Litigation is expensive. Litigation is time-consuming. Alternatives to litigation exist, and mediation is a popular alternative in Arizona. It allows each party an opportunity to speak freely, openly, and honestly with the guidance of counsel. The goal of mediation is to come to an agreement and avoid further legal disputes, legal costs, and litigation.
At RBC LAW, we excel at advising clients about the mediation process and ensuring our clients make an informed decision that is best for the client, even if that means continuing litigation.
Mediation as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Arizona
Mediation is a form of ADR where a neutral third party assists the parties to try and reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
In mediation, the parties retain a high degree of control over proceedings. They agree on the mediator—often someone with experience relevant to the subject of the dispute—and ultimately decide the outcome. The mediator doesn't suggest a settlement or adjudicate the matter like in arbitration. Instead, they aid discussions between the parties, encouraging them to find common ground.
Mediation can be ideal for cases where the parties want to maintain their relationship or where negotiations have become too emotional. A mediator can impartially assist the parties toward productive discussions.
Mediation may not be suitable where a party refuses to compromise or is reluctant to take part in the process. Given the informal nature of mediation, it may also not be appropriate where there is a power imbalance between the parties, and the one with more bargaining power seeks to take advantage of the other.
Types of Mediation in Arizona
There are different types and styles of mediation available, depending on the state, the case, and the parties' preferences.
In facilitative mediation, the mediator guides a discussion between the parties to help them understand each other's position and interests. The mediator doesn't express their views but instead encourages the parties to find a resolution. A legal analysis of the case is usually secondary to the interests and wants of the parties.
In contrast, the mediator in evaluative mediation highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the parties' cases and may offer an opinion on the outcome of the matter at trial. For this reason, the mediator is usually a legal expert on the issue at the heart of the dispute who can give a legal analysis of the case.
While facilitative and evaluative mediation focus on resolution, transformative mediation aims to repair and rebuild the relationship between the parties so they can find an agreed resolution. The mediator does this by helping the parties recognize and understand each others' interests and needs.
Evaluative mediation is often used in the context of court-mandated mediation, where the court orders the parties to mediate in an attempt to settle the matter before trial. Court-mandated mediation is mandatory and the parties must participate.
Advantages of Mediation in Arizona
Mediation is used because it offers a number of benefits and advantages for both parties.
- More cost-effective. Mediation is generally a cheaper option than litigation as proceedings are informal and often less complex. While there is a mediator fee, the parties typically share this cost.
- Less time-consuming. Mediation may also lead to a faster outcome than a trial. There are generally many skilled mediators available to hear a matter, and mediation can be set up at the parties' convenience, rather than relying on a busy court schedule.
- Flexible outcomes. There is a range of potential outcomes available to parties in mediation. The court often has limited options, whereas mediation allows the parties to come up with more creative solutions.
- Preservation of the relationship between the parties. Successful, voluntary mediation can allow the parties to move forward with their relationship intact. Since the outcome is mutually agreed upon, the parties are more likely to follow it than a court-ordered version.
- Confidentiality. What happens in mediation stays in mediation. Mediation proceedings and outcomes are confidential.
Disadvantages of Mediation in Arizona
Mediation has its downsides, too, depending on how it's perceived.
- No guarantees. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, they must still go to court despite investing time and money in the mediation process.
- No legal precedent. This means the outcome cannot be used to guide similar cases in the future.
- Limited legal protections. If there is a power imbalance between the parties, the stronger party could use mediation to their advantage. Unlike a trial, there are limited procedural protections for the weaker party.
Roles of the Mediator and Attorney during Mediation.
Many people wonder whether they need an attorney if there is a mediator. In most cases, an attorney is optional but is almost always beneficial. Here's an overview of a mediator's role versus an attorney's role in mediation.
An attorney's role in mediation is to advocate for their client's interests, provide legal advice, help facilitate communication between parties, and work towards reaching a mutually acceptable resolution. They may also assist in drafting settlement agreements and ensuring that their client's rights are protected throughout the mediation process.
The mediator's role in mediation is much different than an attorneys. The mediator is seeking to facilitate a compromise through communication and to guide the parties to a mutually acceptable resolution. The mediator remains neutral and impartial (remember mediators are human-beings and their hired to settle cases, your attorney should prepare you for the eventual discussion the mediator will have wherein he addresses all the weaknesses in your case as a method of getting a compromise where one may not be appropriate), ensuring a fair and balanced process while helping parties explore options and find common ground.