Do you have questions about how mediation works or the Center itself? Check the FAQ below for the most common questions we get and their answers. If you have additional queries after reading the FAQ, do not hesitate to contact us at the contact info below.

Can Mediation Help Me?

Mediation is designed to solve most problems that arise between people.  The process can work for:

• Family matters- custody, visitation, divorce, older adult issues and parent-teen relationship, etc.
• Business and Organizational issues- communication breakdowns, board conflicts, interdepartmental issues, employee disputes, customer complaints, etc.
• Community problems- neighbor vs. neighbor conflicts, landlord/tenant issues, contract or real estate disputes, etc.  
• Youth interests- at-risk youths, peer conflicts, etc.

What happens during a Mediation Session?

During a mediation session, a neutral mediator guides the parties through a five-step dispute resolution process:

1. Introduction-  Mediator(s) begin sessions by explaining their role as neutral facilitators, discussing the meditation process, gaining the consent of the parties and setting some general guidelines for the session.
2. Narration- Parties share their view of the situation and listen to what others have to say. Mediator(s) help the parties identify the key issues of the dispute.
3. Option generation- The parties engage in creative and collaborative discussion regarding the possible solutions to the problem.
4. Resolution- The parties reach an agreement, which is written by the mediator(s). The parties and their counsel review and sign the document.
5. Closure- The final agreement is submitted to the court, if necessary, and implemented by the parties. 

For more information or a free consultation call the Community Mediation Center at (757) 480-2777 or email info@conflictcrushers.org.

How Long Does Mediation Take?

Conflict is often the result of many disappointing interactions over time.  Likewise, reaching an agreement that is satisfactory to all parties can take time.  Individual needs will determine how many sessions are necessary to resolve a dispute; mediation sessions are typically scheduled for two-hour time periods.  In addition, after a resolution is reached, it may take up to an additional hour after the mediation session for the mediators to draft the final agreement.

* Please note that complex issues sometimes take longer to resolve.

How Can Mediation Help Me?

Like many other helping professions, there are no guarantees that mediation will resolve every dispute.  However, mediation has been beneficial to resolve disputes in situations where the outcome or the preservation of a relationship is important to the parties.

Mediation may be right for your dispute if you value:

• Confidentiality
• Impartial mediators
• Low cost alternative to resolving your dispute
• The ability to make decisions for yourself

To refer a case to the CMC click on the link: Online, PDF, or Word.

How Much Does Mediation Cost?

As a nonprofit organization, CMC offers mediation services on a sliding fee scale or free for many court referred cases. For all other CMC mediations, clients pay according to their income or low set fees set for business and workplace mediations.

Mediation is significantly less expensive than litigation and offsets the strain of leaving the conflict unresolved. For pricing information please contact the mediation coordinator at 757-480-2777 or Info@ConflictCrushers.org.

What should I do if I already have an attorney?

Contact your attorney if you think that mediation is an appropriate venue for handling your dispute. Your attorney should discuss any advantages and disadvantages based upon the facts of your case and advise you as to how to proceed.

If you decide to pursue mediation, you may have your attorney attend the session, although it is not necessary to do so. Please note that signed mediated agreements are binding and enforceable in court. As a result, we encourage you to have your attorney review any agreements made in mediation before it is signed.

Click here for more information about Mediation and Your Attorney.

What does CMC do in addition to mediation?

CMC offers mediation as one of many options for alternative dispute resolution. If there is a specific conflict that needs resolution you may also want to consider facilitatation and arbitration. CMC also offers training in conflict resolution and mediation skills. Training is available regularly throughout the year, and you can register online. Training can also be customized for a small or large group, and tailored to meet your specific learning objectives. In addition to working with adults in conflict resolution training and services, CMC works with youth to both help them resolve disputes (with other teens, adults, or systems) and to help them reduce conflict through conflict resolution and peer mediation training.

Community Mediation Center
586 Virginian Drive
Norfolk, VA 23505
phone:(757) 480-2777
fax:(757)531-9423

Resolving Conflicts | Building Relationships | Empowering People