Our trained mediators can help you talk things through and reach an agreement that satisfies all participants. First, the mediators will explain the mediation process and answer your questions.  ...

First : The first thing you will need to do is talk to the other person(s) with whom you would like to mediate. Let him/her know that this is an option ...

Your confirmation letter will contain the address for your first session. The majority of NVMS scheduled mediations session take place in main offices in Downtown Fairfax near the Court House. However, ...

No special preparation is necessary for the first session. However, if there are specific issues that you need to address and you know that you will need to draw information ...

Once you reach an agreement you have three options: 1. You can have the mediators draft your agreement in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). You can ...

Here is an example of a custody dispute: Mom wants custody so she can send the son to private school where he will get a good education. Dad insists ...

Yes, mediation can still work. The mediators will ask you to look closely at your needs, interests, values and goals, rather than your positions. They will assist you in looking at ...

Yes. A history of abuse (physically, emotionally, or verbally) is an important consideration for mediation. The first step to determine whether or not mediation is appropriate in your case would be ...

No. You are not agreeing to anything other than being open to meet and attempt to find a solution. Mediation is a voluntary process, if you feel that it is not ...

No. The purpose of mediation is to help everyone reach a solution that works. We are here to help when you aren’t able to work it out.

No. Mediators will not evaluate what is fair or typical. They will not make any decisions or issue any judgments about the merits of the various positions. Mediators are facilitators. They ...

Yes. Mediation works best when everyone can be in the mediation room. This gives each person an opportunity to hear what everyone feels is important and what they need to say ...

Because mediation is a process to help you make decisions, it works best when the principles are the only parties at the table. However, when a request is made to include ...

Mediations are scheduled as follows: Monday – Thursday 9am – 7pm Friday 10am – 3pm Saturday 10am – 4pm (as available)

Family mediation sessions are scheduled in 2 hour blocks. Exceptions can be made when there are special circumstances.

Every case is unique. The number of sessions you require depends on multiple factors. On average a family case can range from 3-6 sessions.

Your meeting schedule is set by you and your mediators. There is no required meeting schedule.

Generally, family mediation sessions are held at our offices at 4041 University Drive, Suite 101 Fairfax, VA. We are also able to offer services in Manassas, Great Falls, and Arlington.

There are generally six steps in the mediation process: Step One: The mediators meet with everyone to go over the principles of mediation; stress their roles as impartial facilitators; ...

You are not required to have an attorney if you are using mediation. However, we strongly encourage you to consider using an attorney for three main purposes: 1. To consult with ...

When dealing with financial issues, support orders, custody matters, etc. there are many legal ramifications. Therefore, using an attorney to handle the court process is highly recommended. Although you have a ...

Your mediators will be able to provide you with legal information regarding state laws, court procedures, where to get forms, etc. However, your mediators - even if they are attorneys - ...

No. By law in the State of Virginia, along with neighboring states, anyone can act as your mediator. However, to be a good mediator requires extensive training, years of experience ...

Because of our roster of mediators, NVMS is able to offer potential participants with a slightly different process than what you may have seen on television or heard about from friends. ...

NVMS has one of the most diverse, experienced and well recognized roster of professional mediators in the country. Our mediators are certified as Mentor Mediators, compared with many private practitioners ...

NVMS is a non-profit affiliate of George Mason University. Our mission is to provide affordable and accessible services to the community at large. For that reason, we have a ...