MIDPOINT MEDIATOR SERVICE
Mediate Don't Litigate
About Mediation
What is Mediation?
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method. It is a voluntary, informal process in which a mediator helps parties negotiate their differences with the goal toward resolution and settlement. The process is confidential and the mediator has no power to impose a settlement. Settlement is entirely the decision of the parties, who may or may not be represented by attorneys. The mediator's role is to help the parties focus on their needs and interests rather than on their rights and positions. Although in court, the parties may be ordered to attend a mediation session, they are not required to settle their case in mediation. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement in mediation, the parties retain the right to have their case tried in the court, which can be draining both financially and emotionally. Mediation is a constructive and creative way to help the parties reach a resolution to their dispute.
Why do Georgia courts offer and encourage alternative dispute resolution?
The court-connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) system was created in 1993 jointly by the Georgia Supreme Court and the State Bar of Georgia. The goals were to help the judiciary handle more cases with fewer resources; and offer litigants lower-cost, faster and effective ways to resolve their differences without resorting to court trials. The ADR system benefits:
Benefits of mediating with MidPoint Mediator Service instead of bringing a lawsuit:
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method. It is a voluntary, informal process in which a mediator helps parties negotiate their differences with the goal toward resolution and settlement. The process is confidential and the mediator has no power to impose a settlement. Settlement is entirely the decision of the parties, who may or may not be represented by attorneys. The mediator's role is to help the parties focus on their needs and interests rather than on their rights and positions. Although in court, the parties may be ordered to attend a mediation session, they are not required to settle their case in mediation. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement in mediation, the parties retain the right to have their case tried in the court, which can be draining both financially and emotionally. Mediation is a constructive and creative way to help the parties reach a resolution to their dispute.
Why do Georgia courts offer and encourage alternative dispute resolution?
The court-connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) system was created in 1993 jointly by the Georgia Supreme Court and the State Bar of Georgia. The goals were to help the judiciary handle more cases with fewer resources; and offer litigants lower-cost, faster and effective ways to resolve their differences without resorting to court trials. The ADR system benefits:
- Taxpayers – by reducing the need to pay for more judges, staff and courtrooms as Georgia’s population grows, saving millions of dollars a year;
- Litigants – by offering effective, empowering alternatives to litigation that save them time, money and energy;
- Attorneys – by giving them more tools to satisfy their clients’ needs and by reducing overcrowding in the courts;
- Judges and Juries – by clearing dockets so they can concentrate their efforts on cases that require their services;
- Courts – by helping the judiciary use its resources more efficiently.
Benefits of mediating with MidPoint Mediator Service instead of bringing a lawsuit:
- Peace of mind for parties; spare yourself the emotional turmoil of a lawsuit.
- Less expensive than attorneys fees and expenses required to prepare for court proceeding.
- Better chance of maintaining a healthy relationship with the other party in the dispute.
- Helps you leave this problem behind to focus on enjoying your life.
