Emily Holland 
Arbitration proceedings are often touted as a fantastic alternative to resolving legal disputes; however, there are disadvantages to arbitration that can make it the wrong choice for a dispute for various reasons. Understanding how arbitration may not fit a situation or case can help parties make the best decision regarding the dispute resolution mechanisms. It …
How we think about controlling how we present ourselves to others is a concept known as impression management. It is a part of normal human behavior, and like any other aspect of mental and physical health, impression management tactics can be used for good and harm. Have you ever walked into a room and immediately …
Heteronormativity is defined as the presumption and privileging of gender conformity. When someone asks you to picture a happy family, who is included in the picture that your brain conjures up? It may look very much like your own family, either now or growing up, or an imagined or experienced family you hoped to have. …
While every couple will decide that divorce is the best option at different times, there are a few first signs that you are ready for divorce. The decision to get a divorce is not easy, but understanding why the decision was made and that it was the best option for the family can help make …
When parties have difficulty discussing the issues with the other party in the room, the mediator may decide to move to caucus mediation. Caucuses can be a powerful tool in mediation, but some downsides need to be considered when considering a caucus. The mediator’s style will also impact when caucuses are used. Some mediators begin mediation …
At what point does an informal agreement become a binding contract? We encounter dozens of contracts and agreements daily, but it can be difficult to understand what makes an agreement legally enforceable. You may wonder the difference between your verbal agreement to meet a friend for dinner and the contract you signed when you bought …
One of the main questions for those interested in mediation is, “How much do mediators make?”. When considering any job title, one of the biggest influences on whether it is viable is the average salary for a person with the occupation. This is no different when it comes to dispute resolution professionals. Mediators, arbitrators, and …
The selective perception theory is that we will ignore stimuli that do not align with our existing beliefs or attitudes to focus on the ones that do. Selective perception is not inherently a bad practice, but over-reliance on it can lead to cognitive dissonance and a warped understanding of reality. When we are in situations …
Understanding the aftermath of the mediation process, mediation results, and how long after mediation you can go to court is a vital step in deciding the ADR route. By now, you have likely encountered the mediation process somehow, either by personal experience or its recent rise in alternative dispute resolution circles. Mediation allows the parties …
Mediation can be an excellent tool for resolving disputes, but unless you have personally participated in mediation or know someone who has, you may not know much about the process. This can cause many people to avoid the process or not even recognize the option. This article will outline what mediation is, how it is …