Resolving Disputes & Conflicts Through Mediation
WHAT IS MEDIATION?
Mediation is a process empowering people to work together.
We work for a win-win outcome in which all parties feel satisfied that their needs have been met.
WHAT IS THE MEDIATOR’S ROLE?
- The mediator will control the process by guiding the participants.
- Participants are empowered to solve their own conflict.
- Rather than determining “Right” or Wrong,” mediators work as neutral third parties.
AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM?
- It is a private procedure, all discussions are confidential
- It is a safe place for each person to talk and listen
- Sessions are held locally at neutral sites, at a mutually convenient time
- Neither witnesses nor attorneys are needed
- Rather than a court making a decision, each individual is responsible to participate in making agreements
- While a court can only rule on the past, agreements can describe how each will behave and what each will do now and in the future
- ALL participants become “Winners”
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
- You avoid going to court and losing time from work.
- There are no costly legal fees.
- The process empowers people to build bridges of understanding.
- All members of the families involved can participate, including children.
- Each party receives a signed copy of the agreements
- Each party receives a follow-up call after a period of time to determine whether the agreements are working.
WHAT CAN BE MEDIATED?
Neighborhood Conflicts:
- Harassment
- Vandalism
- Property problems
- Barking dogs
- Interracial differences
- Parking
Children and Youth Disputes:
- Communication problems
- Behavior crisis at home, school, or with neighbors
Domestic and Family Differences:
- Parents and children
- Inter-generational
I AM INTERESTED: WHAT DO I DO?
Call our office and explain the problem as you see it. If mediation is appropriate for your problem, we will send you appropriate documents to begin the process. If all parties are also willing, a time and place will be set for your mediation.
ALL CONVERSATIONS ARE HELD IN CONFIDENCE.
HOW DO I PREPARE?
- Ask yourself: What can I do to better manage the conflict?
- Mediation requires you to make a commitment of time and energy to resolve the situation. You will need to make a commitment to work to change the situation.
COST
The fees begin at $150 per hour ($75.00/party) for basic mediation cases. More
complicated mediation situations are negotiated within the Letter to Engage in Mediation.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Peace Center
102 West Maple Avenue
Langhorne, Pennsylvania 19047-2820
Phone: 215-750-7220
Fax: 215-750-9237
Email: mediation@thepeacecenter.org
