Law Department

 

WHERE IS THE MEDIATION?

The City Mediation Program is a fully virtual Mediation program. The Mediation will take place through Microsoft Teams, which is a web-based remote meeting space. You should not enter the Mediation in a public place.

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE TEAMS APP?

No. The Teams App is free and you can download it by following this link.

DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT?

As long as you have a working device (phone, tablet, laptop, personal computer) with audio and video capability that can access the internet (data, wi-fi, internet access), you can attend Mediation on Teams.

DO I NEED AN EMAIL ADDRESS?

Yes. You will need an email address so we can send you a link to the Mediation meeting.

WHAT IF I NEED AN EMAIL ADDRESS, A DEVICE, OR A RELIABLE INTERNET CONNECTION?

We will ask about your device and will help you meet these needs. There are some community locations that will help you set up an email address, provide you with a tablet or a computer, and provide you with a private place to be in a virtual meeting.

WHO WILL BE IN THE MEDIATION?

The Mediator will manage your Mediation session. Each session will include the Mediator, you, and the other party. The Mediation Program Coordinator will also be in the mediation, but will not have access to your meeting room unless the Mediation is not successful. When the Mediation is unsuccessful, the Mediation Program Coordinator is available to talk with you about what happens next.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IN THE MEDIATION?

The Mediator will begin the Mediation when both parties are in the meeting. The Mediator will review an electronic form called Consent to Mediate, which explains confidentiality, privilege, and each party’s responsibility in the Mediation. Mediation sessions allow each party to talk about the dispute, an opportunity to frame issues that need to be resolved, and opportunities for both parties to suggest solutions. A successful Mediation results in a written agreement that is produced during the Mediation and is electronically signed by the parties.