Frequently Asked Questions

GMG offers a broad range of mediation options ranging from a brief two-hour mediation for smaller cases to multi-day sessions for cases involving complex issues or multi-party cases.

Your mediator will make every effort to conclude the session in the time scheduled. If that is not possible, additional session(s) may be scheduled at the convenience of the parties. Alternatively, the mediator may conduct follow-up sessions by phone with counsel in an effort to conclude the mediation.

Typically, when the parties reach an agreement at the mediation session, preliminary settlement documents will be prepared by the parties and their attorneys at the mediation. Final documents are typically prepared by counsel for the parties shortly after the mediation. Pursuant to the ADR Statute, a mediated settlement agreement is enforceable like any other contract. Any written document resulting from the mediation should be reviewed and approved by the party’s counsel before execution.

If your case does not settle, you are free to proceed with litigation, arbitration or other appropriate proceedings as agreed upon with your counsel. Typically, your mediator will continue to follow up with the parties in an effort to bring the case to a resolution prior to trial.

As a neutral intermediary between the parties, the mediator is not allowed to, and will not, act as an advocate for or provide legal advice to any party. It is strongly recommended that you have your own legal counsel at the mediation. The mediator reserves the right to stop the mediation if he or she feels an unrepresented party needs representation or does not have a sufficient understanding of the process.

Gilbert Mediation Group will not make any decisions nor force anyone to participate in person and we will agree to any party requesting to participate remotely.  However, we will uphold any Court Orders requiring the parties to participate in person.

No. The mediator will not make a decision such as would be made at trial or by an arbitrator. The mediator will facilitate discussions in order to assist the parties in reaching their own resolution.

No. The mediator’s report to the Court is limited to the persons in attendance, the result of the mediation and, sometimes, the cost of the mediation, unless all parties agree that a different report is appropriate. The mediator should not be a witness and the mediator’s files are not subject to being subpoenaed.