Why Choose Community Mediation?

Mediation makes sense – In mediation, you are in control.  You make your own decisions about what is best.  The solution is determined by the people who will live with the consequences.  

Mediation is voluntary – Participants only mediate if they choose to and have the option to stop at any time.

Mediation is confidential – Sessions are held in private, and mediators will not disclose what is said in a mediation session.  No records are kept of the discussion except the agreement (if there is one) that is reached by the participants.

Mediation is quick – We can schedule mediations within one to two weeks, and most require only one or two sessions.

Mediation is convenient – We can schedule mediation on weekdays in the morning, afternoon, evening and occasionally on Saturdays. 

Mediation is cost-effective – Our low-cost community mediation fees are based on the dollar amount of the dispute (if there is one).

Mediation can improve relationships! – Mediation fosters respect for differences in beliefs and backgrounds.  The process helps people to preserve and maintain ongoing relationships. Having a negative relationship with a neighbor, business associate, consumer, landlord or tenant, etc. can cause stress, reduce personal levels of happiness and satisfaction.

Mediation works! – Mediation has helped many in resolving seemingly intractable disputes.  The success rate for mediation is about 70 percent.

Who are the Mediators?

The NVMS corps of mediators are trained and experienced in mediation skills.  Our mediators are drawn from the community and often bring additional professional skills to the mediation. NVMS can also provide mediation in Spanish.

Community Mediation

Community mediation helps individuals resolve disputes constructively outside the court system.  Mediation is a process in which an impartial third party assists people in conflict in finding a mutually acceptable solution to their dispute. It is both voluntary and confidential.

Landlord-Tenant Mediation, VACCR from Steve Poulson on Vimeo.

What happens in Community Mediation?

Our highly experienced and State-certified mediators can help you talk things through and reach an agreement (if the parties would like one) that satisfies all participants. 

 Process

Examples of community disputes include those between or among:

  • Neighbors
  • Family   
  • Friends   
  • Roommates
  • Consumers/Merchants
  • Landlords/Tenants
  • Contractors/Homeowners

For more detailed descriptions of these and other case types see:

Common Community Mediation Issues

 

Getting Started

All it takes is a genuine interest in resolving your dispute!  Please complete and submit the following inquiry form or fax to (703) 246-8992. Our staff will review your request and contact you to answer questions and begin the intake process.