What is Co-Mediation?

Co-mediation is a type of mediation that involves two or more, experienced mediators. Each mediator will bring their own extensive backgrounds, complementary styles, and skillsets to enhance and improve the quality and outcome of the resolution process.

What are the Benefits of Co-Mediation?

Before an inexperienced climber will venture out into the Himalayas, they will often seek out the assistance of experienced guides with their own valuable skill-sets and expertise to help them traverse the arduous terrain. Similar to a mountain expedition, choosing the right mediators to help navigate the difficult and uncertain backcountry of a crisis is incredibly important. We all know that two heads are better than one, and sometimes conflicts arise that could benefit from having two pairs of eyes and ears on them. With co-mediation, clients will receive the perfect combination of complementary skills, expertise, and the experience you need to provide a comfortable balance in terms of gender, age, culture and language where appropriate. Creating more opportunities for the client to feel comfortable with their mediators is essential in finding a “good fit.” Just by having a mediator of the same sex can alleviate a client’s fears of gender bias.

Aside from more neutrality, the additional benefits you might not get with a single mediator would be the ability to maintain the precision of focus and being able to keep the entire process on track while still addressing each issue to its fullest. Being able to provide more perspective and experience in subjects where one mediator might be lacking expertise is incredibly valuable especially when it comes to specific disputes such as complicated insurance cases. Plus the checks and balances system that will be brought to the proceedings will not only ultimately reduce the likelihood of any unconscious bias, but it can also help expedite the mediation process as a whole.

How Costly Can Co-Mediation Be?

When it comes to conflict management, there is always a looming concern over costs. However, mediation has proven to be an affordable way of alternative to paying the exorbitant courtroom fees of prolonged litigation. The costs of co-mediation really depend on how the mediation firm has the service set up. Some firms don’t even offer co-mediation services which can then double the rate for two mediators, while other firms might offer two mediators for the price of one. It is beneficial to do some research when deciding which conflict resolution practice you should go with.

Here at OvalOptions, we employ the practice of using volunteer mediators which doesn’t have to be more expensive, but still offers clients the benefits of having two mediators in the room. This is used as a training technique for knowledgeable, new mediators where the more seasoned, experienced mediator either takes the lead or acts as an observer who provides occasionally advice and feedback if appropriate.

Are you ready to take advantage of the benefits of co-mediation? Request an appointment now.