Settling a dispute in court can be costly, frustrating, and time-consuming. Mediation promotes voluntary, confidential and amicable agreements outside of court or arbitration. In mediation, parties keep outcomes in their own hands. Below, Honolulu, HI’s, Lou Chang Mediation & Arbitration fields several common questions about the process.

Common Questions About Mediation

What Types of Disputes Can Be Mediated?

All kinds of business,contract, construction, employment, personal injury real estate, insurance, estate and trust, partnership and similar civil cases can and do benefit from mediation. Mediation may not be suitable for matters as criminal, spousal and family abuse and cases where a legal precedent needs to be established.

How Does Mediation Work?

Mediation helps parties reach a fair and amicable solution to a civil dispute. Each session is facilitated by a neutral third party, known as a mediator, who helps foster communication and align perspectives between two disputing parties.

What Is the Mediator’s Role?

Mediators help parties to have productive, safe and confidential discussions. Good mediators adapt the mediation process to fit the needs and wishes of the parties and the circumstances of the dispute.  A mediator does not have the power to determine an outcome or impose a judgment. Instead, parties and the mediator work to clarify misunderstandings, promote clear communications, identify issues, needs and concerns and explore and blend creative options and ideas that parties may find mutually acceptable.

How Long Does Mediation Take?

That very much depends upon the parties and the nature of the issues that the parties need to address. Mediation sessions sometimes last only a few hours. More complicated disputes may take a full day or more.

If you require the aid of a seasoned mediator, Lou Chang Mediation & Arbitration is available to help. Recognized by peers as one of the best lawyers in the fields of mediation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution, he brings over 40 years of experience to a wide array of civil disputes, including business, construction, employment, real estate,  contract, estate, personal injury, insurance, liability, discrimination, wrongful termination, and family business disagreements. Learn more about his services online or call (808) 384-2468 to speak with Lou Chang directly.