Mediation
Dealing with conflict is never easy. We understand because since 1979 we have helped thousands of people successfully resolve all sorts of disputes. Mediation helps people develop their own fair and lasting solutions to a variety of problems and conflicts.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a process where people with differing views sit down with an impartial third party to discuss issues they need help resolving. The mediator guides and facilitates conversation, helping people to sort out their needs and interests. With the help of the mediator, the people involved generate different options to meet those needs. Together, they arrive at workable solutions. The mediator does not act as a judge, does not make decisions and does not impose solutions. All decisions are made by the people involved.
The mediation process is voluntary, and completely confidential. Your privacy is respected throughout. Mediators will not share anything you tell them, either with family members or other people or agencies, unless you specifically ask them to. (There are exceptions for harm to yourself or anyone else, planned commission of a crime, and child or elder abuse.)
Mediation is a win-win process. It allows everyone involved to hear and understand each other. Mediated agreements are mutually satisfying, reflecting the input of all parties. Most importantly, people use mediation because it is effective. Between 65% and 70% of people who choose to mediate reach resolution.
Who is mediation for?
Mediation is a flexible conflict resolution process that can help people in a variety of situations successfully resolve a dispute. Some examples of people and groups that use mediation include:
- Couples in the process of divorce or separation (married or unmarried) to find solutions for parenting plans, finances, property division, and communication.
- Families, including elders, parents, and teens.
- Landlords and tenants, roommates, condo associations to address repairs and maintenance, evictions, security deposits, and other housing complaints.
- Neighbors regarding noise, pets, nuisances, harassment and property disputes.
- Coworkers as well as employers and employees.
- LGBTQIA+ community members regarding separation, finance, parenting, discrimination, property division, home ownership, and adoption agreements.
- Organizations for disputes within or between groups or boards.
- Consumers in small claims and other court, business and contract cases.
Types of Mediation
Elder Care
CDSC provides mediation services that help families make decisions about how to manage the changing needs of older adults. CDSC mediators are trained to help families explore options and create solutions that respect the dignity of elderly family members and work for everyone.
Workplace Conflicts
CDSC mediates disputes between management and employees, between individual employees, and between departments or groups within organizations.
Consumer & Commercial Disputes
CDSC mediates disputes between consumers and business owners, including store owners, suppliers, and contractors. We also mediate disputes between businesses and business partners.
Housing & Neighborhood Disputes
CDSC has helped hundreds of people to settle disputes and resolve problems having to do with where they live. Mediation can help provide, fast, fair and lasting solutions to problems facing tenants and landlords, condo association members, property managers, roommates and neighbors.
Divorce or Separation
Mediation is a helpful resource for couples (married and unmarried) who are in the process of separation or divorce. It is also an effective means of dealing with post-divorce issues, such as needed changes in child custody, visitation, and support.
Re-entry Mediation
CDSC mediates conflicts/situations with incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals and people who they identify as possibly assisting in their transition home. The mediation process may start while a person is still incarcerated if the person’s release date is...
Watch & Learn
What is mediation?
Our Youth Coordinator explains what mediation is and what the process looks like for participants.
FAQs
Why should I choose mediation?
It’s a win-win: People who mediate reach solutions that are mutually satisfying.
It’s low-cost: CDSC uses a sliding fee based on each person’s income.
It’s convenient: Sessions are scheduled during day or evening hours.
It’s efficient: Most mediations are scheduled quickly and average 2-3 sessions.
It’s effective: 65% – 70% of people who choose to mediate reach resolution.
Mediation is confidential!
What are the benefits of mediation?
- Usually less costly than litigation, both financially and emotionally.
- Allows you to retain control over the decision-making process.
- Private and confidential.
- Often helps to reduce hostility.
How long does it take to schedule a mediation?
Generally two weeks, once we have completed an initial intake/screening phone interview with each participant and all participants have agreed to try mediation.
How long is a mediation session?
Mediation sessions usually last 2-3 hours. Sometimes issues can be resolved in a single session; sometimes additional sessions are needed.
What is the fee for mediation?
Fees are based on a sliding scale in accordance with the income of each participant. CDSC’s fees are per session, not per hour. They range from $40 to $375. There is a separate fee scale for organizations, profit and not-for profit. See the CDSC Mediation Fee Schedule here.
Who are the mediators? Can I pick a mediator?
CDSC’s roster is comprised of over 60 mediators with diverse backgrounds such as law, social work, education, human resources, and business. Generally, two mediators are assigned for your mediation, and they work together as co-mediators. CDSC staff makes the selection of the mediators for your case, based on your type of case and their areas of specialization and availability.
Do I need an attorney?
CDSC’s philosophy is that good mediation does not replace good legal advice. You do not need a lawyer to begin your mediation. However, depending on the issues or the type of case, the mediators may recommend that each party consults with a lawyer. One of the guiding principles of mediation is “informed consent”; this means that it is important to any solid outcome that you know your legal rights and responsibilities.
What issues are not appropriate for mediation?
In situations where there is domestic abuse or substance abuse, mediation may not be the right forum. Any situation in which there is a restraining order requires careful screening as to appropriateness of mediation; if you are proceeding to mediation and there is an active restraining order, you will be required to request from the court a temporary lifting of the restraining order for the purpose of mediation.
If you are looking for an investigation or an evaluation, mediation at CDSC is not the right option.
What is the outcome from mediation?
If you reach an agreement in mediation, you and the mediators will decide whether you want to put the terms of your agreement into a signed, written document or whether you’d prefer to have a verbal agreement and/or a handshake.
Is an agreement enforceable?
A written mediated agreement, signed by both/all participants, may have the effect of a contract and be enforceable by a court, as determined by the court.
Does mediation substitute for legal advice?
No, we recommend you receive your own legal advice, before and throughout the mediation process to help you make informed decisions. Good mediation does not replace good legal advice.
If you are looking for legal advice, please click here for legal assistance.
How do I get started?
Contact us to find out more.
Got Conflict? Need Help?
Interested in learning more or working with us? CDSC would love to hear from you! Complete this form and a CDSC staff member will get in touch, or you're also welcome to call us at 617-876-5376.
To request mediation, facilitation or conflict coaching: cdscintake@communitydispute.org. For all other inquiries: cdscinfo@communitydispute.org
Contact CDSC
60 Gore Street, Suite 201
Cambridge, MA 02141-1236
Phone: 617-876-5376
To request mediation, facilitation or conflict coaching: cdscintake@communitydispute.org
For all other inquiries: cdscinfo@communitydispute.org