Is mediation right for me?
Mediation is the process of trying to reach an agreement outside of the courtroom. As mediator, I am a neutral third party that wants to help the two of you to reach an agreement. Anyone can mediate, but it is a voluntary process, so all of the disputing participants must agree to try mediation.
Mediation may take place in separate rooms with me going between the parties or may take place with the parties, attorneys (if you chose to have one) and myself all in the same room. You may proceed with or without attorneys.
If we are in the same room, there may be times I will ask to speak to a party or the parties alone without any attorneys present. There are times when meeting in separate rooms can help the process keep going, even if it is difficult to meet face to face. In that situation, I am the one who goes back and forth between the rooms.
I am a neutral facilitator who will assist you to reach your own settlement. I will not make decisions about “right” or “wrong” or tell you what to do. I do not offer legal advice nor do I provide legal counsel. Each party is advised either to retain his/her own attorney in order to be properly counseled about his/her legal interests, rights and obligations, or to obtain the self-help papers (for custody and parenting time matters) that are available at the Courthouse or online at www.mncourts.gov.
In family law matters where there has been domestic violence, added precautions are put in place. It is important to alert me as soon as possible if this is the case.
ANOTHER WAY
Helping YOU Solve Differences
Susan Stevens Chambers
Attorney at Law
Mediator
(507) 278-4700 business line
(507) 278-4200 fax
[email protected]