Family/Elder Process

How Does the Mediation Process Work?

Step One:  Your Call
When you call you talk one on one with me, Laura HallI, your mediator.  I am a long time mediator with extensive training in family dynamics and elder issues.  I have worked as an advocate for seniors in long term care facilities and am a Guardian ad Litem for the Clark County Superior Court.  I will answer any questions that you have and make recommendations for resources that may be helpful for you, given your unique situation.

Step Two: Working with Us
Once you decide to proceed with mediation, I will contact the family members who will be participating in your mediation session.  I will email each of you a brief questionnaire to help me get to know you in advance of session and help you organize your thoughts for the session itself.

 Preparation for Mediation – Be thinking about these things.

  • What do you want your family members to understand?
  • What would ‘success’ in this process look like?
  • What are you willing to give to achieve that success?

Step Three: Session
A session is simply a supported conversation.  My role as a mediator is to act as a neutral facilitator who helps each participant be heard. Mediation is not counseling.   I will keep the conversation respectful and focused on the future, so that you can come to agreements which will help you move forward in a new way.  Having a neutral person to help you have these difficult conversations allows each family member to step outside of old roles and patterns to communicate their needs and desires more clearly.

    Steps of a Mediation

  1. Guidelines – We’ll review and sign the mediation agreement and discuss what each of you need in order to feel comfortable in the process: respectful language, time constraints, etc.
  2. Introductions – Each of you has an opportunity to share what is important to you and how you see the situation unfolding.
  3. Agenda – We create a list of all of the things that you would like to make sure we talk about.
  4. Conversation and Negotiation– You will identify which item you would like to start with and we will work through each of the items on your agenda and seek agreements.
  5. Recording – We write down any agreements that you would like to record and, if you are ready, you will sign and each take a copy of the agreements with you.
  6. Follow Up – We determine next steps and a timeline for follow up as needed.

Step Four: Resources
Whether it you need additional sessions or a referral to community resources, we are here to help. Knowing that you have support should you need it, can provide a safety valve that will help you and your family  move more smoothly through difficult situations.

For More Information or to Schedule and Appointment Call Laura Hall at 360-524-1762  or email lhall@hall-mediation.com