Core Steps in a Mediation Process

1.  Information regarding mediation process, contract, forms, individual interviews(sometimes called the pre-convening phase)

2.  Welcome and Explanation of Process

3.  Concerns and Interests of each party - procedural, substantive, psychological

4.  Summary of issue(s) - areas of agreement?

5.  Define Issues - framing the dispute

6.  Determine priorities

7.  Brainstorm possiblities and negotiate options

8.  Private meetings (sometimes called caucuses) to clarify options and offers

9.  Drafting of Agreement