What is Mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary process in which two or more parties involved in a dispute work with an impartial party, the mediator, to generate their own solutions in settling their conflict.

Unlike a judge or an arbitrator whose decisions subject one party to win and the other party to lose, mediation is about finding a solution that works for both parties.

How does a dispute or a case reach mediation?

Cases may be self-referred by anyone who is involved in the dispute or by counsel or judge by contacting the Center for Conflict Resolution.

CCR also offers mediation services through programs developed in the Circuit Court of Cook County including the Daley Center, Skokie, Maywood, Markham, Bridgeview and Rolling Meadows courthouses, misdemeanor branch courts and Juvenile Court. CCR's other programs include mediations conducted at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), through the Residential Alternatives for Dispute Resolution (RADR) program, the Community Consensus Project, Chancery Court cases and matrimonial fee dispute cases.

What types of cases are suitable for mediation?

The majority of cases mediated by CCR are civil in nature. Mediations may involve tenants and landlords, families, neighborhoods, juvenile offenders, the workplace, corporate, employment, construction, real estate, health care, church and community disputes.

It is not necessary for cases to have legal issues and/or lawsuits pending.

When should I consider mediation?

Mediation is always an option if you are thinking about taking your dispute to court. Other signs may be if the dispute has been ongoing, if you want to preserve a relationship being affected by the conflict, if the dispute is upsetting and affecting your daily life, if you cannot afford the time and cost involved with litigation, if you would like to speak to the other party so they may hear your concerns, or if you would like to resolve the dispute yourself without a third party judgment.

What is the mediator's role?

The mediator's role is to facilitate communication between the parties, not to impose solutions. Mediators do not advise, take sides or render a judgment. Instead, the mediator will work with all the parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

Who is the mediator?

CCR mediators are certified, trained volunteers from various professional backgrounds including attorneys, social workers, human resources specialists, therapists, teachers, managers, executives, ministers, doctors, consultants, police officers and students.

Can I speak to the mediator before the mediation?

The mediators are volunteering their time and do not work in the office. CCR case managers can answer any questions parties may have and can be reached during regular office hours.

What are the qualifications of CCR mediators?

The Center for Conflict Resolution mediators must participate in CCR's rigorous 40-hour mediation skills training and pass a series of performance-based simulations before they are able to mediate.

CCR mediators are volunteers with a minimum commitment of 18 months. Throughout their commitment, volunteers attend various educational seminars, workshops and trainings hosted by CCR that enhance the mediator's skills and knowledge of the mediation process.

How can I schedule a mediation?

Contact the Center for Conflict Resolution and a case manager will assist you in scheduling your mediation. The mediation will be scheduled approximately two weeks after CCR has contacted all the parties involved and they have voluntarily agreed to participate.

How long will the mediation take?

There is no time limit set on a mediation. The length of the mediation will be determined by how much time is needed to work through the issues.

When are mediations scheduled?

Mediations are generally scheduled Monday through Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and on one rotating day each week at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Where do the mediations take place?

Mediations are held at the Center for Conflict Resolution and at the previously mentioned court programs.

What is the fee for a mediation at CCR?

In most situations, CCR mediation services are free.

Who participates in the mediation?

The participants in the mediation are the actual parties involved in the dispute. At a minimum there are two parties involved; however, mediated disputes may include multiple parties. Participants of the mediation must have full authority to settle the case at the mediation session. CCR will be advised during the intake process of all parties who will attend. If attorneys have been retained, they are encouraged to attend the mediation to advise their client.

What materials should I bring to mediation?

Any materials the participant feels are necessary to help explain their issues may be brought to the mediation. It is important to remember that the mediation is not a legal proceeding and the mediator will not be making a decision in the case.

I would like information on my rights.

The Center for Conflict Resolution does not provide any kind of legal advice or legal consultation.

If mediation is not what you are looking for, please click here to view a list of CCR's referral sources.