Mediation

Why Mediation?

Mediation is a collaborative and confidential settlement discussion where a neutral person (mediator) helps individuals discuss and resolve issues and create agreements and plans that meet each person’s interests. The mediator does not act as a judge, lawyer or advocate, and has no decision-making authority. Mediation allows parties to maintain their own decision-making ability, be creative in forming settlement options, preserve relationships and improve communication. Further, mediation is significantly less expensive, time consuming and adversarial than litigation in court.

“Sheri is an invaluable resource. She was professional and thorough, both in her understanding of the issues and anticipation of possible issues/outcomes. Excellent job!

The Mediation Process

Using a collaborative and interest-based mediation process, Sheri Russell helps clients either together or individually to:

  • Identify and define the issues involved
  • Identify individual and shared interests
  • Distinguish between assumptions and objective facts; needs and wants
  • Brainstorm all possible options for resolution
  • Identify objective criteria to help make informed decisions
  • Identify the consequences of not resolving the issues
  • Draft mutually agreed upon plans and agreements
  • Discuss avenues for future communication and conflict resolution

Areas of Expertise

Marital, Divorce & Parenting Plans

  • Marital Mediation
  • Divorce and Separation Mediation
  • Parenting Plans & Child-related Financial Issues

Family Issues

  • Parent-Teen / Blended Families
  • Elder Care / Mental Health / Guardianships
  • Wills, Estates & Trusts
  • Family Businesses

Workplace & Employment Issues

  • Discrimination & Harassment Complaints
  • Performance Management
  • Disability & Religious Accommodations
  • Interpersonal Conflicts
  • Supervisor – Employee Conflicts & Relationships
  • Family & Medical Leave
  • Collective Bargaining Agreements

Property, Contract & Land Use Issues

  • Purchase & Sale Agreements; Disclosures
  • Easements & Critical Areas
  • Multi-party Land Use & Natural Resources
  • Construction & Contractor Disputes
  • Nuisance & Neighbor Disputes
  • Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Individual Conflict Coaching

In addition to mediation with two or more parties, Bellingham Mediation & Consulting offers individual conflict assessment and coaching to help individuals understand the issues or conflict, their underlying interests, brainstorm options and responses, and create settlement proposals to then discuss with the other party or parties on their own.

For general questions, you may find my FAQ’s page helpful.

HAVE A QUESTION?

Bellingham Mediation & Consulting maintains the utmost confidentiality with regard to all its cases and clients.