SLBMI Mediation Services >>Getting Started

How Can We Get Mediation Started?

Starting correctly is more important than starting quickly. In order for the process to start correctly, each participant needs to Contact Us to arrange a brief one-to-one telephone conversation with your mediator, called "A Talk". Once each potential participant has had a talk with your mediator, individually and privately, then the Initial Mediation Session would be scheduled at a mutually convenient time for all participants.
 
What Happens If One of Us is Ready and One is Not?

If there is reluctantance on the part of one of the potential participants, mediation cannot begin. Some hesitation and reluctance is normal for both potential participants. However, if in the beginning there is clearly an Initiating participant and a Reluctant participant, the process called Conciliation is necessary. Your mediator will discuss the role he/she can play as a conciliator. Conciliation is not mediation. The Reluctant Participant needs to be persuaded, not pressured. The Initiating Participant needs to know that he or she has done everything to bring about mediation. The mediator will suggest means to encourage the Reluctant Participant while keeping the Initiating Participant hopeful. Until a break through that results in starting or refusing to mediate, conciliation continues. Conciliation is a series of one-to-one private conversations with each participant.

Where is SLBMI's Mediation Services Located?

SLBMI Mediation Services is located at 16216 Baxter Road, Suite 399. It is 1.5 miles south of Highway 64/40 on the corner of Clarkson and Baxter Roads in a three story silver and glass office building. The parking lot entrance is accessed from Baxter Road. 

Map to SLBMI Mediation Services

Overview of Mediation and Collaborative Divorce Services Available at SLBMI (PDF)

To arrange a telephone interview, call 636-532-9188.