Colorado Mediators & Arbitrators™ was founded in 2005 by Judy West, her dedicated friend Jim Eichberg and adviser Andy Friedman. The company was formed to offer high value, high quality Mediation and Arbitration services. We enjoy resolving issues in divorce and family matters, small business disputes, and real estate, including earnest money disputes.
Mediation and Arbitration are included under the umbrella of ADR or Alternative Dispute Resolution Services – alternative methods of resolving legal disputes to avoid going to court. You may be required to mediate or arbitrate if there is a provision included in a signed contract, or if it is required by law, or by court order. But if you don’t have a requirement to mediate or arbitrate, you may voluntarily submit your case; this requires the agreement of all named parties in dispute.
What is the difference between Mediation & Arbitration?
Mediation: Negotiate a Fair Settlement Outside of Court. Mediators resolve disputed matters by helping parties develop a solution that everyone can live with. ADR encompasses both Mediation and Arbitration. It is common for people to use the terms “Mediation” and “Arbitration” interchangeably from a lack of familiarity. To clarify, Mediation is a formal negotiation of disputed matters with no guarantee of voluntary settlement because mediation requires agreement.
Mediation is Confidential and protected by Colorado Revised Statutes. In an atmosphere of safety, many options for settlement can be explored. Mediators cannot be subpoenaed to give testimony in court about what happened in mediation or offers made but not accepted. The protection of confidentiality provides an atmosphere of freedom throughout the mediation process.
Arbitration: Receive a Binding Decision in Disputed Matters by a Private Judge. The Arbitrator hears the testimony & evidence presented by the parties and witnesses, considers in matter, then makes a final binding decision and issues a simple, written Arbitration Award. The Arbitration Award can be submitted to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement, confirmation, or correction.
Colorado Mediators & Arbitrators has had exceptional success in resolving disputes and preserving relationships since 2005.