Alan Goldstein & Associates, Inc.

10691 N. Kendall Dr. Ste. 105, Miami, FL 33176

Phone: 305-270-9780 Fax: 1-305-359-5172

Lobbying - Mediation - Arbitration - Receiver

Mediation is a process whereby a neutral and impartial third person acts to encourage and facilitate the resolution of a dispute without prescribing what it should be. It is an informal and non-adversarial process intended to help disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. In mediation, the parties decide the issues and the parties control the issues while the Mediator controls the process. Mediation is informal with a hearing in a short 3-6 weeks with low cost to the parties. During mediation there are no rules of evidence, all communication is confidential, except as otherwise provided by law. The parties cooperate with a view of the future and strive for a win win situation.

The role of the mediator is to reduce obstacles to communication, assist in the identification of issues and exploration of alternatives, and otherwise facilitate voluntary agreements resolving the dispute. The ultimate decision-making authority, however, rests solely with the parties.

Mediation is based on concepts of communication, negotiation, facilitation, and problem-solving that emphasize: (a) self determination; (b) the needs and interests of the parties; (c) fairness; (d) procedural flexibility; (e) confidentiality; and (f) full disclosure.