Tennessee Supreme Court listed Rule 31 Civil and Family mediation
Mediation is an informal process in which an unbiased and qualified third party (the mediator) helps people resolve disagreements. In some cases, mediation is ordered by the Court.
CONTACT OUR OFFICE for tentative mediation session dates and see the information below.
FAMILY MEDIATION SESSION: $500.00 (up to 3 hours).
CIVIL MEDIATION SESSION: $750.00 (up to 3 hours).
You may need an ATTORNEY. Contact our office for assistance.
Points to remember about MEDIATION:
*The mediator is not on anyone’s side. He/She is impartial and it is his/her job to facilitate a possible agreement on issues that are currently in conflict in your case.
*Mediation is not about blame. Leave fault aside. This process should be free of harassment and disparaging remarks by either party.
*You have the right to terminate the mediation at any time, as does the mediator or the other party.
*Be a participant and not an observer. Speak up for yourself.
*You have the right to consult with your attorney before making any agreement on any issue, if you wish to do so.
*DO NOT hesitate to tell your mediator you wish to speak to him/her or your attorney in private.
*Request a copy, before leaving the mediator’s office, of all signed documents and agreements.
*Mediation is generally the last chance to control the resolution of your problems before the case goes before the Judge and both parties lose control over the outcome of the case.
HOW TO SET YOUR CASE FOR MEDIATION (without an attorney)
COST: $500.00 (Family) $750.00 (Civil) for 3 hours. Party setting mediation is responsible for deposit and entire balance at beginning of session. Other arrangements for division of cost is between the parties (usually divided equally between the parties as agreed or by Court Order). Division of fees may be added to issue to be resolved during session.
You and the other party must agree as to the mediator and session date.
1) Call for 2 or 3 tentative mediation dates.
2) You and the other party choose which date is the most convenient date.
3) Call the mediation office and request the date chosen. Provide names, phone and addresses of each participant (including attorneys if applicable).
4) Send $150.00 deposit to lock in and confirm the availability of the date chosen. Mediation sessions are confirmed upon receipt of deposit.
NOTE: If the other party refuses to participate in mediation, you will need the assistance of an attorney in furtherance of your case.
Please keep in mind the following:
1. Mediation is a VOLUNTARY process;
2. Each party must agree on the mediation date and the mediator;
3. Be sure of the date you confirm for mediation because deposits are non-refundable.
4. Mediation sessions are schedule and confirmed on a first come/first serve basis by deposit.
5. All reimbursement issues regarding costs associated with mediation or cancelled mediation sessions by either party should be addressed through the Courts.
6. Each party has the right to bring their attorney but an attorney is not required. No other persons such as children, family, friends, significant others and current spouses will be allowed to attend the mediation or remain in the building during the mediation process. However, a break in the session may be called at anytime for a party to call any of the person’s named above for phone consultation/advice.
