What is Mediation?
Mediation brings a third party into a disagreement, someone else who is not part of the conflict, to help come to an understanding and resolution.
- Using a mediator means that everyone involved can share their side of the story, and usually results in a more cooperative ending, rather than competing to win a court case.
- Mediation is also much cheaper and faster than using the court system and lawyers, and it uses your schedule.
- Mediators are also a more private way to resolve disputes, as details are kept to the parties and mediators instead of being shared in a courtroom.
How do I request a Mediation?
Take a few minutes to fill out our mediation request form with some basic details about what you need, who is involved, and what your schedule looks like. We will get back to you with a plan to meet with everyone in the group.
Visit our Services page to learn more about the different types of community support we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to use a lawyer or be in court to use mediation?
Anyone can be a mediator if they are trained, and mediation has nothing to do with a court system or litigation. If you participate in our small claims court mediation, it will take place at the courthouse, but it is an alternative way of solving conflict. A judge cannot force you to participate in mediation, it can only happen if all parties agree to it.
Does mediation work? I don’t want to just talk, I want a solution.
While mediation is structured to allow all parties to share their sides and come to a common understanding, the use of a mediator can help resolve a conflict using training and experience. Many local people have found resolution using mediation rather than court systems or continuing in stressful environments.
My conflict is very private. Will my information be shared in any way?
Using our mediation services is completely confidential, all people and details involved are kept confidential and we use secure systems for retaining any information.
Who will conduct my mediation?
We use local volunteer mediators who have gone through training. Everyone is subject to confidentiality, and if you have any issues with conflicts of interest, we can find another mediator to help out instead.
Types of Mediation
- 1:1/two-party
- Small & large groups
- Divorce/dissolution
- Landlord-tenant
- Small claims court
- Workplace
Outside Resources
- National Association for Community Mediation – Community Mediation Basics
- Resolution Systems Institute – Community Mediation Basics
- Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago – Benefits of Mediation