Mediation & ADR

We are happy to provide the following in Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution.  Please give us a call if you have questions about how we may be able to assist with your situation.

• Alternative Dispute Resolution Generally
  • Court required ADR
  • Voluntary independent ADR
• Family Law Mediation
• Civil Mediation
• Case Evaluation

What is Mediation: Mediation is an informal process where the parties discuss their disputes in the presence of an impartial person (the "mediator", or "neutral"), who assists them in resolving the matter. Mediation is completely voluntary and any agreement reached needs to be acceptable and agreed upon by the parties to the mediation.
Mediation offers the advantage of informality, with reduced time and expense needed to resolve disputes, as well as minimizing disruption of your work and personal time. All discussions are held in the strictest confidence, and no records or notes are maintained by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Office. A copy of any resulting agreement will be signed by the parties, and the resulting settlement submitted to the Court, if in suit, or as an agreement by the parties, when resolution is achieved. Notes taken by the neutral or the parties to mediation are not available in the event that the parties do not reach a resolution.  Offers of settlement and compromise are not admissible in any later court proceedings. 
Often, it is helpful to share information with the other party in order to facilitate resolution of a matter. However, this will NOT be done without the party’s express permission to do so. Mediations are usually conducted in neutral locations, such as in special rooms at the Courthouse, in our offices, or in convenient facilities specializing in hosting mediations.

What is Case Evaluation:  Often, the parties may wish to have a neutral party with legal or judicial experience listen to the positions of the parties and review evidence, in order to give the parties a fair evaluation of what the neutral thinks will happen in Court.  The result is not binding on either party, it is for informational purposes only.  With almost 20 years of judicial experience, Mr. Chesbro has decided hundreds of cases, and may have seen fact patterns very similar to yours.  He may of help in realistically assessing the probable outcome of your case.