Attorney Steve Michmerhuizen is a mediator certified in General Civil Litigation. His mediation practice is as broad as his litigation practice, handling cases ranging from divorces to automobile accidents.
To schedule a mediation, simply click on the link below.
The Mediation Process
Most people generally will work together through their attorneys to select a mediator and set a date for the mediation. In the event the parties cannot agree on a mediator, the court will select one for them. On the appointed date, the parties will then meet with the mediator, one side at a time. Then the mediator will begin to take settlement offers from one side to the other and discuss each offer with the parties when the offer is delivered. The mediation process is confidential so everything discussed with the mediator will be kept in confidence and the mediator cannot be compelled to discuss what happened in the mediation with the court. Hopefully, as the day wears on, the parties will begin to reach agreements which can be put into a partial or complete Mediated Settlement Agreement.
- The parties meet with the mediator separately. This is done so that each party can have a confidential conversation with the mediator without the other party present.
- The mediator relays settlement offers between the parties. The mediator will typically start by asking each party to make a settlement offer. The mediator will then relay these offers to the other party.
- The mediator discusses each offer with the parties. The mediator will discuss the pros and cons of each offer with the parties. The mediator will also try to help the parties understand the other party's perspective.
- The mediation process is confidential. Everything discussed with the mediator is kept confidential. This means that the mediator cannot be compelled to discuss what happened in the mediation with the court.
- As the day progresses, the parties may reach agreements. If the parties reach an agreement, they will put the agreement into a written document called a Mediated Settlement Agreement.