MEDIATION (not MediTation!)
I have been training and volunteering for several years now as a mediator in the small claims courts and in the community; this work is organized through the Neighbor To Neighbor Mediation agency (please see http://www.n2nmediation.org/) . I also offer mediation as part of my private counseling practice here, at my usual rates and schedules.
As a mediator, I do not give legal advice, and I do not take sides. I work to facilitate each party getting heard by the other, and to creatively arrive at a solution that satisfies all parties. The presence of a mediator is often a powerful help in keeping a difficult discussion civil and productive. Mediation is also completely confidential, with the exceptions of threats to personal or property safety, or reports of child or elder abuse.
Mediation can be a wonderful alternative to court, to problems not getting solved, to relationships that are struggling with conflict. In mediation, each party gets a chance to be heard fully by the other, sometimes for the first time. Details of an agreement can be negotiated until both parties are satisfied. When an agreement is reached in mediation, there is a strong likelihood of compliance, because everyone had a say in what was agreed. If your disagreement is headed towards court, mediation can save both parties considerable time, effort and money, as well as repercussions such as the strike on your credit record that may happen in a court case.
If you are stuck in a conflict, I encourage you to try mediation. Of course, both parties have to agree to try; I may be able to help you get that agreement to start with. Please call if you want more information.