Mediation is an efficient and cost-effective alternative to resolving disputes and pending litigation. Instead of having to go through trial, both parties can compromise and find a solution that is much less stressful than a court case. There are three main approaches a mediator can take: evaluative, transformative, and facilitative mediation.
3 Types of Mediation
Evaluative Mediation
Evaluative mediators are known for their “no-nonsense” approach to resolution. They maintain most of the control throughout the mediation process, and they are the most vocal about each party’s strengths and weaknesses.
Evaluative mediators are more likely to make recommendations based on their experiences. Evaluative mediation is most useful in a time crunch or when there is an uneven power dynamic, such as with divorces or corporate cases.
Transformative Mediation
Transformative mediators are the opposite of evaluative mediators. Instead of maintaining total control in the situation, transformative mediators support conflict resolution by giving control over to the involved parties.
By empowering each party, transformative mediators create the time and space for both sides to express their emotions, find common ground over personal issues, agree with one another, and heal and preserve their relationship.
This type of mediation works best when both parties are willing to work together to resolve the dispute.
Facilitative Mediation
The most common type of mediation is facilitative. Facilitative mediation is a middle ground between the extremes of evaluative and transformative mediation. While the facilitative mediator maintains control of the process, both parties have control of the outcome.
Facilitative mediators use both evaluative and transformative techniques, such as asking questions, offering perspectives, and providing policy and procedure support to both parties. There is much less evaluation involved, and agency is given back to those involved.
Expert Mediation Services in Central Florida
Attorney Phillip S. Smith
If you are seeking to initiate or defend against a legal action, rely on Phillip S. Smith for trusted, experienced mediation services that can resolve your issue without the time, cost, stress and contentiousness of a trial. With experience in all types of mediation, Phil has had success in multiple high-profile cases. In addition to mediation, Phil’s practice also focuses on complex civil litigation, including class actions, contact disputes, construction litigation, and utility company litigation.
To schedule your consultation, contact McLin Burnsed today.