Mediation Services
Additional Information
I have years of experience in mediating numerous different issues where the parties wish to resolve their matter without the need to enter in to a formal legal process.
The courts have encouraged parties resolve most disputes through Mediation. The following are examples where mediation might just be the solution right for you.
· A dispute between neighbours
· A business dispute
· A contract dispute
· A damage dispute
Mediation can be more a affordable and productive option to resolve your matter. Opposing parties though must come to an agreement to participate. Opposing parties must then agree to hire a Mediator and share the costs of Mediation.
As a licensed Paralegal by the Law Society of Ontario, I can practice law within the approved scope of paralegal practice. Commonly, that consist of providing legal advice and legal representation to a client. As a mediator though, I cannot represent both my client and the opposing party.
Mediation Process
The vast majority of disputes can be resolved by Mediation.
1. Opposing parties must agree to participate.
2. Opposing parties agree to hire a Mediator and share the payment of the Mediation costs.
3. Each party will present its case, including supplying the other parties and the Mediator supporting material.
4. Once the Mediator reviews the information, a meeting will be scheduled with all parties involved, normally without legal counsel.
5. Although not common, mediation may require more than one meeting.
6. When the parties reach a resolution, the Mediator will draft the terms of the consensus Agreement that all the parties sign.
7. The parties can then present that agreement as the final document or instead elect to have it committed to a legal document to be filed with the Court or Tribunal in the jurisdiction of the dispute.
8. If the parties are not able to come to an agreement, the parties may return to the Mediator to resolve that or send it back to the court or tribunal of jurisdiction.
Litigation can take years to resolve a dispute and cost thousands of dollars to resolve, mediation can take months, allow significant participation in the process and can cost hundreds of dollars instead. Mediation is preferable over litigation when an early resolution is important to both parties. Mediation may also help reduce the impact a disputed matter will have on the relationship between the parties.
As I licensed Paralegal, I have Errors and Omission (E&O) insurance to practice, including for Mediation services provided.
For more information or further assistance with mediating your dispute, please schedule a free telephone consultation with one of our paralegals to discuss the ways in which we can assist you in resolving your matter.