Northcoast Conflict Solutions

Cleveland counseling, mediation and training services

(216) 236-6200
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Cleveland Mediation and Conflict Resolution

   

"You can't shake hands with a clenched fist."-- Indira Gandhi

                                                                                                                                                                     

What types of mediation does Northcoast Conflict Solutions offer?

What is mediation?

Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party (the mediator) facilitates the resolution of conflict involving two or more parties.

Sometimes, parties are already in agreement as to how they'd like their resolution to work.

For example:

  • A married couple agrees to a marital dissolution. They have a fairly solid understanding of how to divide their assets, their time spent with children, and material goods in the house.
  • A business wanting to buy out another business wants to make certain that this is a fair agreement for all parties involved. No one is arguing; they just want to have a mediator verify they have not omitted anything crucial in the agreement and that it is equitable.

At other times, parties are in heated dispute.   For example:   

  • A husband and wife who have each retained an attorney over a year ago, but are getting nowhere in filing for divorce.
  • A couple who wants a divorce mediation but cannot agree on how to divide their portfolio.
  • A church whose pastor has a different understanding of how to run the church from the elder council.
  • A school board in heated debate with teachers regarding salary increases.

In either case, parties willing to dialogue about the issues are good candidates for mediation: elder, family or divorce mediation in Cleveland, Ohio.

What are the steps of mediation?

Preliminary steps include a FREE CONSULTATION to determine is there is a good “fit” between the needs of the client and the services we provide. We spend time making sure the parties have a good understanding of the mediation process before we begin the formal steps.  The mediation style we use is Facilitative.

             Step 1. Introductions and ground rules

             Step 2. Both parties involved present their side of the story

            Step 3. Issues are clarified, summarized and prioritized. Both parties need to understand each other’s needs.

            Step 4. Creative brainstorming of possible solutions.

           Step 5. Narrowing range of options to best and most workable solution(s).

           Step 6. Documentation of agreement and signing of agreement by both parties.

           At times, a subsequent meeting is set up to determine how well the agreement is working. Because parties now know the

           process, they can also meet without the mediator as long as they follow these basic steps.

           If at any point one or the other party refuses to continue the mediation, each party maintains the right to investigate the

           option of litigation.

What are the advantages of mediation?

  • Parties make their own decisions
  • Parties 85-90% more likely to abide by decisions they make
  • Costs much less
  • Takes much less time
  • Communication is civil, respectful
  • Personal and professional issues stay private

            By contrast in litigation...

  • Attorneys make decisions
  • Parties less likely to abide by decisions attorneys make
  • Costs can be exorbitant
  • Can go on for years
  • Attorneys encourage sides only to “speak” through them
  • Issues open to public record

Counseling | Mediation: Divorce, Elder & Family | Training | Media | Products | Testimonials | Blog/Newsletter | About Us | Contact

Northcoast Conflict Solutions, LLC | 7819 Broadview Road, Suite 4 | Seven Hills, Ohio 44131 | (216) 236-6200 | www.ncsmediation.com

Northcoast Conflict Solutions offers a wide range of mediation, counseling and training services, including Christian, elder, family, and divorce mediation. Founded in 1996, the mediation, counseling, facilitation and training practice in Seven Hills near Cleveland Ohio has mediators, psychologists, counselors, attorneys, and affiliates. Their diverse backgrounds include business, law, education, school safety, anti-bullying, behavioral health, organization development, ministry, and human resources.

© 2010 Northcoast Conflict Solutions