top of page

Mediation

Examples of areas where Mediation can be helpful:

  • Parenting Plan Modifications

  • Family Interactions

  • Real Estate

  • Neighbor Conflicts

  • Tenant/Landlord

  • Relationship/Communication Conflicts

  • Community issues

  • Commercial contracts

  • Divorce

 

At Flatirons Mediation, we strive to help parties transform conflicts into cooperation.  Whether it is family, community, or business issues, Flatirons Mediation has the experience to help you resolve issues with grace, composure, and confidence. 

Mediation can help identify road blocks that stand in the way of productive resolutions.  Parties work together with the mediator to find solutions that focus on common ground and mutually-beneficial outcomes while creating a safe space for parties to share their perspectives, desired outcomes and areas of compromise.  If you would like to find out more about our services and availability, please follow the link below.

Home: Headliner

Conflict Resolution Options

Conflict Resolution includes several different types of options.  These are Mediation, Facilitation, and Arbitration.  Mediation is comprised of three different styles: Evaluative Mediation, Facilitative (Traditional) Mediation and Transformative Mediation.  While each style is distinct, many mediators will utilize a combination of styles depending on the individual parties and situation.  At Flatirons Mediation, we use a Transformative/Facilitative approach.  Please see each area below for more information.      

Evaluative
Mediation

Evaluative Mediation otherwise known as settlement conference is more court oriented.

​Evaluative Mediation is a structured process sometimes referred to as a Settlement Conference. The mediator, typically an experienced attorney or retired judge, uses their expertise to offer insights into the legal aspects of the case. Unlike facilitative mediation, where the mediator remains neutral and focuses on guiding the conversation, evaluative mediation involves the mediator providing feedback, opinions, and sometimes even recommendations on the likely outcomes if the case were to go to court. While mediation can occur in the same room, many such cases utilize a caucus approach or shuttle mediation.

Facilitative (Traditional)
Mediation

Couple in Mediation

Facilitative Mediation is the traditional type of mediation. While attorneys may be present, often the parties will meet the mediator together without attorneys. Unlike evaluative mediation, where the mediator provides opinions on the merits of the case, facilitative mediation focuses on enhancing dialogue and understanding between the parties. The Mediator remains neutral by asking open-ended questions, encourages active listening, and helps clarify issues and interests. This approach empowers the parties to explore their own solutions and fosters a collaborative environment, making it particularly effective in disputes where maintaining relationships is important, such as in family or workplace conflicts. Facilitative mediation concludes with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the different points of agreement/resolutions. The parties will sign the MOU while the mediator is simply the scribe. As with all agreements, parties have the right to have the agreement reviewed by their legal counsel before signing.

Transformative Mediation/Coaching

Transformative Mediation changes the way we perceive a conflict

Transformative Mediation focuses on empowering the parties involved by fostering mutual recognition of each other’s needs and interests. Unlike other mediation styles that aim primarily at resolving the specific dispute, transformative mediation seeks to change the way parties interact and understand each other. The mediator’s role is to support the parties in identifying their own needs and interests, encouraging them to recognize and appreciate the perspectives and experiences of the other party. This approach aims to transform the relationship between the disputants, promoting personal growth and improved communication thereby increasing the likelihood of long-term adherence to agreements. Transformative mediation is particularly effective in conflicts where ongoing relationships are important, such as in family disputes or workplace conflicts, as it helps build a foundation for future interactions.

Success Stories

Quote symbol for referrals
Patrick was very successful in helping my ex-spouse and me develop a more successful parenting plan for our children!  
bottom of page