EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
:: MEDIATION
 Can We Talk?
Mediation:
The Alternative Solution
Dispute Resolution Services of North Texas, Inc.
131 E. Exchange Ave., Suite 208
Fort Worth, Texas 76106
817-877-4554
www.drsnorthtexas.org
What is mediation?
Community mediation programs began in the early 1970’s in several
major cities. Mediation is a formal meeting
in which disputing parties attempt to find
a solution that satisfies both parties.
Trained volunteers provide guidance,
and participants make the decisions.
The goal is to reach a written agreement
that satisfies both parties. The final, written agreement is
the only record kept
from the mediation session.
Mediation is a means of resolving disputes
without government intervention
and at the earliest possible stage.
How much does it cost?
No charge at this time for Arlington residents if you go to
mediation voluntarily.
People who are referred by the court will pay the administration fee,
usually $35.
Where do I have to go?
Meetings will be held
at a neutral location such as a city facility.
Steps to Resolution
- Call 817-877-4554 to discuss your situation with a volunteer.
- With your permission, Dispute Resolution Services will call the
other party to attempt to set up a meeting.
- The two parties and two volunteer mediators meet at a neutral
location.
- Mediators help assemble information, describe issues, and set
time limits.
- Participants identify solutions and form a written agreement.
- The written agreement is the only record kept of the
meeting.
- If the agreement is not kept, the participants may try other
avenues like the court system.
How will this help?
Mediators use communication techniques to keep discussions focused
on a solution. Since mediators are neutral, they can help identify the
real issues underlying the dispute.
Mediators do not give advice or place blame.
Mediators do provide a structure that allows you to find
solutions that work for you.
Traditional approaches to disputes — such as taking a party to
court, or issuing a citation — cost time and money, and do not
resolve the underlying issues. As a result, the disputes continue.
Mediation can break that cycle by addressing real issues that lead to
a win-win resolution.
Disputes are reached in the majority of cases mediated by DRS of
North Texas.
What types of issues will mediation help?
- Animal and Noise Nuisances
- Boundary Disputes
- Consumer/Merchant Conflicts
- Intercultural Misunderstandings
- Landlord/Tenant Relations
- Neighbor vs. Neighbor
- Property Damage
- Victim/Offender Meetings
La mediación es una alternativa para resolver ciertos conflictos
civiles. Por favor haga que una amistad que hable inglés se comunique
a Dispute Resolution Services of North Texas, Inc. al teléfono
817-877-4554 para obtener más informacion o discutir su situación
con uno de los voluntarios.
Arlington’s mediation program is a cooperative effort of the
Community Services, Police, and Municipal Court Departments, with
Dispute Resolution Services of North Texas.
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