Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule a Mediation, Facilitation or Training?
Please call Concord at 402.345.1131 or email contact@concord-center.com.

What will the Concord do for me?
Center staff will talk with you about your situation and design a process that works best for you.

• We contact the individuals involved to determine their willingness and ability to participate.
• After initial information is gathered, and all agree to work together, we schedule your session(s) with the appropriate mediators or facilitators. 
• All parties are given an opportunity to share their perspectives in an atmosphere of safety and respect.
• All information discussed is confidential, and cannot be used for any other legal proceedings.

Are agreements reached in mediation binding in court?
If participants reach an agreement, the mediator will prepare a written summary.

• Generally speaking, parties who make a written agreement to do or not to do something have a contract, enforceable in court, as any contract may be. 
• In some situations, especially those related to divorce or post-divorce matters, agreements can, and often should be, made orders of the court. This can be done by working with an attorney.

Where sessions take place?
Due to COVID-19 protocols, we are currently conducting services virtually, via Zoom.

• Ordinarily, session are conducted in private conference rooms.
• The sessions may be held in Concord’s secure office space or another neutral and safe location.
• Parking will be available at the site.

How long does mediation or facilitation take?
It depends. The type and number of sessions depends on the nature and complexity of the situation.

• Meeting times and lengths are customized to the specific circumstances of those participating.
• For example, after a separate one-hour intake session, a family mediation session is typically scheduled in three-hour blocks.  

How much does it cost?
It depends. Some processes are covered by court, county or state resources. Others, like family mediations, are determined on a per-session rate based on a variety of factors, such as complexity of the issues, and any preparatory work that may be necessary.

• For a family mediation, your fees will be discussed and an estimate of cost will be determined before proceeding – during your initial conversation(s) with a Center Coordinator.
• In general, mediation can be scheduled more quickly, and communication between parties is more efficient compared to either legal proceedings or “just letting things ride.” Depending on the situation, the cost savings in time, money, and/or stress can be significant.
• As a non-profit mediation center, Concord Mediation Center will not deny mediation services based on inability to pay. If your income and household size qualify you for a sliding scale fee, your fee will be based on your ability to pay.

Who attends a mediation/facilitation session?
Typically, two mediators/facilitators and the individuals affected by the topic or conflict of concern attend the meeting.

• In larger groups individuals may represent various departments or community organizations.
• Attorneys, counselors, or other representatives may also attend, but typically participate in an advisory capacity.

Can my lawyer participate in mediation or facilitated decision-making?
Lawyers may participate in mediation; however, their role is typically as a consultant or a support and go-to for specific legal information.   Participants speak and make decisions for themselves.

Am I required to participate?
Mediation and facilitation are voluntary processes. However, if the process is court-ordered, your decision not to participate may result in consequences that affect your court case.

What if I am afraid of the person(s) with whom I experience a conflict?
We continuously gauge the safety of all participants when proceeding with mediation or facilitation. Staff/mediators/facilitators with special training in domestic or sexual abuse will put special protocols in place. Sometimes, this will mean a case a not appropriate for mediation or facilitation.

Do mediators/facilitators meet with participants separately?
After an individual private session, the mediators/facilitators will meet with participants jointly unless circumstances dictate separating the participants to ensure their safety, or to improve communication.

Does you take sides in a dispute?
No, we don’t take sides. Instead, the we create an atmosphere where participants are encouraged to explain circumstances from their perspective, and to learn about the perspective of others involved. The focus of mediation or facilitated decision-making is on active problem-solving by all participants.

Do mediators offer advice?
No, we do not (and cannot, by statute) offer legal advice, or other opinions. Instead, mediators/facilitators allow participants to determine the outcomes.

What if we do not reach an agreement during mediation?
Any form of recourse that applied before mediation remains available to persons who do not reach an agreement during mediation.

What is the difference between mediation, arbitration, facilitation, and negotiation?

• Mediation is the process of working out common solutions between conflicting parties with all parties providing input and agreeing on the solutions. Mediation by a neutral third party often, if not always, includes facilitation and negotiation
• Facilitation is the process of easing communication, the sharing information, and the use of these to build a solution or plan. Facilitation often includes mediation and negotiation.
• Negotiation is the process of give and take, working towards building a common solution. Negotiation can be mediated and/or facilitated by a neutral third party
• Arbitration is the process of a third party choosing the solution.b Arbitration requires none of the above

How do I become a mediator?
If you are interested in becoming a mediator, you may contact the Nebraska Office of  Dispute Resolution for information about upcoming Basic mediation training. You may also obtain information from the Nebraska Mediation Association.