Mediation Matters has developed and pioneered the successful use of Accelerated Mediation (A.M.). Accelerated means "to cause to occur sooner than expected."In choosing this method of mediation, clients can expect to finish the process in less time than other mediation methods.

What is Accelerated Mediation?

Accelerated Mediation is an intensive mediation process designed to bring parties in conflict to mutually agreeable results in a concentrated time period, usually completed in two days. Participants in A.M. have expressed complete satisfaction and emotional relief in the agreements that they have reached.

How does Accelerated Mediation work?

We typically work in teams – a male/female cross-disciplinary pair of mediators. Advance preparation is an important part of the A.M. process.  We assist the parties in identifying and gathering the information that may be needed to inform their decisions during the mediation process.  In addition, legal counsel may, at the discretion of the parties, participate in the mediation.

The mediators meet with the parties both individually and together. Attention is focused on identifying the needs and interests of each party, developing options for mutual gain and identifying objective criteria for completing the agreement. Parties confer with their attorneys during the process to clarify and resolve any issues that may arise during the mediation. The mediation concludes when the parties have reached agreement. A draft document is prepared which the attorneys finalize.

How successful is Accelerated Mediation?

Over the past ten years, 21 of 22 cases of Accelerated Mediation have resulted in a settlement. A.M. began when an out-of-state attorney asked the Director of Mediation Matters, Carl Schneider, to mediate a high-asset case in a concentrated period of time. The case settled in just two days of meeting, and we have used that format ever since. Over the last decade at least 17 other attorneys in the area have participated in Accelerated Mediation. Due to the success of these cases, Carl began offering Accelerated Mediation in other states as well as from his office in Maryland. In a recent divorce case in another state, the couple involved had been in conflict and court for five years. With almost $250,000 in prior legal fees, the couple were able to settle in just three sessions!

Why does Accelerated Mediation work?

All mediation is a process of helping people to reach their own agreements. Normally, when we meet with clients, sessions are conducted over a series of weeks with days between each two-hour session. In contrast, participants in Accelerated Mediation choose to work for extended time periods. We’ve found this kind of intense, problem-solving approach builds a mutual desire to reach settlement and prevents people from becoming entrenched in untenable positions.

Who should use Accelerated Mediation?

This intensive process has been particularly successful in both divorce and business mediation. In either situation, A.M. is appropriate if protracted negotiation will be untenable or more likely to result in impasse. If, for example. a business is in trouble, there may be no time to waste in resolving critical issues. Or if a pending divorce needs immediate resolution, A.M. can provide the vehicle to achieve a timely settlement.

Our team of mediators will be happy to work with you to answer any questions about Accelerated Mediation and see if it is appropriate in your situation.