Community mediation helps individuals resolve disputes constructively outside the court system. Mediation is a process in which an impartial third party assists people in conflict in finding a mutually acceptable solution to their dispute.
It is both voluntary and confidential.
What happens in Community Mediation?
Our trained mediators can help you talk things through and reach an agreement (if the parties would like one) that satisfies all participants. First, the mediators will explain the mediation process and answer your questions. Next, each participant has the opportunity to tell their side, uninterrupted. Mediators do not assign blame, judge who is right or wrong, or make decisions about what should happen. They help participants discuss the problem openly and identify lasting solutions. As a final step if desired, the mediators can write the agreement created by the parties. Agreements between parties can include any number of things. Some typical examples are exchange of goods or services, monetary payment, schedules for payment or completion of work and plans for future interactions. Examples of community disputes include those between or among:
For more detailed descriptions of these and other case types see:
Types of Community Mediation Cases (pdf).
Why Choose Mediation?
Mediation makes sense – In mediation, you are in control. You make your own decisions about what is best. The solution is determined by the people who will live with the consequences. The mediators do not impose their own views or solutions.
Mediation is voluntary – Participants only mediate if they choose to, and have the option to stop at any time.
Mediation is confidential – Sessions are held in private, and mediators will not disclose what is said in a mediation session. No records are kept of the discussion except the agreement (if there is one) that is reached by the participants.
Mediation is quick – We can schedule mediations within one to two weeks, and most require only one or two sessions.
Mediation is convenient – We can schedule mediation on weekdays in the morning, afternoon, evening and occasionally on Saturdays, and at a location that is convenient for you. Most mediations take place at our Fairfax City office.
Mediation is cost-effective – Our low-cost community mediation fees are based on the dollar amount of the dispute (if there is one).
Mediation is non-adversarial – In mediation, parties work together towards a solution that everyone can accept.
Mediation can improve relationships! – Mediation fosters respect for differences in beliefs and backgrounds. The process helps people to preserve and maintain ongoing relationships. Often times, people are willing to tolerate negative relationships when they don’t have to. Having a negative relationship with a neighbor, business associate, consumer, landlord or tenant, etc. can cause stress, reduce personal levels of happiness and satisfaction.
Mediation works! – Even if you have already tried to resolve your dispute and have been unsuccessful, try mediation. It has helped many in resolving seemingly intractable disputes. The success rate for mediation is about 70 percent.
Who are the Mediators?
The NVMS corps of mediators are trained and experienced in mediation skills. Our mediators are drawn from the community and often bring additional professional skills to the mediation. NVMS can also provide mediation in Spanish.
NVMS Service Area
NVMS provides community mediation throughout the Northern Virginia area, including in the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William and the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church and other contiguous cities and towns in the area. We also serve homeowners associations, civic associations and other organizations throughout the Washington metropolitan region.
Getting Started
All it takes is a genuine interest in resolving your dispute! Please complete and submit the following inquiry form or fax to (703) 246-8992. Our staff will review your request and contact you to answer questions and begin the intake process.
Community Mediation Inquiry Form
Agreement to Participate in Mediation
For additional questions or to find out more information, please call NVMS at (703) 993-3656 and ask to speak with an intake and case manager.