What Is Mediation?

How Much Does Mediation Cost?

Do I Need An Attorney to Utilize Mediation?

Who Uses Mediation?

What Types of Disputes Can Be Resolved Through Mediation?

Who Are Mediators?

How Does Mediation Work?

What if an agreement cannot be reached?

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a process in which two or more people involved in a dispute meet in a private, confidential setting with a neutral person (a mediator) and work together to solve their problems.

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How Much Does Mediation Cost?

• Generally, there is a $25.00 non-refundable fee to open a case and additional $25.00 fee if both parties agree to participate in mediation.
• All Circuit Court Cases ordered to The Resolution Center will be assessed a $150.00 fee (typically shared by both parties, unless otherwise instructed by the Court).
• All District Court Cases ordered to The Resolution Center will be assessed a $100.00 fee (typically shared by both parties, unless otherwise instructed by the Court).

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Do I Need An Attorney to Utilize Mediation?

No. People frequently participate in mediation without legal representation. You are always welcome to have your attorney present with you at the mediation session. The Resolution Center always encourages individuals in a dispute to seek legal advice.

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Who Uses Mediation?

All types of businesses, associations and individuals have recognized the benefits of using and referring disputes to mediation.

• Courts
• Human service agencies
• Police departments
• Schools
• Property management companies
• Attorneys
• Risk managers
• Professional associations
• Governments

A wide variety of disputes are resolved through mediation.

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What Types of Disputes Can Be Resolved Through Mediation?

A wide variety of disputes can be successfully resolved through mediation, including:

• Neighborhood Disputes
• Landlord / Tenant
• Consumer / Merchant
• Employer / Employee
• Contract Disputes
• Small Claims Cases
• Family Disputes
• Business / Business Disputes
• Claims involving Money or Personal Property

Certain cases are not appropriate for mediation, such as disputes involving serious violence and disputes involving controlled substances or substance abuse.

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Who Are Mediators?

Mediators are community residents who have been trained under the guidelines set forth by the State Court Administrative Office.

A mediator is the neutral person that is in control of the mediation process. They assist parties in defining the issues of a dispute and help find solutions to them.

A Mediator Does Not:

• Judge
• Take sides
• Force any party to reach an agreement
• Offer legal advice

The Resolution Center’s roster of qualified mediators represent virtually all professional disciplines. They have successfully completed a training course established by the Michigan Supreme Court.

The Resolution Center mediators are also required to complete mediation education credits on an annual basis.

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How Does Mediation Work?

Step 1

An intake specialist will help you determine if mediation is the most appropriate process for your problem.

Step 2

If the dispute can best be resolved through mediation, a case developer will contact the other party(s) and secure their interest in resolving the problem.

Step 3

After all parties have agreed to participate, a mediator session will be scheduled. Cases referred by the court or other public agency will be scheduled accordingly.

Step 4

At the mediation, the mediator(s) will help the disputing parties define the issues involved in the dispute. Possible solutions are then explored.

Step 5

When an agreement is reached, a mediator writes the terms of the mediation agreement for each party to sign and receive a copy.

Step 6

The Resolution Center will follow up with all parties to make sure the mediation agreement is working satisfactorily.

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What if an agreement cannot be reached?

If you bring your case to mediation and do not reach a solution, there are no consequences, legal or otherwise, for any party involved.

The Resolution Center will assist parties in exploring other options to resolve the dispute.

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Request A Mediation…

Call (586) 469-4714 or 1-800-8-RESOLVE

Submit Request for Mediation

 

Center staff are available Monday – Friday , 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Mediation sessions can be scheduled during the day or evening.

The Resolution Center will attempt to furnish reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities if given prior notice.

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