The Mediation Process at L.O.A.T.

At L.O.A.T., our mediation process is designed to help our clients resolve their conflicts in a peaceful and constructive manner.

 

Here's a synopsis of the process:

 

1. All Principal Parties Must Agree to Mediate:
All essential parties must sign an agreement to mediate, which outlines the rules and procedures of the mediation process. Confidentiality agreements are often included to ensure that discussions remain private.

 

2. Introduction: The mediator explains the process, sets the ground rules, and ensures that both parties understand their roles. 

 

3. Opening Statements: Each party presents their perspective of the dispute, their concerns, and what they hope to achieve through mediation. 

 

4. Information Gathering: The mediator asks questions and gathers information from both parties to understand the key issues and interests involved.

 

[Breaks will be provided during the mediation session(s) as deemed necessary and at the discretion of the mediator].

 

5. Framing the Issues: The mediator identifies the main issues that need to be resolved and sets an agenda for addressing them. 

 

6. Negotiation and Problem-Solving: The mediator facilitates discussions between the parties, helping them explore options, make offers, and counter-offers. The mediator may use private sessions (caucuses) with each party to explore issues deeply and help generate solutions. 

 

7. Agreement: Once the parties reach a mutual understanding, the mediator helps draft an agreement that outlines the terms of the resolution. 

 

8. Closure: The mediator ensures that both parties are satisfied with the agreement and explains the next steps, such as formalizing the agreement and any follow-up actions required.  

 

The goal of mediation is to reach a voluntary and collaborative resolution that both parties find acceptable, thus avoiding the need for more adversarial processes like litigation.

 

Expert mediation solutions are typically used in various contexts, such as family disputes, workplace conflicts, business disagreements, and community disputes. The goal is to resolve the conflict in a way that is fair, sustainable, and satisfactory to all involved parties.

 

*In most cases, mediation can be a benefical alternative to expensive attorney fees and other litigation costs.*

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our mediation process. All discussions and agreements remain private and are not shared outside the mediation setting. Participation in mediation is voluntary, and parties can choose to withdraw at any time.