Category: FAQ

  • What is the Comprehensive Mediation Agreement?

    In order to ensure all parties understand the status and implications involved, a comprehensive Mediation Agreement dealing with issues such as confidentiality, admissibility and privilege in relation to documentation and information exchanged must be agreed in advance. The Mediation Agreement will also deal with the costs of the mediation including the mediator’s fees and will…

  • If I, as mediator, give my opinion in a dispute, doesn’t that mean I am biased?

      If I, as mediator, give my opinion in a dispute, doesn’t that mean I am biased? Absolutely not!  I as mediator form opinions on many issues for many reasons. One of the primary things I do as mediator is to help you to evaluate the pros and cons of your position in a dispute…

  • What am I getting for my money when I hire a mediator?

    What am I actually getting for my money when I hire a mediator? When you hire me as your mediator, you are buying the opportunity, through a neutral third party, to evaluate with someone who is an objective “sounding board,” your real needs (personal, economic, spiritual, etc.) and to evaluate which dispute resolution process will…

  • FAQ: Are Retired Judges Better Mediators?

    FAQ: Are Retired Judges Better Mediators? It is assumed that a retired judge makes a better mediator than someone that has not been a judge.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  Rendering judgment requires an entirely different skill set than helping the parties resolve their case through mediation.  The day to day activities of…

  • What am I getting for my money when I hire a mediator?

    What am I actually getting for my money when I hire a mediator? When you hire me as your mediator, you are buying the opportunity, through a neutral third party, to evaluate with someone who is an objective “sounding board,” your real needs (personal, economic, spiritual, etc.) and to evaluate which dispute resolution process will…

  • If I, as mediator, give my opinion in a dispute, doesn’t that mean I am biased?

      If I, as mediator, give my opinion in a dispute, doesn’t that mean I am biased? Absolutely not!  I as mediator form opinions on many issues for many reasons. One of the primary things I do as mediator is to help you to evaluate the pros and cons of your position in a dispute…

  • FAQ: When Does Mediation Really Start?

    When does mediation start? People tend to believe that mediation begins when all concerned parties meet in the mediation room and take their places at the mediation table.  Mediation begins when disputing parties agree to participate in a private mediation or when a Judge suggests that they attempt mediation. Pre-mediation This pre-mediation phase is frequently…

  • FAQ: What are some the qualifications of a good mediator? Part I

    I have often been asked what the qualifications of a good mediator are. My answer is self serving but true. I have worked hard to make sure that I am the best qualified to mediate a case. Remember it is not bragging if true. So as to not bore you with all of the qualifications…

  • FAQ: What is the format of a mediation?

    What is the format of a mediation? What is the format of a mediation? The process is entirely flexible and will depend on the mediator and the parties’ preferences. In general terms, it is preferable that position papers are exchanged in advance. Depending on what stage in the dispute the mediation takes place, it may…

  • FAQ: Can you settle a case after a jury has decided a case?

    Can you settle a case after a jury has decided a case? As part of my full spectrum of dispute resolution services, I offer Appellate Mediation. My considerable experience in this area started in 2007.  I currently serve on the mediation panels for the First and Third Districts of the California Court of Appeal.  In…