Take control of your case
Reach a resolution with our experienced Mediation team
Resolve Conflicts and Reach Agreements with Professional Mediation Services
Mediation puts you in control of your court case by allowing you to work with a neutral mediator who will guide you to a resolution through negotiation and compromise.
Smythe & Jones skilled mediators are available for both half and full day Mediations.
Come to a beneficial agreement that satisfies all parties involved
Discover how mediation can help you reach a resolution for your legal matters and take the steps towards a positive outcome.
Family Law Mediation
Divorce Mediation
Civil Litigation Mediation
Trust & Estate Dispute Mediation
Probate Mediation
Why Mediation?
Mediation places the power of your court case in your hands, allowing you to work with a skilled neutral to navigate sensitive discussions and reach a resolution through negotiation and compromise, saving you time and money compared to litigation.
Most courts require mediation or alternative dispute resolution prior to trial and Smythe & Jones offers flexible private mediation services to resolve your case prior to trial. By choosing mediation, you can save months of hearings and trial dates that can get continued, and complete the process on your own timeline.
How does mediation work?
The mediation process is voluntary and the parties are in control of the outcome. If an agreement is not reached, the parties can still pursue other legal options. However, mediation can often be a faster, less expensive, and less adversarial alternative to going to court, and can also result in more creative and tailored solutions that better meet the needs and interests of both parties.
Initial Consultation
The first step in the mediation process is typically an initial consultation, during which the mediator will explain the mediation process and answer any questions the parties may have. The mediator will also gather information about the dispute and the parties involved.
Identifying Issues
The mediator will work with the parties to identify the issues in dispute and clarify each party’s interests and concerns. This involves active listening, asking questions, and helping each party understand the other’s perspective.
Negotiation and Agreement
The parties will negotiate and work towards reaching an agreement that satisfies both sides. The mediator will help facilitate the conversation and offer guidance when needed, but will not make any decisions or impose any solutions on the parties. The goal is for the parties to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
Setting Ground Rules
Once all parties have agreed to mediate, the mediator will set some ground rules for the mediation process. These may include confidentiality agreements, rules around respectful communication, and any other guidelines necessary for a productive mediation.
Generating Options
Once the issues have been identified, the mediator will help the parties generate possible options for resolving the dispute. These options may be explored through brainstorming or other techniques, and may include creative solutions that may not have been considered in a traditional legal process.
Finalizing the Agreement
Once an agreement has been reached, the mediator will help the parties finalize the agreement and ensure that everyone understands the terms. The agreement may be put in writing and signed by all parties.