Mullin Law Firm | The Trusted Resource for Estate Planning and Elder Law for More Than 40 Years

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Phone: 925-852-6014
Telephone Conferences Available via Phone and Video

Phone: 925-852-6014

Free 30 Minute Initial Consultation. Telephone Conferences Available via Phone and Video.

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Effectively Resolving Disputes Through Mediation

As a trained and experienced mediator, attorney Ronald K. Mullin offers services to guide disputing parties through the negotiation process. Mr. Mullin has more than 200 hours of professional mediation training and brings more than 35 years of trial experience to assisting parties in arriving at resolutions. Benefits of mediation over litigation include:

  • It is private and confidential, as opposed to trials, which are very public.
  • The mediator is neutral and objective and helps the parties explore alternatives.
  • The process of mediation is quicker than going to trial.
  • The process is less expensive than a long and costly trial. All parties share in the cost of a mediator.
  • It gives parties what is usually the first and only time to really be heard and to express their concerns and positions.

The mediator may be able to explore creative solutions or accommodations that take both parties’ interests into consideration.

How The Mediation Process Works

Prior to the mediation session, Mr. Mullin will have a telephone conference call to discuss the nature of the dispute and outline the guiding principles and terms of the sessions and making sure that the case is ready for mediation. This process prevents delays and saves time and money for everyone. A mediation agreement that explains fees and billing procedures will be sent to the attorneys in advance of the session.

During the process, parties will usually meet in a joint session to go over the facts of the case and to allow Mr. Mullin to ask clarifying questions. After the joint session, Mr. Mullin may meet with the parties and their attorneys in a private and confidential session called a “caucus” to discuss interests and possible proposals for settlement. Mediations typically take a full day and in the overwhelming majority of cases end with a written and signed mediation settlement agreement that resolves the issues of dispute. Sometimes the agreement may need to be submitted to the court for approval.

Parties are bound by the mediation settlement agreement and any party can have the agreement made an order of the court. The mediation process is completely voluntary and any party can choose to end the mediation at any time and pursue the matter in court.

Is Mediation Right For You?

From offices in Concord and Walnut Creek, attorney Ronald K. Mullin conducts mediations and arbitrations in communities throughout Contra Costa County, Alameda County and Solano County, California.

To schedule a consultation with an experienced California mediation lawyer, contact our Concord office via email or by calling 925-852-6014.