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What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process where participants meet in a safe environment with an impartial mediator who facilitates communication between the parties in an attempt to assist reconciliation, settlement, or a mutual understanding. The goal is to work toward a satisfactory resolution of the issues, without the additional time and expense involved in litigation. The mediator may suggest ways of resolving the dispute, but does not decide the outcome. Above all, mediation is a confidential process which means there will be no Court record.

 

By participating in mediation, you can: 

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  • Improve your relationships, understanding, or communication

  • Reach your own solutions instead of involving the Courts/legal system

  • Settle conflicts and underlying issues

  • Prevent future issues

Advantages of Resolving Disputes

Confidential

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Mediation is a confidential process with no Court reporter or Court records. You will have the ability to talk to your mediator without worrying about the other side hearing or knowing what you said. The Court is only informed about the outcome: agreement or no agreement. 

 

Convenient 

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Mediation can be scheduled in a neutral location at a time that fits each person’s schedule, within a week or two to assist you in resolving your dispute promptly, whereas other avenues may take over a month to be scheduled.

 

Flexible 

 

Mediation allows participants more control over the outcome of your dispute. Both participants have an opportunity to address the issues that are most important and create the best possible outcome. The majority of mediation sessions result in an agreement reached by participants.

 

Affordable

 

Fees for mediation depend on the type of case and number of participants involved. Sliding fees are available for clients who meet income guidelines. We will schedule a time and place that is convenient for all participants.

 

Immediate 

 

You will not have to wait for a judge or jury to determine the outcome of your case. Confidential Information shared during mediation is private and protected. If you reach an agreement, you will have a written and signed copy for future records.

Intake Process

The intake process begins when a person contacts the DRC with a problem or complaint. A staff person or volunteer mediator will listen to the individual’s problem in order to determine if the complaint is appropriate for mediation. Sometimes people may need legal, psychological, emergency services, or other forms of assistance instead of or in addition to mediation. For example, in a divorce case, mediation through the DRC may be a viable option, but the parties may also need outside assistance. The DRC also receives cases ordered by the courts of Brazos County. This intake is handled by the DRC staff.

Types of DRC Cases

Business 

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  • Used car transactions

  • New car transactions

  • Car repairs

  • Insurance companies

  • Home and furniture repair

  • Consumer purchase of other goods or services

  • Professional/client

  • Real estate

  • Others not listed

 

Domestic

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  • Divorce (court-ordered and not court-ordered)

  • Visitation/child support (court-ordered and not court-ordered)

  • Boyfriend/girlfriend

  • Parent/child/siblings

  • Roommates

  • Other domestic relations

 

Lawsuits

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  • Injury or damage with a motor vehicle

  • Injury or damage without a motor vehicle

  • Workers’ compensation

  • Tax matters

  • Condemnation

  • Note

  • Will disputes

  • Other court suits

 

Other Types 

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  • Employer/employee

  • Friends not in same household

  • Juvenile/victim

  • Neighbors/neighborhood

  • Probate court matters

  • Tenant/landlord

  • Teacher/student

  • Others not listed

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