Angeles Mediation Ground Rules
- Both people want to mediate, and try to work things out. Mediation is never appropriate when one party does not want to participate.
- You do not need a lawyer. You may have a lawyer anytime you want, and they can be your coach or be involved in the mediation process.
- Everyone agrees to be polite, listen to the other without interruption, keep an open mind, consider everyone’s needs, and stay focused on the future. Everyone is aware of the mediation realities.
- Mediation offers flexible ways to proceed, and the parties can always negotiate how the process should work.
- Mark can provide legal information and opinions about what a court might do if the dispute goes to court, and can write up agreements as a contract.
- Angeles Mediation is a subsidiary of Mark K. Baumann, Attorney at Law PS. Mark has extensive legal experience, but does not represent anyone and will not give legal advice to anyone in the mediation. Mark will never be the lawyer for any person participating in mediation. Mark will never tell anyone what to do, or force anyone to make an agreement. The choice to make an agreement is always your own. (Please ask us about the difference between legal information and legal advice if you are curious.)
- Mediation communications are confidential. Offers and negotiation topics may not be disclosed in court. What you tell Mark is not confidential to the other person in mediation, unless you ask for it to be confidential.
- Angeles Mediation will strive to make sure the process and outcome is fair for everyone. The mediator may recommend people to additional professional help.
- Everyone can express any concerns they have about the process at any time. It’s better to state any concerns you may have so that we can address them.
- Each party will be responsible for half of the mediation fees, unless otherwise agreed. Fees are pay-as-you-go, and due on the day of service.
- Mediation is governed under RCW 7.07, the Washington Uniform Mediation Act, and all other relevant laws.
- These rules may be modified from time to time.