what is mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process where people meet with neutral mediators in a confidential setting to resolve conflicts without having to utilize the court system to dispose of the disputes. In mediation, trained mediators give everyone a chance to tell his or her side of the dispute without interruption. The mediators then help the parties to design their solutions to the problems. Mediations can be conducted in English and Spanish, and the facilities in both offices are wheelchair accessible. Mediations are scheduled at a convenient time for all parties.
types of disputes accepted
Landlord / Tenant
Landlord/tenant disputes eligible for mediation include, without limitation, evictions for failure to pay rent, failure to do needed repairs on dwelling; request for extension of time on eviction notices, breaking landlord’s rules and regulations, failure to keep yard clean or grass in good condition, not providing heating and cooling for the tenants.
Printed forms can be completed and returned to El Paso Dispute Resolution Office, emailed to Mike Soto (mikes@riocog.org), or uploaded using this link.
Probate / Guardianship
The DRC will mediate non-court referred cases and court referred by the Probate Courts. When mediating probate cases, the DRC will only use Probate Attorney Mediators who have accepted the appointment to serve as an Impartial Third Party and confirmed that they have completed the eligibility requirements.
Printed forms can be completed and returned to El Paso Dispute Resolution Office, emailed to Mike Soto (mikes@riocog.org), or uploaded using this link.
Contracts
All Federal, State, and local common law, contractual or statutory claims, such as claims for compensation, injury, or illness; violation of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, fair employment, human rights, and civil rights laws.
Printed forms can be completed and returned to El Paso Dispute Resolution Office, emailed to Mike Soto (mikes@riocog.org), or uploaded using this link.
Personal Injury
The mediators help design solutions to the individual’s problems. Mediation aims to alleviate the adversarial nature of traditional litigation, promoting a climate of understanding and consensus.
Printed forms can be completed and returned to El Paso Dispute Resolution Office, emailed to Mike Soto (mikes@riocog.org), or uploaded using this link.
Child Welfare Cases
Our mediator facilitates constructive negotiation and communication among parents, lawyers, child protection professionals, and possibly others to reach a consensus regarding how to resolve issues of concern when children are alleged to be abused, neglected, or abandoned.
Printed forms can be completed and returned to El Paso Dispute Resolution Office, emailed to Mike Soto (mikes@riocog.org), or uploaded using this link.
Threats / Assaults
El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department will refer cases to the DRC for facilitation based on their selection criteria. Initially, these will be limited to juvenile offenders and their parents for family violence-related matters or between juvenile offenders and non-family parties for other offenses ad deemed appropriate.
Printed forms can be completed and returned to El Paso Dispute Resolution Office, emailed to Mike Soto (mikes@riocog.org), or uploaded using this link.
Uninsured Motorist
Mediation can be used by an insurance company and an insured to settle a dispute between themselves regarding uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage as well as other disputes.
Printed forms can be completed and returned to El Paso Dispute Resolution Office, emailed to Mike Soto (mikes@riocog.org), or uploaded using this link.
Employers / Employees
Employment disputes arising between employers and employees, including, without limitation, all EMPLOYER Disputes against the Employee or Employee Disputes against EMPLOYER about any issue related to the Employee’s employment, discipline, or separation.
Printed forms can be completed and returned to El Paso Dispute Resolution Office, emailed to Mike Soto (mikes@riocog.org), or uploaded using this link.
Special Education Mediation
A private meeting where you and the school try to reach an agreement with the help of a mediator.
Printed forms can be completed and returned to El Paso Dispute Resolution Office, emailed to Mike Soto (mikes@riocog.org), or uploaded using this link.
Consumer / Merchant
Consumer merchant disputes eligible for mediation include, without limitation, disputes overused automobiles, warranties not honored by auto dealers, real estate purchases, and furniture. Furniture purchases, damaged merchandise, disputes with auto repairs. Construction and Landscaping work. Paying for roof work and work not completed. Using improper materials on construction or landscaping work.
Printed forms can be completed and returned to El Paso Dispute Resolution Office, emailed to Mike Soto (mikes@riocog.org), or uploaded using this link.
Restitution
What Types of Losses can be Compensated?
- lost, stolen, or damaged property
- medical, dental, or counseling expenses
- lost wages due to injury
- lost wages and expenses (child care, travel) for time spent in court or assisting in the investigation
- funeral expenses
- legal fees related to collecting restitution or settling a homicide victim’s estate, and moving or security expenses
Printed forms can be completed and returned to El Paso Dispute Resolution Office, emailed to Mike Soto (mikes@riocog.org), or uploaded using this link.
Family
The DRC will mediate cases referred by the Family Courts. When mediating family cases, the DRC will only use Family Attorney Mediators who have accepted the appointment to serve as an Impartial Third Party.
Printed forms can be completed and returned to El Paso Dispute Resolution Office, emailed to Mike Soto (mikes@riocog.org), or uploaded using this link.
epdrc mediation process
1
INTRODUCTION
The mediator introduces themselves and explains the purpose and process of mediation.
2
OPENING STATEMENT
Each party, along with their representatives if applicable, provides an opening statement outlining their perspective on the issues.
3
JOIN DISCUSSION
The mediator facilitates a discussion where both parties can express their views and concerns openly, clarifying misunderstandings and identifying common ground.
4
PRIVATE CAUCUSES
The mediator may meet privately with each party to discuss confidential information, explore settlement options, and facilitate communication.
5
NEGOTIATION
The parties engage in negotiation with the assistance of the mediator, exploring potential solutions and compromises to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
Throughout the process, the mediator remains neutral and impartial, helping the parties communicate effectively and guiding them toward a resolution
1
Intake
A member of either Party completes a intake form via the EPDRC website or phone and provides mediation specialist with information regarding who the parties are and dispute type.
5
PRIVATE CAUCUSES
The mediator may meet privately with each party to discuss confidential information, explore settlement options, and facilitate communication.
2
INTRODUCTION
The mediator introduces themselves and explains the purpose and process of mediation.
6
NEGOTIATION
The parties engage in negotiation with the assistance of the mediator, exploring potential solutions and compromises to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
3
OPENING STATEMENT
Each party, along with their representatives if applicable, provides an opening statement outlining their perspective on the issues.
7
AGREEMENT
If an agreement is reached, the terms are documented in writing and signed by both parties.
4
JOIN DISCUSSION
The mediator facilitates a discussion where both parties can express their views and concerns openly, clarifying misunderstandings and identifying common ground.
8
CLOSURE
The mediator ensures that both parties understand and agree to the terms of the settlement, and discusses any necessary follow-up steps.
1
Intake
A member of either Party completes an intake form via the EPDRC website or phone and provides the mediation specialist with information regarding who the parties are and the dispute type.
2
INTRODUCTION
The mediator introduces themselves and explains the purpose and process of mediation.
3
OPENING STATEMENT
Each party, along with their representatives if applicable, provides an opening statement outlining their perspective on the issues.
4
JOIN DISCUSSION
The mediator facilitates a discussion where both parties can express their views and concerns openly, clarifying misunderstandings and identifying common ground.
5
PRIVATE CAUCUSES
The mediator may meet privately with each party to discuss confidential information, explore settlement options, and facilitate communication.
6
NEGOTIATION
The parties engage in negotiation with the assistance of the mediator, exploring potential solutions and compromises to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
7
AGREEMENT
If an agreement is reached, the terms are documented in writing and signed by both parties.
8
CLOSURE
The mediator ensures that both parties understand and agree to the terms of the settlement and discusses any necessary follow-up steps.
Throughout the process, the mediator remains neutral and impartial, helping the parties communicate effectively and guiding them toward a resolution.
OUR MEDIATORS CREDENTIALS
The El Paso Dispute Resolution Center’s mediators are highly trained volunteers. They include active and retired professionals from a variety of fields, including education, business, law, government, and human services.
