Mediation is a method of alternative dispute resolution where an independent, neutral third-party assists parties to a dispute resolve and settle their issues. Dispute resolution accomplished through mediation can avoid potentially protracted and expensive litigation. Mediation can be independently agreed upon by the parties involved or ordered by a court, but all parties must voluntarily commit to the process of mediation and to negotiate in good faith with others involved. Whether a dispute is settled through mediation is entirely up to the parties. Unlike a judge in a court of law or an arbitrator, a mediator has no authority to make any decision that is binding on the parties.

For a mediation to be effective, it is not enough to engage a trained, experienced mediator. It also requires that the parties be motivated to resolve the dispute. With a skilled mediator and motivated parties, most disputes can be successfully resolved. Further, resolutions reached through mediation have been shown to have certain significant advantages over outcomes reached through traditional lawsuits.

  • QUICKER RESOLUTION: Resolve disputes within weeks or months rather than years.

  • LESS EXPENSIVE: Avoid paying attorney fees and the associated costs of litigation over the protracted period a court case would be pending.

  • LESS FORMAL: The mediator is able to engage with the parties in a way that a judge cannot and can focus the parties on their needs and interests rather than on arbitrarily-stated positions.

  • CONFIDENTIAL: Unlike the public nature of a court proceeding, a mediation is confidential and the settlement can be made confidential if all parties agree.

  • PRESERVES RELATIONSHIPS: Because mediation is a collaborative, rather than an adversarial process and because it is not inherently a win/lose process, important relationships, both business and personal, can often be saved.

  • GREATER FLEXIBILITY AND CONTROL: Because the parties are in control of the result rather than a judge or jury, the parties determine the outcome. This can be anything they agree upon, unlike in a litigated case where the primary redress is the payment of money.

  • MORE SATISFACTION: All parties are generally more satisfied with the result because they had a hand in crafting it and because there is not necessarily a designated winner and loser. There is generally no admission of fault, which can often erode relationships.

  • GREATER COMPLIANCE: Mediation often produces a more satisfactory, quicker result with less cost and because it requires mutual agreement, compliance by the parties is generally higher than with judgments in litigated actions.

The mediators at Innovative Dispute Resolution, LLC are trained to help you reap the advantages of a mediated settlement. We provide in-person mediations at your offices or remotely over Zoom. We can help you resolve your dispute!

For more information or to schedule a mediation please contact Jo Ellen Dyer at 816-590-4335 or Brett Coonrod at 816-912-0012.

Conflict cannot survive without your participation.
-Wayne Dyer

Generally, alternative dispute resolution is an efficient and cost effective way to resolve even the most complex disputes. At Innovative Dispute Resolution, LLC we strive to help you craft the best solution for your situation. We understand that part of the advantage of an effective ADR program is the cost savings. Our goal is to provide excellent service at a fair price. To that end, we provide a variety of fee arrangements including hourly and flat fees. Contact Us to arrange a program and fee structure that will suit your needs.

Brett Coonrod, J.D.  816.912.0012
Jo Ellen Dyer, J.D. 816.590.4335

[email protected]