What is Mediation?

Mediation is a conference type of meeting between two or more parties who are in a dispute. This conference is moderated or facilitated by a third party (the mediator), who works with the parties to bring resolution in the dispute that is satisfactory to those involved.

How does Mediation differ from Arbitration?

The difference is that in arbitration, after considering the facts and evidence, an arbitrator will actually make the decisions for the parties in a dispute. Mediators, on the other hand, also look at whatever facts and evidence are presented, work with the parties that are in the dispute, facilitating them to work out their own decisions which would be mutually agreeable to all involved.

Why should I choose Mediation over Arbitration?

In addition to a mediator not making your decisions for you, We here at Grace Mediation Services offer the following in our mediations:

• We sincerely care about all of the parties involved in the dispute.
• Our goal is to address the true needs of all parties involved in the dispute.
• The cost of our services is significantly less than that of attorneys and other arbitrators, and is also less costly than litigations or lawsuits.
• Mediation is less time-consuming than a lawsuit or litigation

Here’s how it works

Simply call our office at (510)783-8062 ext. 19 and request a mediation. We will send you an information packet containing some information for you about the mediation process, along with some simple forms to be filled out by all of those involved in the mediation.

All of the parties involved in the dispute need to agree to participate in the mediation. Then all of the necessary forms will need to be filled out and sent back to us along with the fee for the mediation. Once we receive these items from you, we will schedule the mediation.

At the mediation, one or two impartial mediators will listen to all sides of the dispute and work with all of the parties present to come to a resolution that will be in the best interest of all of the parties involved. This is done by discussing the issues, identifying the real needs and developing an agreement.

When an agreement has been reached, one of the mediators will write up the terms of your agreement and have each party of the mediation sign it if they are willing to do so.

What does the Mediation cost?

The cost for a mediation is $50.00 per party, per hour, per meeting with a two hour minimum per meeting. If another meeting is necessary, then an additional fee will be required at the same rate and will need to be paid by all parties before another meeting is scheduled. Each party needs to add the mediation to their cart.

Grace Mediation Services also offers:

• Mediation
  • Basic mediation
  • Family mediation
  • Mediation training
• Communication Skills Training
  • Personal communications skills
  • Communication skills for leading teams or groups
  • Communication skills for marriages and couples
  • Communication for other types of relationships
• Personal Development Opportunities
  • Thinking style profile
  • Personal or business coaching
  • Counseling
  • Support groups
• Team Dynamics
  • Team building
  • Conflict Resolution
•  Healthy Relationship Opportunities
  • Two-party relationship analysis of strengths and weaknesses
  • Marriage counseling Couple communication and conflict resolution workshops
  • Marriage relationship-management skills workshop

About us

John Nielsen

John has been a successful entrepreneur and team builder for the past 30 years, having developed his own business as well as working with other organizations. In addition, John has 14 years of experience in conflict resolution between both individuals and organizations. He has been a certified trainer in marriage counseling and communication skills for the past 10 years working with couples and groups. John has also been a certified trainer in facilitation for the past 14 years and has trained many groups in facilitation skills. John is certified with the State of California in Mediation according to the California State Code of Civil Procedures, Subsection (a) of Section 1115.