What is Mediation? (And Why It May Be Your Best Option)

Mediation. What’s that? 

Custody battle? Divorce? Business dispute? When you find yourself headed toward legal action, it’s hard to know where to begin. Don’t waste time, energy or money on costly back and forth litigation. Keep your grievances out of court altogether, consider mediation.

Mediation is, by far, the most cost-effective dispute resolution strategy because it’s designed to get both parties what they want, fast. 

In contrast to litigation, mediations tend to move swiftly, with a resolution being found generally in one to a few days.

The goal of mediation is to show up as humans first, find common ground and reach an agreement that everyone can feel good about. That’s why, by nature, mediation provides better quality outcomes for all. 

Ebony’s mediation process starts outside of the courts, with a pre-meeting with our mediator and CEO, Keenan Holmes. This first contact is designed to give everyone the space to share their story fully before official mediation begins. Then, all parties come together on day one of the mediation, feeling heard and motivated to find a resolution. 

Why Is Mediation the Right First Move? 

Court outcomes can be unpredictable, unfeeling, and unhelpful. Mediation offers participants the chance for creative problem solving from an intermediary who can fully understand the situation without the constraints of rules of evidence or procedure.

Mediation offers the benefits of:

  • Cost-effectiveness: mediation services are the most cost effective dispute resolution option available. 
  • Control: unlike court, where there is little control over the outcome, mediation offers more control over the outcome, usually resulting in win-win.
  • Confidentiality: everything shared in mediation is confidential. 
  • Speed: busy people need (quick) resolutions, and mediation gives that possibility. 
  • Customization: each mediation is unique, so you can expect a process that takes into consideration you and your individual goals and limitations 

Who Can Benefit from Mediation? 

Mediation is for anyone looking to solve a dispute with another party, no matter how big or small the issue may be. 

Some examples of situations where mediation is helpful include: 

  • Divorce
  • Business disputes
  • Contract disputes
  • Custody battles
  • Property disputes  
  • An issue headed towards court (but still avoidable)

Whether personal or professional, mediation can save you the headache of over-complicating disagreements with convoluted court proceedings. If you want to avoid the most expensive path to resolution, and wrap up a tense situation in the best way possible, mediation is your first step. 

Our Two Cents

Life is already complicated enough, without adding lengthy trials into the mix. Easier, faster and, frankly, a lot less traumatic than going to court, mediation is the best first step in any legal discord. 

A certified mediator can provide sound, consistent, and seamless mediation so that resolutions can be reached quickly and fairly- without ever stepping into a court of law. The goal is for all parties to feel good about where they land and move on with confidence.  

Sometimes the best legal action to take is none at all. If you have a dispute that is eating up your time and energy, consider bringing it to a certified mediator. 

Interested in learning more about Ebony Law’s Mediation service? Contact us to receive answers to all your questions!

Privacy Preference Center