When you have a dispute with someone that lands you in court, chances are sooner or later you will attend mediation.  In many states, such as West Virginia, mediation is required in all circuit court civil cases, and in most custody cases.  If the parties have not voluntarily participated in mediation, the courts usually order them to mediation.  The same general rules apply in Virginia and the District of Columbia.  You don't have to wait for a court to order you to attend mediation.  You can select your own mediator and discover the benefits of early mediation.

Moving on after you have suffered an injury or loss can be difficult.  Mediation is often the best way to to resolve a civil case and be able to move on.  If selected early, mediation saves time and money for both parties in legal expenses.  Our office encourages clients to participate in mediation at the earliest possible date, often BEFORE filing suit, to be sure to gain the most benefit possible from early resolution.  In many states mediation is required in all civil cases before a trial is scheduled.  Even when you don’t reach an agreement during the first session mediation can be helpful.  About 98% of all civil cases settle before trial so it is likely that your case won’t go to trial.  Sometimes the progress made in mediation sets the matter up so that it will be more likely to settle quickly and fairly following the mediation.  Sometimes a further session is helpful.  If your case is resolved in mediation, you can expect a few steps to finalize the resolution.