Common questions about mediation.

Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party — the mediator — helps people in a dispute talk through the issues and explore whether they can reach an agreement, without deciding the outcome for them.

The mediator facilitates the conversation: helping each side explain their perspective, identifying the real issues and interests underneath the dispute, and helping explore possible solutions. The mediator manages the process, not the outcome.

No. A mediator has no authority to issue a ruling or impose a decision. That distinction is central to how mediation works.

No. The mediator doesn't take a side or determine fault. The parties themselves decide whether, and how, to resolve the dispute.

No. Agreeing to explore mediation — or even to a preliminary conversation about it — is not an admission of fault or a concession of your position.

Yes, mediation is voluntary for everyone involved. If the other party hasn't agreed yet, River can reach out on a neutral basis to explain the process and offer them their own conversation with the mediator.

Mediation can only proceed if all parties agree to participate. If the other party declines, we can discuss what other options may be available.

Yes. The free introductory consultation is designed for exactly this — a no-obligation conversation to understand the process and ask questions before committing to anything.

Often, yes. Mediators regularly work with parties who are not communicating directly, including through separate conversations with each side before or during the process.

This generally depends on the type of matter and your own preference. We can discuss whether that makes sense for your situation during the consultation.

Mediation doesn't take away any option you had before starting. If no agreement is reached, the parties retain whatever other paths were available to them beforehand.

The agreed terms can be documented as appropriate to the matter. We'll talk through what that looks like for your specific situation.

Mediation is a flat $450 for up to four hours in one session. If a session runs longer, additional time is $45 for each 15 minutes ($180 per hour). The initial consultation is free. We'll go over fee arrangements, including how fees are shared between the parties, before mediation begins.

This depends on the complexity of the dispute and the number of sessions needed. Many matters can be addressed in a shorter timeframe than litigation, though mediation does not guarantee a particular timeline.

Mediation is generally a private process, and confidentiality is a significant part of its appeal. That said, the specific protections available can depend on the type of matter, applicable law, and certain exceptions (for example, reporting obligations in some circumstances). We'll walk through what applies to your situation before mediation begins.

It can. Because the parties themselves shape the resolution, mediation can address underlying relationship issues in a way that a court-imposed decision typically cannot. It isn't guaranteed, but it's often part of what makes mediation worth trying.