Who can I bring to the mediation?

When you attend mediation, you may usually bring anyone with you that you believe will be helpful in coming to an agreement. The purpose of mediation is for you and the party you are having a dispute with to talk things through, listen to each other, compromise and come up with a plan that works. You aren’t going to be presenting witnesses or putting on a “case” like you would at a trial, so the people you need to bring with you are those who may help you to come to an agreement at the mediation or whose opinion you will want before you decide to settle.

Who to Bring to Mediation

There are a few people you should definitely bring to mediation. These include anyone who you would need permission from before accepting a settlement. For example, if you work for a company, someone with authority to settle must be there; otherwise the mediator may end the session because no agreement can possibly by reached. You will also want to bring a lawyer for sure, since the mediator’s role is not to make sure that your rights are protected or that the agreement is fair. The mediator’s role is just to help you work things out.

Finally, it may be a good idea to bring your spouse or significant other or parent, or anyone else who you would like to consult or whose input you would like to receive before settling.This way, if there is a settlement that seems fair, you can get their opinion then and there and the settlement process will not be delayed.

Case Studies: Bringing the Right People to Mediation

Case Study 1: Resolving Workplace Dispute

Mary, an employee, had a dispute with her employer regarding workplace harassment. Before attending mediation, Mary consulted with her lawyer, who advised her to bring a representative from the company’s management team who had the authority to settle.

By bringing someone with decision-making power, Mary ensured that the mediation session could lead to a potential resolution. During mediation, the representative acknowledged the issue and worked collaboratively with Mary to establish a fair agreement.

Case Study 2: Navigating a Divorce Settlement

John and Sarah were going through a divorce and opted for mediation to reach a settlement amicably. They both brought their respective family lawyers to ensure their rights and interests were protected during the negotiation process. Additionally, they decided to bring their therapists as emotional support.

The presence of therapists helped John and Sarah manage their emotions and facilitated productive communication during the mediation sessions. With the guidance of their lawyers and the emotional support provided by the therapists, John and Sarah were able to arrive at a mutually acceptable settlement.

Case Study 3: Seeking Personal Injury Compensation

Alex, a victim of a car accident, pursued mediation with the responsible party’s insurance company to seek compensation for their injuries. Alex was accompanied by their personal injury lawyer, who specialized in negotiating settlements. The lawyer’s expertise in personal injury law ensured that Alex’s rights were protected and that they received a fair settlement offer.

Alex also brought their spouse to the mediation session for emotional support and to provide input on the settlement options. The presence of the spouse helped Alex make a well-informed decision promptly.

Getting Help with Mediation

If you are going to mediation, the most important person to have present is a lawyer to protect your rights. Consult a lawyer as soon as possible so you can learn more about how to prepare for the mediation process and make it successful.