Mediation in Macon, Georgia, is a method used to solve civil disputes as opposed to going to court. Whether you are in dispute over a car accident, medical malpractice, or a personal injury incident, mediation is often a good route to take to avoid getting caught up in the lengthy litigation process. During mediation, both parties meet with a neutral person (typically an experienced lawyer or retired judge) to hash out their differences. The mediator does not provide an opinion, but instead guides the discussions by pointing out the pros and cons of each side of the argument. Mediation can save both parties a lot of time and money. It’s a much more flexible way to deal with a dispute. The focus is on the future, not the past, and it’s an excellent way for both parties to find a compromise so that no one feels like they have lost.
At Reynolds, Horne & Survant, we provide mediation in Macon, Georgia, to our clients who want to avoid the litigation process. If you are considering going to court, take the time to first learn about mediation and see if it’s right for you and your case.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party helps resolve disputes. The disputing clients attend mediation sessions where they each explain their side of the situation. The mediator never provides an opinion and always stays neutral. The mediator’s task is to point out strengths and weaknesses in each argument so that the clients can hopefully come together and meet in the middle. The idea behind mediation is that it’s a calmer, more private way to resolve disputes. It’s a popular form of dispute resolution in divorce cases, but it can also be done in many other types of cases. The mediator is experienced in Georgia law, which means they can provide an expert perspective. If the two parties can’t resolve their differences through mediation, they can still go to trial via the litigation route.
Save Time
One benefit of mediation is that it saves a lot of time. Going to trial is a very lengthy process. Your case will not be heard right away. Often there is a delay at the courthouse, and your trial might not get on the schedule for months. The litigation process can drag out for years. Mediation, on the other hand, can be completed in a matter of months. Mediation is also much more flexible. You don’t have to rely on the court’s schedule. Instead, the clients and mediator can work together to figure out which days work in their schedule to meet and work to solve the dispute.
Save Money
In addition to saving time by going the mediation route, you will also save money. As mentioned above, going to trial can drag on for months – even years. All that time, you have to pay expensive attorney and court fees. By seeing a mediator, you are paying mediation fees, but the speed at which mediation cases are solved means you are paying much less. Clients who choose mediation over litigation often save tens of thousands of dollars.
Keep Case Details Private
Everything you say in mediation is in confidence. Statements made regarding the dispute stay between the two clients and the mediator. Clients who go to court must understand that their case is public record. Anything said will be available for the public to read. In cases that involve personal matters, this can be challenging. Mediation is an ideal option for those who want to keep the details of their case private. Even if the case ends up going to trial, neither side can use anything said in mediation during the trial.
Meet in the Middle
Another benefit of mediation is that it allows both parties to find common ground and meet in the middle. Court cases often feel like an all-out battle. In the end, one party always feels like they won while the other party feels like they lost. With mediation, the goal is finding a solution that works best for both parties. The key is compromise! After mediation, both parties should walk away feeling positive.
Focus on the Future
Mediation is future-focused. It’s time to stop reliving painful memories and focus on finding a solution for the future. Court cases tend to focus on a lot of evidence, witnesses, etc., from the past. Rehashing the past can be stressful for both parties. Mediation provides clients with a more positive way to find solutions to their dispute.
Attorneys for Mediation in Macon, Georgia
While mediation might not be the right answer for every case, it’s often a way for disputing parties to save time, money, and meet in the middle. A professional mediator is well-versed in Georgia law and can provide insight into the pros and cons of the arguments. The entire process of mediation is private and will always be kept in confidence. Mediation is also future-focused, as the goal is finding a solution that works best for both parties moving forward. If you are considering mediation in Macon, Georgia, Reynolds, Horne & Survant can help. We provide disputing parties with an experienced mediator to help them work through their conflicts. For more information about our services and to schedule an initial consultation, contact us today.
