ACCESS ADR (ACCESS) is a program of the Mediation Center of the Pacific, Inc. that offers accessible and affordable dispute resolution options for resolving business and family disputes.
Dispute resolution refers to informal processes that help people resolve their conflicts without going to court. Through ACCESS the Mediation Center of the Pacific, Inc. offers a variety of these processes including: facilitation and mediation.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES TO ACCESS?
ACCESS provides individuals in conflict situations with options to resolve their issues in a less costly manner than going to court. Equally important, the program offers people three important choices to help them resolve their conflict in the manner that best suits their situation and personal needs.
These choices include the ability to choose:
- The process that is most appropriate for resolving the issue(s).
- The professional that is best suited for helping them work through the process.
- The hours and time-line that best fit their schedule.
HOW DO THE PROCESSES WORK?
FACILITATION: a process in which a neutral third party, the facilitator, helps to design and conduct an effective productive meeting that enables the participants to: accomplish the desired outcomes and purpose of the meeting; resolve difficult issues; and ensure that everyone fully participates.
MEDIATION: an informal process in which a neutral third party, the mediator, helps people communicate and resolve their differences by coming up with their own solutions. The mediator works with the parties in joint and private sessions to facilitate communication and enable the parties to “hear” their differences, solve problems and rebuild relationships for the future.
Agreements are put in writing.
What Types of Conflicts are Appropriate for ACCESS?
BUSINESS
- Employee vs. Employee
- Employee vs. Employer
- Partnership dissolution
- Real Estate (DROA) disputes
- Insurance issues
- ADA Complaints
- Small business issues
- Grievances of any kind
FAMILY
- Divorce Issues
- Where the children will live
- How visitation will work
- How property will be divided
- Adult Guardianship
- Where elderly relatives should live
- Who should be the caretaker?
- How property should be managed
FAMILY BUSINESS
- How decisions should be made
- Who should manage the business?
- How to work together
- Should the business be sold?
- Debts
