START A MEDIATION CASEMediation for Individuals
- Family & Relationship Issues (communication, divorce, custody, property division, housemates, friendships, parent/teen)
- Neighbor Conflicts (boundaries, noise, parking, pets)
- Landlord/Tenant Issues (repairs, maintenance, rent, security deposits, pets)
Got conflict? Our trained, impartial mediators can help you negotiate a solution that works for both parties.
Why Mediate?
Mediation helps individuals resolve conflicts and rebuild relationships. With mediation, people work out their own solutions to problems at a much lower cost in money, time, and emotional stress than going to court. The mediation process encourages respectful dialogue and problem solving. A trained professional lets each side tell their story, and keeps the session on track, positive, and productive.
Read more about the benefits of mediation.
The Community Mediation Process
One party starts a mediation case by asking SEEDS for help. If both parties agree to proceed, a three-hour session is scheduled at your convenience (daytime, evening, or weekend). Two or three volunteer mediators work with the parties during the session toward an agreement. Mediation sessions are confidential, and outcomes can include written resolutions everyone agrees to uphold.
Mediation agreements are not legally binding, and mediators do not decide who is right or wrong. SEEDS mediators do not handle cases involving criminal behavior, and we do not give legal advice. However, we can refer you to agencies that will help you with your legal needs.
Read a step-by-step description of how mediation works, and what happens after you call us to start a case.
How Much Does It Cost?
Community mediation costs $50-$250 per party per 3-hour session, calculated on a sliding scale. No one is turned away because of inability to pay.
What to Expect at Community Mediation
Download and print this page to help you through the process.
Success Stories
[from a case involving two apartment owners, and the property managers who worked for them]: The businessmen, who were “used to dealing with lawyers” when they have had disputes, said afterwards that they could not get over how quick, inexpensive, and painless the experience was. They were used to drawn-out legal battles, high lawyers' fees, and weeks or months in court. “We're shocked,” they said, . . . “we wish we'd discovered mediation years ago...!!”
[from a case involving two brothers locked in a bitter court dispute]: At the end of the mediation, the mediator requested that they shake hands on the deal. They stood together and one said, “not good enough,” and they both walked around the table and hugged, having found each other again.