpful to have someone present who is impartial and trained to facilitate the negotiation process, i.e., a mediator! It is not uncommon for parties who previously tried to reach an agreement on their own to resolve their dispute through mediation.

  • Either party may contact Meis Mediation Services and speak with us, confidentially, about their dispute. That party can then contact the other party and ask that they call us, or we can reach out to the other party if asked to do so.

  • As mediation is a voluntary process, a mediation session will only be scheduled if both parties agree to participate.