about

Transform your conflict!

Conflict (derived from the Latin word, confligere–mean struck together or fought), is simply a struggle or battle of competing wills. This competition manifests itself in varying forms from simple arguments to fist fights, from business disagreements to lawsuits.

 

 Conflict is undoubtedly feared in Western cultures for many reasons including the negative emotions surrounding a confrontation  and the risk of loss.  Because of the perception that there is always a winner and always a loser or that there is always someone who gains while the other party assesses the damage (a zero sum game), it is no wonder that conflict is feared.  However, that is only one perspective as gains and losses can often be assessed on both sides.

 

 Another Perspective

 

Conflict can also serve as an opportunity for change, for the better.  “Things come together, as things fall apart.”  Viewed in this light, conflict is not necessarily negative but instead can be a catalyst for positive transformation and resolve.  This is the goal of mediation.

Mediation

A mediation is a process in which two or more parties in dispute meet with a neutral third party, a mediator, to resolve their differences.

 

While the idea of parties meeting with an impartial third party to resolve disputes may bring to mind a lawyer, judge or courtroom, a mediator is not serving as a lawyer or advocate for either side.

 Furthermore, a mediator is not a judge making a legal determination and/or deciding in favor of one party versus another.  

 

Instead the mediator’s role is to facilitate the discussion between the parties and assist them to resolution.  A mediation often results in an agreement, written or verbal, that may be legally enforceable.

 

Generally, all mediations are confidential unless mandated by a judge/court or law.

Why should you mediate?

Save Money

The cost of hiring an attorney–attorneys typically charge an hourly rate, on average $250-$300 an hour, or more.  Alternatively, an attorney may charge a retainer, as a monthly or as a lump sum payment, and deduct the hourly rate from the retainer until the funds are diminished and then of course another retainer payment is due.  For more information on attorney fees, click here.

 

Filing fees—In addition to attorney’s fees, there are also costs for filing court documents, conducting a discovery, and hiring experts if needed. For more information on filing fees, click here.

 

The cost of divorce—The average divorce proceeding in the U.S. ranges from $7k to $50k. The more contentious the divorce, the more paperwork is filed, and the more paperwork filed, the more time is spent racking up billable hours and court costs.  For more information on the costs of divorce, click here.

 

In contrast, a three-hour mediation session ranges from $600 to $800 depending on the nature of the dispute.

Save Time

Lawsuits often take months to resolve with the average civil suit taking 18-24 months to settle.

In contrast, the average mediation produces a result in 3 hours.

 

Peace of Mind

The time and money spent litigating a suit can take a psychological toll, creating unnecessary stress for all involved.

Control

In a lawsuit, strategy is in the hands of the attorney who represents your interest, but you are also at the mercy of the court, which makes the outcome very unpredictable, and often times producing uneven results. In contrast, a mediation places you (the parties in dispute) in the driver’s seat while the mediator provides balance and helps to navigate the road to resolution.

 

Save the Relationship  

A relationship is simply your connection to an individual or others that is built over time.  The contentious and adversarial nature of legal claims places parties at odds, often building animosity, and results in lasting damage to relationships. Mediation can help to save a relationship (working, business, or personal) by helping parties to communicate directly and effectively to meet their needs and their interests, providing framework to communicate effectively for the future, and helping to preserve relationships.

the Mediation Process

  1. Contact MBZ Mediation
  2. In an initial consultation, I will meet with all parties (in dispute) and give you a general overview of mediation
  3. We will discuss any questions or concerns you have about the process as well as your expectations
  4. We will not discuss the details of your dispute (we will get into the facts of your situation along with your needs and interests during the mediation).
  5. We will schedule a date and time for your mediation.
  6. We will meet for the mediation at the scheduled time.
  7. We will come to resolution with a written or verbal agreement or discuss additional options

Let's talk

.   
Hi, my name is Zach Mayberry and I have seen firsthand how conflict can create an emotional and psychological distance.
At MBZ Mediation we take a simple approach to bring parties together, and remove the distance caused by conflict and disagreements.
We facilitate dialogue and guide each person to see the other’s perspective, empathize, and come up with solutions that are a win-win, all while saving the relationship in the process.
Mediation could save you the stress and cost of litigation. Initial consultations are free.
So what are you waiting for?
Pickup your phone, and give us a call today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get In Touch

MBZ Mediation is a national alternative dispute resolutions practice offering virtual mediation services in family, workplace, housing, and business disputes across the U.S.A. and beyond.


Zach Mayberry J.D., lead mediator, is a law trained legal professional holding a Mediation Certification from the National Association of Certified Mediators, a Community Mediation Certificate from Restorative and Mediation Practices (Minnesota), and 40 hours of Basic Mediation Training from the Arizona Attorney General’s Civil Litigation Division (Conflict Resolution Program).