Serving the Faribault, Owatonna, and Northfield, Minnesota, Area
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Or by Appointment
Member: Minnesota State Bar Association
Minnesota Association for Justice
Mediation & Negotiation Services
Mediation is based on the principal of self-determination.It provides a forum in which a neutral third party facilitates communication between parties to promote a voluntary and uncoerced agreement.
Mediation proceedings are confidential.No party may use any part of the mediation proceedings or any statement or disclosure made in mediation proceedings in any lawsuit; subpoena any records or documents related to mediation proceedings, except a copy of the Agreement to Mediate; or subpoena the mediator to testify in the matter related to the mediation proceedings.
Under Minnesota law, alternative dispute resolution is required in all civil matters, including family court actions.Mediation is a process where parties negotiate directly in the presence of a third party neutral.The mediator helps the parties discuss conflicts and reach their own agreements. Mediators are private attorneys or psychologists.
Courts can order parties to participate in mediation.However, parties are required to attend only one orientation session and cannot be forced to reach a resolution.The Court cannot order mediation where there is probable cause to believe that there has been physical or sexual abuse between the parties.Throughout mediation each party has the right to
Mediation & Negotiation Services
consult with his or her respective attorney, accountant and other resource person. Mediation can address all issues in a dissolution of marriage. However, mediation often focuses only on custody or visitation. The goal of mediation is to identify interests, explore possible options and find solutions which satisfy the needs of both parties with respect to disputed issues.
