Not always.  However, if all participants wish for an agreement to be binding, they may reduce it to writing and sign it.  The resulting agreement may be considered an enforceable contract.  Nobody will be forced to sign any agreement resulting from mediation by mediators or Center staff. Participants may choose to sign when they are in agreement with the terms and wish to sign.

Our trained mediators serve as impartial facilitators of a confidential, problem-solving process in which participants work to resolve their own conflict.  Through proven techniques and processes, mediators help to guide the participants so that they can come up with informed and mutually acceptable solutions.

No, you simply need to be able to tell the other participant(s) why you are there and what you want to resolve, and also to listen to the other participants(s) when they speak.

Because mediation is a voluntary process from beginning to end,  you will never be forced to participate if you do not wish to do so and can end the process at any time.

No. You may engage a lawyer if you choose, at any point in the process, but it is not a requirement.

Mediation gives you the structured space to have a productive conversation, directly with the person you’re in conflict with. More often than not, lawyers aren’t needed.

However, since you’re in control of the process, you are free to decide if you need an attorney and as long as the person you’re in conflict with agrees, an attorney is welcome to join you.

This is not a problem unless you feel that the situation is unbalanced.  Mediation is voluntary so you do not need to participate unless you want to.