Mediation

Resolution through voluntary agreement

The parties enter into a voluntary agreement reached through negotiation. The Mediator facilitates the negotiation by generating options, clarifying & prioritizing goals, and assisting in the exchange of clear messages between the parties. In contrast to litigation, mediation is a confidential process, protecting the privacy of the parties. Mediation is binding when parties sign an agreement, submit it to court, and the judge signs it as an order. Mediation is an extremely effective way of settling cases prior to hearing.

Arbitration

Resolution through Legally Binding Award

Parties choose an arbitrator, a private decision maker, with industry or legal expertise. The facts, evidence, and testimony are presented to the Arbitrator who then makes a legally binding decision. Parties may be represented by legal counsel, or may go through arbitration Pro Se (representing their own interests). The Arbitrator is a finder of fact in a hearing of equity.  To ensure neutrality, Arbitrators do not speak with parties privately.

CoMA - Dispute Resolution Excellence

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find an Experienced and Skilled Mediator or Arbitrator?
How is CoMA’s Panel Unique?
What can I expect from Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?
What about Cost?
Other than Saving Money, Time, Reputation and the Formalities, What Other Benefits Does ADR Offer?

How do I find an Experienced and Skilled Mediator or Arbitrator? 

  • File your case with CoMA, an established and reputable Dispute Resolution Forum that provides consistency of procedures, quality of service, and a professional panel composition.
  • Get to know the Panel Members.  CoMA offers meaningful choice between our dispute resolution professionals by providing more than just a list of names.  Individual Profiles include a resume / CV,  recommendations, and recorded interviews to give a snapshot of each panel member's professional background. 
  • Talk to the Case Administrator about your case to gain an understanding of how to proceed, and who among the panel may be best suited to handle your unique type of dispute.

How is CoMA’s Panel Unique?

CoMA’s current panel of 20 members is comprised of attorneys, former administrative law judges and industry experts.  Each Dispute Resolution Professional brings a specific focus, philosophy and skill set developed through time and experience. Because your dispute is unique, having many choices allows parties to select a mediator or arbitrator who is highly skilled in addressing the important priorities of your case.

CoMA’s Dispute Resolution Professionals are intended to be Neutrals, advocates of fairness & fair process. A Neutral has no stake (neither personally gains nor loses) in the outcome of the agreement.

What can I expect from Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?

You can expect to be treated fairly and respectfully, and feel confident that the details of your case will be held in strict confidence.  Respect, confidentiality and fairness are foundational values of ADR.  Court decisions are publicly available; however, CoMA offers a confidential venue for resolving sensitive matters - Keep private matters private.

What about Cost? 

Mediation and Arbitration are less formal and less expensive than litigation. Because it is less formal, some parties attend and represent themselves* (pro se) saving money otherwise spent in legal fees and litigation costs. Pro se parties who come to voluntary agreement in mediation are encouraged to seek legal review before submitting the agreement to the court for permanent orders.

ADR is also a faster path to resolution than the courts.  Both the informality and reduced number of appearances saves clients time and money.

*A pro se party may be at a distinct disadvantage when going up against a trained negotiator such as a skilled attorney. Retaining an attorney is a personal decision and may require a cost/benefit analysis, especially when the other party plans to attend with an attorney.

Other than Saving Money, Time, Reputation and the Formalities, What Other Benefits Does ADR Offer? 

One commonly overlooked benefit is that through mediation, a more creative solution is often achieved.   The parties themselves have significant input into the terms and conditions of settlement, and people tend to be more satisfied and are more willing to fulfill their obligations when they have participated in crafting their own agreements.

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CoMA is based in Denver CO in the DTC area close to I-25 & Belleview.  Statewide services are available when travel expenses are paid, or via teleconference for virtual hearings.