Aquila Neighborhood Association

Conflict not solved? Want free professional mediation help?

West Suburban Mediation Center (it's free!)

15 Tenth Avenue South
Hopkins, Minnesota 55343
Phone: 952-933-0005
Facsimile: 952-933-6046
Email: wsubmedctr@aol.com

YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER USING THE SERVICES OF ...

THE WEST SUBURBAN MEDIATION CENTER AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO FILING A CASE WITH CONCILIATION COURT.

When both parties agree that they want to resolve a dispute, the West Suburban Mediation Center arranges for a mediation session at a time and place convenient for both parties. Two impartial mediators meet with the disputing parties to try to help them find some mutually acceptable solutions to their differences and to resolve the conflict. Typical conflicts include those between neighbors, acquaintances, landlords and tenants, businesses and consumers, parent and child.

Mediation Promotes Understanding and Harmony

Each party is encouraged to present facts and feelings from his or her own perspective. Since conflicts frequently arise from a lack of communication, the mediators will aid the parties in communicating openly to discover mutual needs upon which an agreement might be based.

Mediation is Voluntary

Mediation is provided only when both parties are willing to participate. While most sessions result in a settlement, any party may pursue other options if the process is not successful.

Mediation Works!

Testimonials from those who have used West Suburban Mediation Center to help resolve a conflict include the following:

 "Mediation saved us time and money and allowed us to be actively involved in the resolution of our problem."

 "Our dispute was settled in approximately 45 minutes after going back and forth with the parties involved for eight months. Everyone was prompt, courteous, and extremely helpful."

 "We were very satisfied with our mediation experience. The Mediators were helpful, friendly, professional, and understanding. We're very pleased that this service is available."

MEDIATION FAQs

1. What is mediation?

Mediation at West Suburban Mediation Center is a confidential process allowing people to resolve differences or problems with the assistance of a neutral, professionally trained, mediator. Mediation is an alternative to legal proceedings whereby each party has significant input into a mutually agreed upon solution to a dispute.

2. What does a mediator do?

A mediator helps people find mutually satisfactory solutions to their problems. A mediator will:

 Allow all participants to explain their view of the problem
 Ask questions to find out facts
 Help everyone to talk about solutions
 Remain neutral
 Not place blame
 Facilitate reaching an agreement from information provided

3. When is mediation appropriate?

For conflicts involving:

 Neighbors
 Business and consumer
 Employer and employee
 Youth and youth
 Youth and adult
 Landlord and tenant
 Residents and city government
 Friends
 Family members
 Acquaintances
 Borrowers and lenders
 Municipalities
 Schools and student or parents
 Religious organizations
 Business partners
 Citizens and agencies
 Individuals co-parenting

4. What are the benefits?

The following benefits can be received:

 Problems or differences are resolved quickly
 Low cost or no cost
 Everyone participates equally
 Fair settlements can be reached
 Avoid court proceedings which are often costly, time-consuming and inconvenient
 No court records
 Decisions are not made for you but by you
 Convenient time and place
 Mediation agreements do not preclude participants from seeking alternative actions at a later date

5. How do I arrange for mediation?

Contact the West Suburban Mediation Center any of the following ways:

Mail: West Suburban Mediation Center
15 Tenth Avenue South
Hopkins, Minnesota 55343

Phone: 952-933-0005

Facsimile: 952-933-6046

Email: wsubmedctr@aol.com

6. Is this really a FREE service?

There is no cost to the participants. However, contributions are welcomed.

The mediation service is funded by Hennepin County, municipalities, foundations, and other sources to provide an inexpensive, fast, and effective way to resolve many types of conflicts.

7. How convenient is scheduling?

Sessions are scheduled for any date and time convenient to the parties, including evening and weekends. Sessions are usually held at community centers located close to the parties.

8. Is mediation really faster than the courts?

Sessions can be held as soon as the parties are ready. Most sessions are scheduled within a two week period and generally last on to two hours. Most matters are effectively resolved in one session.

9. Will our case be confidential?

There is no public record of the session proceedings or of the agreement between the parties. The parties in conflict retain control of the issues and the resolution.

Email us
wsubmedctr@aol.com