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 …
Mediation and arbitration are found within the alternative dispute resolution sphere because they offer ways to resolve disputes outside the traditional litigation process. However, the procedures are very different. Each system presents its benefits and challenges, and neither system is truly superior to the other. Understanding how and when to use each process is vital …
In an increasingly interconnected yet isolated world, empathy and sympathy emerge as critical emotional skills that foster an understanding of a person’s feelings, compassion, and human connection. Though these two terms are often used interchangeably, empathy and sympathy have different meanings and implications in psychological, social, and communication contexts. It is essential to understand how …
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 …
When parties are considering using mediation to help them separate effectively, they may wonder how to prepare for separation mediation effectively. For some, they may not even know what mediation entails, and they will have no idea how mediation will work for them. Mediation is a commonly used practice, especially in family law matters, yet …
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 …
Disparate treatment discrimination in the workplace is a critical issue that affects many employees and employers across various industries. This discrimination occurs when an individual is treated differently based on certain protected characteristics, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, or disability. Unlike disparate impact discrimination, which deals with policies that apply …
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 …