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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.

Mediation is a process which Bakersfield Settlement Center takes seriously and follows with care to ensure an agreeable settlement.  The typical stages of mediation include:

• the origination of a controversy, dispute or difference of opinion;
• decision-making between the parties stalling and the need for outside mediation developing;
• the willingness of participants to negotiate a positive solution through mediation and accept a discussion about the issue;
• overall intent to achieve a positive result through the assistance of a mediator.

Our method of mediation at Bakersfield Settlement Center includes a process of:

• each party is allowed to explain and detail his/her story;
• the identification of issues, usually facilitated by the mediator;
• the clarification and detailed specification of respective interests and objectives;
• the conversion of respective subjective evaluations into more objective values;
• identification of options;
• discussion and analysis of the possible effects of various solutions;
• the adjustment and the refining of the accessory aspects;
• the memorialization of agreements into a written draft.

Mediation can be applied to disputes in many types of situations in order to find resolution.  Contact the Bakersfield Settlement Center today to find out how we can help you find resolution to your disagreement.  Areas of expertise include:

• Faith-based diplomacy
• Personal injury
• Product liability
• Vehicle accidents
• Employment
• Construction
• Insurance litigation
• Elder law
• Conservatorships
• Guardianships
• Dissolution of marriage
• Child support
• Business litigation

Created and © 2007 by

Amber Chiang for

Bakersfield Settlement Center

Bakersfield Settlement Center

1600 F Street, Suite 200

Bakersfield, CA 93301