___Mediation is a face-to-face meeting between people who are in dispute. Participants voluntarily agree to sit with trained mediators and attempt to work out a solution to the problem that is in everyone's best interest. Mediation sessions may vary in length but generally average about 1½ hours. Usually, only one mediation session is needed; however, a follow-up session may be scheduled should the parties feel the need to do so.

___When a court-referred dispute is resolved through mediation, pending charges can be dismissed by the District Attorney provided the parites maintain the agreement in its entirety. Court cases that are successfully resolved include a $60.00 fee paid by the defendant to the Guilford County Clerk of Courts office in lieu of Court Costs. Each case referred to mediation allows law enforcement and court personnel more time to devote to other duties.

WHO CAN USE MEDIATION SERVICES?

___Any Guilford County citizen who is having a disagreement with a family member, spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend, neighbor, friend, church member, acquaintance, stranger, merchant, consumer, landlord or tenant may qualify for our services. Situations that have escalated and led to criminal charges in Guilford County District Court can be referred by Judges, District Attorneys, Criminal Attorneys, and Public Defenders.

WHAT TYPES OF CASES DOES MEDIATION HANDLE?

*Please call first to see if mediation can aid you in your particular situation.*

WHAT HAPPENS IN MEDIATION?

• An appointment is scheduled at a time convenient for all parties. Court cases are scheduled on a defendant's court date in the courtroom.
• The mediation session takes place in a confidential, neutral and informal setting
• Trained mediators help all parties through a structured discussion.
• The conflicting parties and the mediators work together to reach a mutual understanding/agreement.
• No decisions are forced upon the participants.
• A written agreement is prepared and signed by the disputing parties.
• Participants complete a voluntary and anonymous mediation evaluation.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

• Mediation can prevent more serious, possibly violent confrontations.
• It is confidential
• It saves time and money.
• Mediation allows participants to be listened to while discussing feelings and facts in detail.
• A forum for improving listening and communication skills is initiated.
• Court cases can be dismissed through mediation if an agreement is reached and maintained in its entirety by the parties.

Click here to print this page