A mediator is a trained professional who facilitates discussion and dialog by listening to the parties, understanding their needs, and negotiating a solution. A mediator does not have the power or authority to decide the outcome of the dispute. However, if an agreement is reached in mediation and is reduced to writing and signed by the parties, it will be binding upon the parties if the court approves the agreement.

Gary Pulitzer is a certified mediator with experience in planning, facilitating discussions, analyzing solutions, and helping you to arrive at a workable solution.  In instances when in-person mediation is not possible, such as the current pandemic, Gary uses Zoom to connect the necessary parties.

Many courts now require mediation of disputes. Mediation places power of the outcome in the hands of the parties rather than in the hands of the judge and is often a more satisfactory solution because judges are bound by strict court rules. Additionally, judges are presented with limited evidence upon which they must base their decision, and judges have little time to understand a case or the dynamics of the parties and are typically overburdened with enormous caseloads.

Mediation is a highly effective process to resolve disputes. It is substantially less time-consuming and less expensive than going to court. Mediation is also private and confidential. With sufficient time, a mediator can understand the issues by having direct contact with the parties, discussing the problems, and reaching an agreement acceptable to both sides.