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There aren't enough good things that can be said about the Mediation Center. If there are problems between neighbors, friends, or family members that aren't of a violent nature, the mediation process can often prevent a prolonged back and forth legal battle and bring about a solution to the problem at hand that is satisfactory to all parties involved. Mediation is a process that can be initiated either before or after legal action has been commenced, however it is something that we strongly encourage people to consider before beginning such a process. Often, in cases where a criminal or civil action has been initiated, a successful mediation can prevent harmful judgements from being entered against the losing party. A successful mediation produces a win-win result and there are no losers when a solution has been reached.  In a situation where a legal action has been commenced, either party can contact the mediation center and ask them to look into the problem. Mediation center personnel can contact the other party(ies) and explain the process and ascertain whether or not mediation is appropriate and acceptable. The mediation process is a more long term solution to a problem in that the parties involved are less likely to hold a grudge against one another, which is especially important in situations between family members, co-workers, and neighbors. In cases where compensation for financial damages are being sought, payment arrangements can be made without the associated court costs that would be involved after formal legal proceedings. This makes it more likely that the party seeking compensation will be paid and will increase the possibility that payment will be made in a timely fashion.  Legal proceedings can be resumed or re-instated should a satisfactory solution not be met or if one or more parties should violate the agreements reached through mediation.

The process:
Mediation is designed to help individuals in conflict find a solution that both parties feel is fair. Parties involved meet with trained mediators in an informal, confidential setting. A case is resolved when both parties agree to the solution.

The role of the mediator:

Mediators are trained volunteers from the community. They do not take sides, decide who is right or wrong, or give advice.

They are facilitators who:
• Help you identify the issues.
• Help you explore possible solutions.
• Help you decide which solutions will work best.

Common cases for Mediation:
• Family disputes
• Friend/Neighbor disputes
• Property line disputes
• Property destruction or theft
• Animal control
• Landlord/tenant disputes
• Money issues
• Harassment
• Workplace disputes
• Breach of contract
• Separation/divorce disputes
• Neighborhood disputes
• Church disputes

Cases not accepted:
• violent crimes or domestic violence

Programs at the Mountain Dispute Settlement Center:
• Community mediation: Mediation services for conflicts between friends, neighbors, landlord/tenenat, business/cliend, & family.
• Seperation/divorce mediation: An opportunity for separated or divorcing persons to discuss issues concerning the children and/or resolution of finances.
• Worthless check conciliation: Help is available for individuals and merchants to resolve money issues concerning worthless checks before court action is taken.
• Youth services: conflict resolution curriculum and peer mediation training for students in public & private schools, juvenile facilities, & group residency programs.
• Training: Community and private workshops on conflict resolution, mediation, & communication skills are available on a regular basis.
• Group facilitation: Facilitation services are available for local community groups & businesses. Facilitators may aid in general meetings or retreats as well as assist in resolving large group disputes.