Mediation

We offer a free mediation service to members of the London & Middlesex County community. During the mediation process, one or two trained student mediators provide the framework for effective communication between the parties in conflict. A mediator does not take sides, decide who is right or wrong, or impose solutions. Rather, the mediator acts as a neutral third-party by facilitating and focusing the discussion and maintaining a supportive and fair environment for the parties to resolve their differences. Each party is given equal opportunity to discuss issues from their perspective, to speak privately with a mediator and to listen and respond to the other party's concerns. The mediation process is flexible and attends to the needs of the parties. We focus on each person's best interests in the resolution of the dispute. The entire process is both voluntary and confidential, and the parties maintain full control of the outcome. 

Mediating through the DRC has many advantages:

  • Free: Avoid the costs of going to court, and the DRC's services are free.
  • Fast: We will contact participants within a few days. A mediation typically lasts three hours, with additional sessions scheduled if necessary.
  • Convenient: Mediation sessions can be arranged to accommodate your schedule.
  • Informal: Work through your conflict in a relaxed, neutral and private setting.
  • Voluntary: Mediation begins only after both parties agree to the process. Parties can withdraw consent to participate and walk away at any stage of the mediation.
  • Non-Binding: Agreements reached by the parties are not legally enforceable, however parties may choose to abide by the terms of the agreement in order to resolve their dispute and prevent similar issues from occurring again.
  • Confidential: All information is held in strict confidence, and cannot be used against any party in a court proceeding.

Types of Disputes Mediated

The types of disputes we will mediate include:*

  • breach of contract
  • debts owed
  • roommate/ roommate
  • landlord/ tenant
  • neighbour/ neighbour
  • employment issues
  • other issues, considered on a case-by-case basis (inquire with a student coordinator to see if your dispute is appropriate for DRC mediation).

Do you have a dispute that you are thinking of bringing to Peace Bond or Small Claims Court? It may be worthwhile to consider whether mediation is an option that can assist you to resolve your dispute, either as a first step to resolving your dispute or as an alternative to litigation.

* Please note that we do not mediate family law disputes or criminal charges, which are outside the scope of our practice. We may also be restricted from mediating disputes that involve a former or current client of Community Legal Services (CLS), due to potential conflicts of interest. Please disclose any current or prior relationship with CLS when speaking with a student coordinator.

Contact our office to see if your dispute qualifies for our mediation service, or if you need help with a referral to an appropriate resource.

Phone: 519-661-4044
Email: drc@uwo.ca

The Mediation Process – Step-By-Step

Step 1: Initial Contact

Anyone interested in becoming a client of the DRC can contact us via phone or email, and we also accept referrals from other sources. Upon initial contact, a student coordinator will discuss the basic facts of the dispute and whether mediation may assist in reaching a productive resolution. If the dispute is appropriate for a DRC mediation, the coordinator will contact the other party and invite them to mediate the dispute. If the non-initiating party agrees to become a client of the DRC, then a mediation date is scheduled. The time and place will accommodate the needs and schedule of both clients. Prior to the mediation session both parties must sign an “Agreement to Mediate” form.

If the dispute is inappropriate for the DRC, or there is no agreement to mediate between the parties, we can refer the dispute to other sources, as well as discuss any unilateral options available to the client.

Step 2: Opening the Session & Introducing the Process

Parties now convene for mediation at the date and time arranged. The mediation is an informal process, and you can feel free to ask questions or ask for a break at any time. The mediator(s) will begin the session by explaining the mediation process and laying some ground rules. Mediation is confidential, and no information shared by any client will be available beyond the DRC. No statement made during mediation can be used against any client in a court of law. Our policy on confidentiality is stated in the “Agreement to Mediate” linked above.

Step 3: Gathering Information, Defining Issues & Generating Agenda

Each client will then be given the opportunity to make a brief opening statement, describing the dispute from their perspective. Clients will be expected to be respectful of each other during these statements, and to listen with an open mind. This will allow both parties to relate their situation without fear of reprisal. The mediator will then provide a brief recap and assist both clients in narrowing their focus to specific issues and their shared interests in resolution. Finally, the mediator will outline an agenda for the mediation based on the discussion so far.

Step 4: Exploring the Issues

Once an agenda has been set, the mediators will help explore each client’s interests as they relate to the current dispute. This stage of the mediation focuses on specific needs and the sort of resolution that will be satisfying to both clients.

Step 5: Generating Options for Settlement & Problem Solving

After each issue has been explored to both clients’ satisfaction, the mediators will encourage a brainstorming session to generate possible solutions to the issues. This is an interactive process where both clients are encouraged to contribute their ideas to a list of options for settlements. Creativity is key, so every suggestion has merit. The mediator may write the suggestions on a board to help everyone keep track of the ideas. The mediators in general will refrain from making suggestions unless invited to do so.

Step 6: Writing the Agreement & Closing the Session

If both clients come to a mutually agreeable solution, the mediators will work with the parties to draft a mediation agreement in their own words. Each client will have the opportunity to revise the non-binding draft agreement as they see fit. Once the draft is completed, each client will be asked to sign. Copies of the agreement will be given to each client, as well as kept on file at the DRC office. All other notes and record of statements will be shredded to maintain confidentiality.

It is important to remember that under no circumstances should a client feel pressured to sign an agreement. Mediation is a voluntary process from start to finish. Even at the agreement stage, a client is free to walk away without repercussions.