
 Voluntary

Confidential
Flexible
 Generates options
 Preserves relationships
 Solves problems
 Where to live/moving out
 Who to live with
 Driving/transportation
 Working
 Appropriate social activities
 Dating/marriage
 Choosing healthy friends
 Alcohol/drug use
 Risky behavior
 Disputes with roommates or rep payees
 Access to money/assets
 Keeping in touch – calling and visiting
 Getting to appointments
 Making independent choices
 Choosing a health care agent or power of attorney
 Medical care decisions
 Family roles and responsibilities
 Guardianship/conservatorship concerns
Resources:
For more Information:
 aarp.org – search ‘mediation’
 Do a web search for ‘mediation mn’
 Talk with your attorney
 http://mediate.com/articles/daniels
G2.cfm
Video Links:
Interview with a Mediator http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag cgSe8n37c
What is Mediation? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY tjMhot8ZY
How Mediation Works To Solve Family
Conflict http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF wLjUFaUQs
For the most current version visit: https://www.stthomas.edu/ipc/legal/elderlaw/links/
Solving problems, saving relationships, and avoiding court
Content provided by Lindsay
Case and the Elder Law Practice
Group of the Legal Services
Clinic of the University of St.
Thomas. April 2, 2013.

The Basics:
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process that brings family and friends together to discuss their concerns in a neutral setting.
The mediator is a specially trained third party who helps people communicate with each other more effectively. Mediation removes the winning and losing mindset of court and refocuses on people’s concerns and how to satisfy them. Mediation’s goal is to have the parties create a long-term solution that everyone agrees with. The mediator will not make decisions for you.
Why Choose Mediation instead of
Court?
Court is often a slow process that requires parties to conform to the court’s schedule and rules. Many people have negative experiences in court because of the time, cost, and complexity of the process.
Mediators are better able to work around your schedule, and the overall process can be less stressful. With mediation, you can resolve your conflict sooner and maintain control over the result.
Mediation is also a great way to preserve relationships between concerned friends or family and the disabled adult. Mediation is a private process with the goal of solving problems and guiding parties to solutions.
Mediation can accommodate more than two ‘sides’ to the issue, so other friends and family can participate or provide support.
Is Mediation Right for You?
Many family disagreements are not best handled by a court. Consider how you would frame the problems you would like to discuss and who will attend the mediation. Mediation works with two individuals with one disagreement or an entire family with multiple disagreements.
It’s best to talk with a mediator to determine if your situation is right for mediation. You should not consider a mediator as a substitute for legal representation. If your conflict is legal in nature, you should strongly consider bringing an attorney to the mediation.
Tell the mediator right away if:
 You have any concerns about health or safety
 The disabled adult has trouble communicating physically or cognitively
 The disabled adult is more alert at certain times of the day
How to Find a Mediator
Mediators are just like other people - every one is different. Some mediators practice alone and others work in teams. There are private mediators and community organizations that offer mediation services.
Community organizations often cost less than private mediators, but private mediators may have more specialized knowledge of your issues. If your conflict involves a specific area of law, you should ask mediators about their relevant training before choosing the best mediator for your situation.
1. Contact a mediator or mediation service.
2. Talk with the mediator about the issues in conflict.
3. Ask what kind of experience they have and what you can expect from them.
4. If you’re comfortable, move forward with scheduling mediation.