Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mediation?

What Happens in Mediation?

What is the Benefit of Mediation?

Will Mediation Work for Me?

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a confidential, facilitated negotiation process which is substantively controlled by the parties involved and procedurally controlled by a neutral third party.  The mediator has no power to enforce an outcome.  Both parties mutually arrive at a decision which they must, with the assistance of their representation, carry out.

 

Mediation considers emotional needs, lessening the atmosphere of conflict.  The volume of the argument is turned down in mediation, and arguments are transformed into reasonable, meaningful discussions.  Mediation works because clients feel their point of view has been expressed (whether directly or through an advocate) and considered by a fair, neutral party.


Can You Help Me Clear Out Old Pending Cases?

Of course!  We'll help you evaluate those "hard to move" files that seem to be so difficult to settle but should have been settled long ago.


What Happens in Mediation?

Simply put, those in disagreement and their representatives gather with a neutral third party mediator and discuss the issue.  Each side presents their facts.  The mediator then returns a recommendation, which the parties may choose to abide.


What is the Benefit of Mediation?

Firstly, mediation is far more economical that court appearances or hiring a retired judge to mediation.  Secondly, our methods at Bakersfield Settlement Center help arrive at at settlement quickly and in a comfortable environment.  Call us today to schedule an appointment.


Will Mediation Work for Me?

We can provide information of likely trial outcomes for various types of cases to help you weigh your decision on whether or not to mediate.  Trial outcomes based on California Jury Verdict Weekly.


Am I Ready for Mediation?

Getting to the point where emotional motives can be dealt with takes time.  Successful mediation requires an ability to read people and the patience to listen to the parties.  At Bakersfield Settlement Center, we stress efficiency for effective decision-making.  No one wants to spend money needlessly.

 

Evaluate whether you are ready for mediation and settlement.  Are you fighting for the sake of fighting?  Are you ready to find a settlement?  If you are not earnestly seeking settlement for your dispute, don't waste time and money.  Wait until the appropriate time.  You'll know when you are ready.

Created and © 2006 by

Amber Chiang for

Bakersfield Settlement Center

Bakersfield Settlement Center

1600 F Street, Suite 200

Bakersfield, CA 93301