FACTS ABOUT MEDIATION
WHAT IS MEDIATION?
- Mediation is a conversation between two or more people that disagree, led by a trained, neutral mediator. Mediation is a less expensive, time-saving alternative to court.
- In mediation the disputing parties have the chance to settle their differences in a safe, confidential and efficient manner.
- Mediation helps people get what they need, whether it’s peace and quiet, family unity, a financial settlement, or just a chance to be heard.
- Our mediators include staff members and community volunteers who are professionally trained and committed to promoting peace in our communities.
WHAT IS THE COST?
Mediation is FREE.
The New York Peace Institute is a not-for-profit agency. Our professionally trained mediators are volunteers and our services are provided cost free to New York City residents in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
WHAT TYPES OF DISPUTES CAN BE HANDLED IN MEDIATION?
Almost any dispute may be appropriate for mediation. Here are some of the typical cases handled by our mediation centers.
- Neighbor disputes such as noise
- Divorce
- Custody and visitation
- Civil matters – debt, personal and business
- Criminal matters – assault, property damage and menacing
- Breach of contracts
- Property disputes
- Landlord/Tenant disputes
- Co-workers
- School conflicts – student to student conflicts
- Parenting issues such as discipline, truancy
- Harassment
- Special Education Mediation
- Hurricane Sandy disputes
- Other Services
HOW DOES MEDIATION WORK?
A case manager will contact both parties and explain the mediation process and well as ensure that the conflict is appropriate for mediation. If all parties agree to the mediation process, the mediation session will then be scheduled at one of our centers. On the scheduled mediation date, the mediator will explain the mediation process. Each person will have an opportunity to express their point of view without interruption. The mediator may ask questions, may request to speak with each party member individually, and will help parties to generate options to find their own solutions. Any agreement that is reached in mediation must be acceptable to both parties.
IS MEDIATION LIKE COURT?
No. Mediation is not a court proceeding. Mediation is voluntary. Both parties must agree to the process to have a mediation. Mediators are not judges. They are not there to make decisions. They are there to facilitate a discussion that helps parties see eye to eye when they are going head to head and find their own solutions to the conflict. Mediation is a cost effective time-saving alternative to court.
HOW DO I REQUEST A MEDIATION?
Simply contact one of our centers below.
Brooklyn Mediation Center
Telephone: 718.834-6671
Fax: 718.834.6681
Manhattan Mediation Center
Telephone: 212.577.1740
Fax: 212.577.1748
You can also download a request for mediation form here.
Send completed form to info@nypeace.org
HOW DO I REQUEST ACCOMODATIONS?
Call to speak with any staff person, or download a disability accommodation request form here.
You can contact Melissa Appleton with any questions about the request process at mappleton@nypeace.org or 718.834.6671.