Little Falls Mediation is an award winning practice that offers divorce mediation/dispute resolution services with a Virginia Supreme Court certified mediator and lawyer A mediator is a trained neutral person and a facilitator who assists two or more parties in resolving conflict. The mediator helps the parties to:
• Listen to each other in a respectful way;
• Understand each other's perspectiv
es;
• Define areas of agreement and disagreement; and
• Move forward toward resolution. Each mediation is different. Generally, mediation begins as a conversation around a table. The phases of mediation include: the mediator's introduction, opening statements in joint session by the parties that identify the issues, discussion and problem solving, private sessions if beneficial, and drafting the agreement if a settlement is reached. The mediator does not share mediation discussions with anyone outside of the joint mediation session. The mediator will not disclose information discussed in a private session with anyone outside of the private session unless authorized to do so. The mediator will help the parties write up an agreement once the dispute has been resolved. The parties are encouraged to have a lawyer review any agreement that is reached. Agreements reached, when signed, are contracts that are legally binding. The mediator does not take sides or make a decision for the parties. A mediator does not declare a winner or a loser, make findings of fact, rule on issues of law, or coerce parties to reach a settlement.
