Virtual and/or in-person mediation is a great option!
Many people are taking advantage of alternative ways of resolving disputes these days. Not all disputes need to be submitted to a judge or jury for resolution. Sometimes, with the assistance of a mediator, disputes can be resolved within one day.
How does mediation work?
If you are involved in a court case, ask your attorney about the possibilities of mediating your dispute.
If you are not already involved in a court case, the parties must all agree to attend a mediation session; that is, it’s a voluntary process. No person can force the other person to attend. If, however, the parties agree to mediate in hopes of a quick resolution and the avoidance of the expenses of litigation, you can schedule a date for mediation on our online mediation calendar at bolingrice.com. The parties will meet with the mediator on the scheduled date, either virtually or in-person, whichever the parties prefer, so that the mediator can learn of the issues involved.
During the mediation, the mediator does not represent nor give legal advice to either party. She will work with the parties to help the parties negotiate their own agreement. That is, the parties decide their own fate. Once an agreement is reached, the mediator can capture the agreement in writing. Once the agreement is signed, (which can be done virtually as well) it serves as a binding contract between the parties. Payment for mediation services is due on the date of the mediation and is usually divided equally between the parties.
How our firm can assist
At our firm, we have an attorney whose primary practice consists of serving as a mediator between parties with disputes. Angie McKinney has been a member of the Georgia State Bar since 1991. She is also a civil and domestic mediator registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. She is listed on the mediation rosters of the Ninth Judicial Administrative District of Georgia (see adr9.org) which represents 14 north Georgia counties, as well as Gwinnett County Superior Court. She often works with parties who are already involved in court litigation. Either the court has ordered the parties to mediate, or the parties are simply exhausted with the time, effort, and expenses of litigation and desire to attempt mediation. Mediation is also available for disputes which have not been filed in the court system. Either way, we are ready to assist you with your mediation needs.
For more information, please click on “schedule a mediation” in the top right-hand corner of the screen, or call 770.887.3162.