What is mediation?
September 26, 2022

Mediation is a process where two or more parties discuss the issues they are dealing with and try to come up with compromises that everyone can agree to. In mediation, parties select a neutral party (the mediator) to help guide the discussions and keep them moving along. Mediation is voluntary, meaning that both parties involved must agree to participate. It is also confidential and legally binding. 


A mediator must remain neutral in the process and must excuse themselves if there is any possible conflict of interest. In Indiana, for a mediator to be registered with the state, an individual must be an attorney or counselor that takes a crossover course or someone with at least a Bachelor’s degree that takes a 40 hour course approved by the state.


Mediation can take place in almost any type of case. Common areas of mediation include divorce, custody, parent relocation, probate disputes, tenant / landlord disputes, school / parent disputes, and many others. 


For mediation to be successful, both parties need to come prepared to negotiate. It is important to have an open mind, be flexible, come prepared with documents and facts, and have a positive attitude. If either party does not feel that the mediation is working, they have the right to end the process at any time. 


Mediation can be very cost effective. Often a solution can be found in just one or two sessions if both parties are cooperative. Mediators are generally less expensive per hour than attorneys. Usually, the parties agree to split the cost of the mediator, as opposed to using separate attorneys, where each party has to pay the full amount for their attorney. 


Sometimes people choose to use attorneys and mediators. This can still save money because the parties come to an agreement together and do not have to spend hours in a courtroom with a judge. This also helps to free up the court system and move things along. Some counties also require parties to do mediation as part of the process. It still requires both parties to be willing to work together, or it will not be successful. 


If you want to find a mediator, Indiana has a Mediator Registry. You can search your specific county on it. You can also search through Mediation Organizations or even just the internet. Attorneys often can recommend certain mediators as well. One thing to note is that often attorneys will only recommend mediators that are also attorneys. There are many great mediators who are not attorneys and their rates are often much lower.



This blog was written by Chelle Hendershot, a mediator in Indiana. This is intended for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to be legal advice or a solicitation for services. It is an advertisement.

Related Post

Navigating Co-Parenting Challenges: How to Handle a Co-Parent Not Communicating

April 24, 2025
Struggling with a co-parent who won’t communicate? Discover practical strategies and co-parenting text message examples to handle inconsistent communication and create a stable, child-focused environment.

8 Strategies for Effective Communication with a Guardian ad Litem in Indiana

March 21, 2025
When a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is appointed in an Indiana family law case, their primary role is to represent the best interests of the child. Communicating effectively with the GAL can help ensure they have the information needed to make informed recommendations to the court. Here are eight strategies to facilitate positive and productive communication with a GAL. 1. Understand the GAL’s Role A GAL is a neutral party assigned to investigate and advocate for the child's best interests. They do not represent either parent and do not make final legal decisions. Understanding their responsibilities will help you engage with them appropriately. 2. Be Honest and Transparent Honesty is crucial when communicating with a GAL. Provide truthful and complete information about your situation, parenting abilities, and any concerns regarding the child’s well-being. Misrepresenting facts can damage credibility and impact the case. 3. Keep the Focus on Your Child When speaking with a GAL, always center discussions on your child’s needs and best interests. Avoid negative comments about the other parent and instead highlight how your parenting supports your child’s emotional and physical well-being. 4. Respond Promptly to Requests A GAL may request documents, records, or interviews to assess the family situation. Timely responses demonstrate cooperation and a willingness to facilitate the investigation process. 5. Provide Organized and Relevant Information If submitting documentation or evidence, ensure it is well-organized and directly relevant to your case. This might include school records, medical reports, or a parenting schedule that supports your claims. 6. Maintain Professional and Respectful Communication Whether meeting in person, speaking over the phone, or sending emails, always be respectful and professional in your tone. Avoid emotional outbursts or confrontational language, as a GAL’s impression of your behavior can influence their recommendations. 7. Follow Court Orders and Parenting Plans Adhering to court-ordered parenting plans and demonstrating responsible co-parenting will reflect positively in a GAL’s assessment. If you encounter issues with compliance, communicate these concerns calmly and factually. 8. Ask Questions When Necessary If you are unsure about any aspect of the GAL’s role or investigation, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Understanding the process will help you engage more effectively and reduce unnecessary stress. By following these strategies, you can build a cooperative relationship with the Guardian ad Litem and help them make well-informed recommendations that serve your child’s best interests. Effective communication and a child-centered approach will contribute to a fair and positive outcome in your case. This post was written by Chelle Hendershot, who is a dedicated Mediator and Parenting Coordinator at Hope For Our Future, LLC, with a passion for helping individuals and families navigate through life's most challenging moments. This post is not intended to be legal advice and is for marketing purposes only. Copyright © 2025 Hope For Our Future, LLC. All rights reserved. This blog post may be shared, copied, and distributed in its entirety for non-commercial purposes, provided that proper attribution is given, and no modifications are made to the original work.