How to Determine if Mediation is Right for You?

Rockland County Lawyer and Trained Mediator Helping Injured Parties Understand Their Options

In the midst of a legal dispute, many people are uncertain about which path will best serve their goals. While litigation is often viewed as the default option, it is not always the most effective or appropriate route. For many civil disputes, mediation can offer a less adversarial and more cost-effective solution. However, knowing how to determine if mediation is right for you requires careful evaluation of the nature of the dispute, the willingness of both parties to engage in meaningful negotiation, and the legal and practical outcomes you hope to achieve. Mediation is not suitable for every conflict, but in many cases, it provides an opportunity to reach a fair, customized resolution without the stress and expense of going to court. Valerie Crown of The Law Firm of Valerie J. Crown, P.C., is a seasoned Rockland County attorney and certified mediator who regularly assists clients in understanding whether mediation is a viable alternative to litigation. She serves individuals and businesses across Rockland, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, and Putnam Counties, as well as in the greater New York metropolitan area.

How to Determine if Mediation Is Right for You

Mediation falls within the broader framework of alternative dispute resolution, a category that encompasses any method of resolving disputes outside of traditional courtroom proceedings. Alternative dispute resolution is designed to offer flexible, efficient, and often less contentious ways to address legal disagreements. Mediation, in particular, is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral third party facilitates dialogue between the parties in an effort to help them reach a mutually acceptable settlement. Knowing how to determine if mediation is right for you involves assessing whether both parties are willing to communicate openly, consider compromise, and prioritize resolution over continued litigation.

In New York, mediation is available in a wide variety of civil matters. This includes disputes involving personal injuries, contract breaches, real estate conflicts, employment matters, business disagreements, landlord-tenant issues, and certain family law cases. Some courts in New York even require parties to attempt mediation before proceeding to trial, particularly in cases where early resolution could preserve judicial resources and reduce the financial and emotional burden on the parties. 

Even when mediation is not court-mandated, it can be initiated voluntarily if both parties agree. Those who may benefit most from mediation include individuals who have a continuing relationship with the opposing party, such as business partners or co-parents, as well as those who are seeking a resolution that is not strictly limited by legal precedent. Because mediation allows for greater flexibility in crafting solutions, parties can address issues that a court might not have the authority to decide. 

Rockland attorney Valerie Crown regularly helps clients evaluate whether their case is appropriate for mediation, drawing on her legal knowledge and mediation training to make informed and practical recommendations. Ms. Crown is a trained mediator as well, and can help parties who decide to proceed with mediation come to a fair and efficient resolution of their civil dispute. 

Consult a Rockland County Mediator and Attorney to Determine if Mediation Is Right for You

Choosing how to proceed with a legal dispute is one of the most consequential decisions a person can make. Understanding how to determine if mediation is right for you is not always straightforward, and it requires thoughtful analysis of your goals, your relationship with the other party, and the nature of the issues involved. Mediation may provide a respectful and efficient avenue toward resolution, but it must be approached with preparation and the support of knowledgeable legal counsel.

Valerie Crown of The Law Firm of Valerie J. Crown, P.C., is a respected Rockland County attorney and certified mediator who has helped many clients resolve disputes through alternative means. Whether you are initiating a new case or reconsidering your strategy mid-litigation, Ms. Crown can help you evaluate the appropriateness of mediation and guide you through each step of the process if you choose to proceed. She serves clients in Rockland, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, and Putnam Counties, as well as in the broader New York City area. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, complete the online contact form, call the office at 845-708-5900, or reach Ms. Crown directly at 845-598-8253. She is available 24/7 to discuss your legal concerns and whether mediation may be the right path forward.