FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS MEDIATION?

Mediation offered by CMUS is free and is a voluntary and confidential dispute resolution process in which a neutral mediator assists participants in finding a lasting win-win solution to their conflict. Mediation lets people speak for themselves and you — not the mediator — control the decisions and the outcome. Mediation is an alternative to non-resolution or costly legal measures.

By using our mediation services , participants do not give up their legal rights. If an agreement is not reached, people can still take their case to court if they wish. 

HOW DOES MEDIATION WORK?

​Mediation brings people in conflict together in a comfortable and safe setting. Two professionally trained volunteer mediators will help you talk to each other to clarify goals, gather information, and identify options. It is up to you to decide what will meet your needs as you manage the conflict. What is discussed with the mediators is kept private and confidential. Mediation is voluntary. Either participant can end the mediation process at any time and no one can be forced to agree to anything that they do not want. Sessions can be held daytime, nighttime and weekends. Each session is two (2) hours in length. Additional sessions can be scheduled.

HOW DO OUR MEDIATORS WORK WITH YOU?

​The mediation is a five step process, in which the mediators will:
  • Listen as you explain what you'd like to discuss;
  • Ask questions to get a better understanding ;
  • Name the topics being discussed;
  • Facilitate a brainstorm in which the participants come up with ideas;
  • Write up the plan/ agreements you've made.
The mediators will not takes sides, assess blame, or tell you what to do. The mediators will not force you to make a decision. The intake office will work with you to find a time and location that works best for all the participants.

WHAT CAN BE MEDIATED?

Some examples of commonly mediated situations involve:
  • Neighbor/Neighbor
  • Parent/Teen
  • Co-parents / parenting plans
  • Spouses (In-Laws)
  • Siblings
  • Roommates
  • Landlord/Tenant
  • Employer/Employee
  • Co-workers
  • Business/Customer
  • Community Associations/Groups
  • Friend/Friend​

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A MEDIATION?

Call the Center at 410-810-9188 and to figure out if you'd like to use mediation. Then, we can invite the other people involved to a mediation. 
You will need to provide contact information for others involved. The office will contact everyone being invited, explain the mediation ​process, and attempt to schedule a mediation that works with all of the participants' schedules.

community mediation upper shore, inc.

​SERVICE AREA:
Kent and Queen Anne's Counties
410-810-9188 (text or call)
​[email protected]

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE:
100 North Cross St.
Chestertown, MD 21620

MAILING ADDRESS:
PO Box 692
Chestertown, MD 21620

OFFICE HOURS:
Monday through Thursday
Evenings & weekends by appointment.
Staff are unable to answer phones or welcome visitors during mediation sessions; please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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​Copyright 2014-2024 Community Mediation Upper Shore, Inc. All rights reserved.

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