Hampshire Mediation is proud to announce the publication of our ebook on what individuals can expect from the mediation process. You can see the book here.
We wrote this book to address the questions that seem to come up frequently when we are approached by people seeking mediation.
Mediation is meant to be an open process for all concerned, and it seemed clear to us that many people don’t really know what the process is. Mediation is not the same as a court hearing; it is an alternative to court and usually a far quicker, less expensive and much easier route than going to court. It is a much more positive and productive process than court and most people who engage in mediation report coming out of it in a much happier frame of mind than those who go to court – whether they win or lose!
The purpose of the book is also to help those who are contemplating mediation, or are already involved In the process, to prepare for it. There is a comprehensive guide within the book that outlines not only a participant’s role within a mediation, but actual, concrete steps a prospective participant can take to prepare fully for a mediation.
Finally, the book outlines the mediator’s role in a mediation – sometimes this is unclear to participants, and it is my belief that sometimes people are hesitant to ask. If mediation is going to be a transparent process – and that is one of its stated aims – then the mediator’s role also has to be clear to everyone who may be attending a mediation, no matter what their interest is in being there.
This book is designed to help and educate and assist people to prepare for what is a very positive, forward thinking, problem solving process. Mediation is not about looking back and assigning blame (that’s what the courts do). Mediation is usually quick – it can often be arranged within days or a week or two of contacting a mediator. Mediation is effective – it offers a way of finding a solution that the participants are completely in control of. It is not about the mediator making decisions and imposing them on participants. Mediation is a far more economical solution than going to court – both in terms of time and of money. Read the book!
