Thank you for agreeing to try mediation.
Your decision is a positive step toward resolving your issues in a safe and productive environment. You are only six steps away from the mediation table!
*If you have a court date, you must submit your inquiry form no less than 4 weeks before your court date.*
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Step One: Talk to the other person(s). The first thing you will need to do is talk to the other person(s) with whom you would like to mediate. Let them know that this is an option you think would be beneficial in your situation. Offer them the website address so they can research the option for themselves. If you have already done this great! You are ready for the next step.
If you have not done this and feel that the communication between you and the other person(s) is not adequate to have the conversation, you may call the office and request that we contact them to see if they would be interested in mediation.
Step Two: Fill out an inquiry form or give us a call: Each person who will be involved in the mediation will need to fill out the online inquiry form. Please make sure that you fill out every applicable portion of the inquiry form.
Step Three: Complete the Intake Process: Once you send us your inquiry form you will be contacted within 24 hours. At this time, we will collect additional information about your situation, assess your fee, answer any of your questions and complete the intake process if you are ready to move forward with mediation. *Please note: A $25 intake fee is charged per person at the end of the call if you choose to move forward with mediation. This fee is non-refundable, so it is important to know that both parties are ready to begin mediation with NVMS. *
Step Four: Your initial session will be scheduled: After we have received the inquiry forms for and spoken to everyone involved in your case we will send you an e-mail with scheduling information.
Step Five: Confirm the proposed date and time: When you receive the scheduling e-mail, you MUST respond by confirming the date and time in order for us to actually schedule the appointment. If the proposed information does not work for you, let us know and we will work on some other options.
Step Six: Attend the initial session: Once we have confirmed your appointment, you will receive a confirmation letter with additional information. You are ready to start! We will see you in the office on your scheduled date.
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Where is our first session?
Your confirmation letter will contain the location information you need. The majority of our cases are scheduled in our Fairfax office. However, depending on the scheduling arrangements for your particular case, your mediation may be held in one of our satellite location.
What information do I need to bring?
No special preparation is needed for the first session. You may bring information you feel will be helpful to discuss and share. During the course of the mediation your mediator(s) will ask you to complete “homework” assignments. This can include such things as collecting financial information; doing property inventories; providing special event calendars; etc. Much of this information you will be able to gather through an exchange of information that may take place on your own or through the mediation process. Your mediator(s) will advise you as to whether or not you should seek legal advice regarding how the law might apply to the facts of your situation.
What happens once we reach an agreement?
Once you reach an agreement you have three options:
Once you have an agreement how you use it will depend on where you are in the process of your particular case. Most parties want their agreement to become part of a court order. For example, if the mediation is part of a divorce process, that would mean incorporation into the final decree.