How Mediation Works
In mediation, people in conflict make a new effort to reach resolution with the help of a mediator — a neutral third party who helps by clarifying communication, exploring options, and helping create an agreement all parties can live with.
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A success story: Eviction avoided
We helped a landlord and tenant in Augusta mediate a conflict
about overdue rent with the tenants on the verge of eviction.
The landlord was so pleased with our results that she negotiated
a new rental agreement with the tenants and then held
mediations with other tenants in his buildings as well.
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At Volunteers of America Northern New England, mediation is:
- Voluntary The decision to participate is 100% yours
- Effective You’ll work out your own agreements with a neutral mediator’s help
- Informal No official proceedings — just plain talk
- Quick Mediation usually starts within a week or two of your call and takes just a few hours
- Satisfying You’ll tell your story and help find a solution
- Confidential Everything you say in mediation is private and “stays in the room”
- Affordable Our services are free or low-cost
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A success story: Friendship regained
A deal between three Maine businesspeople went so badly that all
three felt cheated out of their money and at first refused to sit in
the same room. In mediation, it became clear that the real repair
work they needed was in their relationship. In the end, they walked
out shaking hands and joking — friends again. |
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In mediation, decisions are made by you and the other people in the session, often eliminating the need for costly, time-consuming court involvement. Mediators are neutral and impartial. They do not make decisions — they help you find your own solutions.
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A success story: Parents doing it right
An unmarried couple in Portland had a four-month-old baby.
Even though they no longer wanted to live together, they
needed help figuring out how to work together for the sake of
their child. They came to mediation to learn how to communicate
better with each other and makearrangements for co-parenting.
They resolved their tough issues — and came to an agreement that
they would dedicate themselves to their child’s wellbeing. |
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Why not get in touch today?
- Together, we’ll decide if mediation is right for you
- We’ll set up a time and place for everyone to meet
- We’ll identify the issues and look for common ground
- At the end, we’ll help you write up an agreement that meets everyone’s needs
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A success story: Farm disaster averted
When a Maine farm had financial losses, the family’s good
reputation let them get a bank loan. But the farmer saw he
wouldn’t earn enough in the coming year to make the payments.
With our help, the farmer and the bank developed a solution
that let the farmer pay the loan while the bank preserved
a valuable customer.
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Please contact us anytime to learn more.
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