Articles

How to Negotiate or Mediate a Landlord-Tenant Dispute: Why negotiation and mediation are good ways to resolve landlord-tenant disputes

Misunderstandings between tenants and landlords are commonplace, and can typically be handled by discussing the problem and possible solutions. But if a brief talk cannot begin to address deeper or persistent issues, or if the situation is too tense or strained for a casual conversation, then it’s wise to bring in a mediator to facilitate a resolution.

Both sides need to be clear about what they want, and why they think their ideas are warranted. It’s important to take turns talking and listening. The best outcomes arise when the parties are courteous while presenting strong cases with supporting facts, documents, or photos. A neutral mediator keeps the discussion focused, and, when the dialogue is a two-way street, the give and take results in a mutually beneficial outcome.

[READ FULL ARTICLE]

Do you fear conflict and avoid confrontation?

Disagreements, disputes, and differences of opinions with others are all part of a normal life. How you view and deal with conflict determines whether these challenges become crippling stumbling blocks that can hold you back by creating unmanageable stress, or whether they are the catalysts for personal growth and positive change in your world. Fear and avoidance can result in increased vulnerability to being manipulated, dominated, or even bullied.

Embracing conflict as a beneficial part of the human experience can instill the confidence that even the worst situations can be faced, dealt with systematically, and changed for the better. To deal with conflict effectively and consistently, people need a set of tools upon which they can rely in any situation, and especially in the heat of the moment when sudden incidents can escalate if not approached methodically. Our services can provide you with the tools you need for a lifetime of effective conflict management.

 [READ FULL ARTICLE]

What is mediation and how can it help me resolve a conflict?

Mediation is the key that can open the door to boundless possibilities for finding solutions to troubling, and often seemingly hopeless, situations. It is a carefully constructed and executed process that requires the involved parties to abide by a set of ground rules while their dialogue and interactions are professionally monitored and facilitated by a neutral mediator. The proceedings are confidential. Each party’s initial concerns are dealt with in a manner that allows deeper, often hidden, concerns to surface, be acknowledged, and dealt with in a safe, calm environment.

The result of one session, or sometimes several sessions, is a signed, written Agreement of mutually acceptable terms that has been developed by the parties themselves. Because the people who are having the dispute are the ones who create the solutions, the probability that the mediated Agreement will be honored is significantly increased as compared with a court-imposed judgment in which the parties have no personal say or control. Mediation should always be the first resort in any conflict.

 [READ FULL ARTICLE]

Fences may make good neighbors, but knowing the law can make things easier: If a friendly talk can’t resolve the issue, try mediation; litigation should be the last resort

Neighborhoods are rife with potential disputes arising from conflicting lifestyles, varying aesthetics, and differing levels of tolerance for noise and crowds, among an infinite list of possible topics for disagreement. Sometimes the placement of garbage cans is a source of annoyance, or a constantly yapping dog, or tree branches overhanging a common fence, and even the fence itself (or the lack of a fence) can start a feud. The individual preferences, rights, and boundaries of neighbors are bound to bump into each other over the course of time.

If these disagreements escalate into strained relationships, yelling matches, or nasty notes left for each other, then it’s time to engage the services of a neutral third party to help sort out the sources of the tension, and assist in creating a plan that both sides can accept and honor in the spirit of long-term neighborly co-existence. A general knowledge of the law in this area can be a good start in understanding what your options may be, and in promoting a more civil and focused discussion when the parties finally meet in a session facilitated by a mediator.

[READ FULL ARTICLE]

Do you fear conflict and avoid confrontation?

Disagreements, disputes, and differences of opinions with others are all part of a normal life. How you view and deal with conflict determines whether these challenges become crippling stumbling blocks that can hold you back by creating unmanageable stress, or whether they are the catalysts for personal growth and positive change in your world. Fear and avoidance can result in increased vulnerability to being manipulated, dominated, or even bullied.

Embracing conflict as a beneficial part of the human experience can instill the confidence that even the worst situations can be faced, dealt with systematically, and changed for the better. To deal with conflict effectively and consistently, people need a set of tools upon which they can rely in any situation, and especially in the heat of the moment when sudden incidents can escalate if not approached methodically. Our services can provide you with the tools you need for a lifetime of effective conflict management.

 [READ FULL ARTICLE]

What is mediation and how can it help me resolve a conflict?

Mediation is the key that can open the door to boundless possibilities for finding solutions to troubling, and often seemingly hopeless, situations. It is a carefully constructed and executed process that requires the involved parties to abide by a set of ground rules while their dialogue and interactions are professionally monitored and facilitated by a neutral mediator. The proceedings are confidential. Each party’s initial concerns are dealt with in a manner that allows deeper, often hidden, concerns to surface, be acknowledged, and dealt with in a safe, calm environment.

The result of one session, or sometimes several sessions, is a signed, written Agreement of mutually acceptable terms that has been developed by the parties themselves. Because the people who are having the dispute are the ones who create the solutions, the probability that the mediated Agreement will be honored is significantly increased as compared with a court-imposed judgment in which the parties have no personal say or control. Mediation should always be the first resort in any conflict.

 [READ FULL ARTICLE]

Mediation in the Workplace: Can’t we talk about this?

Disputes in the workplace are disruptive and undermine the business’ environment. Whether the disagreements are isolated and intermittent, or a continual source of annoyance, they affect the general atmosphere, and can have a detrimental effect on company productivity. Sniping between employees inevitably spreads beyond those directly involved, and conflict between employees and management can go viral if not addressed and resolved.

Sometimes the result of workplace conflict is increased absences, poor performance reviews, missed deadlines, or lower bottom lines. Managers who attempt interventions may fall short of getting to the root of the problem, inadvertently increasing the feelings of stress and discomfort among those employees they were trying to help. Professional mediation is being increasingly used by HR Departments as part of a team approach to working through the frustrations of workplace disruptions without fear of retaliation by the involved parties.

[READ FULL ARTICLE]

Do you fear conflict and avoid confrontation?

Disagreements, disputes, and differences of opinions with others are all part of a normal life. How you view and deal with conflict determines whether these challenges become crippling stumbling blocks that can hold you back by creating unmanageable stress, or whether they are the catalysts for personal growth and positive change in your world. Fear and avoidance can result in increased vulnerability to being manipulated, dominated, or even bullied.

Embracing conflict as a beneficial part of the human experience can instill the confidence that even the worst situations can be faced, dealt with systematically, and changed for the better. To deal with conflict effectively and consistently, people need a set of tools upon which they can rely in any situation, and especially in the heat of the moment when sudden incidents can escalate if not approached methodically. Our services can provide you with the tools you need for a lifetime of effective conflict management.

 [READ FULL ARTICLE]

What is mediation and how can it help me resolve a conflict?

Mediation is the key that can open the door to boundless possibilities for finding solutions to troubling, and often seemingly hopeless, situations. It is a carefully constructed and executed process that requires the involved parties to abide by a set of ground rules while their dialogue and interactions are professionally monitored and facilitated by a neutral mediator. The proceedings are confidential. Each party’s initial concerns are dealt with in a manner that allows deeper, often hidden, concerns to surface, be acknowledged, and dealt with in a safe, calm environment.

The result of one session, or sometimes several sessions, is a signed, written Agreement of mutually acceptable terms that has been developed by the parties themselves. Because the people who are having the dispute are the ones who create the solutions, the probability that the mediated Agreement will be honored is significantly increased as compared with a court-imposed judgment in which the parties have no personal say or control. Mediation should always be the first resort in any conflict.

 [READ FULL ARTICLE]

Conversations Between Teens and Parents

Talks between teens and parents can run the gamut from silent treatments that last for days to all out screaming matches laced with accusations, denials, and profanities. Conflicts can arise on a daily basis when the worlds of teenagers and parents collide throughout the decade between the teen’s adolescence and young adulthood. The teen’s need for privacy and independence is in direct opposition to the parent’s need for information and control regarding the teen’s safety and well-being.

The ability for both teens and parents to speak civilly and candidly, and most importantly, to really hear and truly understand (despite not necessarily agreeing!) what the other is trying to convey is paramount to effective communication. Our Parent-Teen Dialogue Facilitation services give teens and parents valuable rules and tools for maneuvering this often rocky path that will help keep the relationship intact despite the turbulence.

 [READ FULL ARTICLE]

Do you fear conflict and avoid confrontation?

Disagreements, disputes, and differences of opinions with others are all part of a normal life. How you view and deal with conflict determines whether these challenges become crippling stumbling blocks that can hold you back by creating unmanageable stress, or whether they are the catalysts for personal growth and positive change in your world. Fear and avoidance can result in increased vulnerability to being manipulated, dominated, or even bullied.

Embracing conflict as a beneficial part of the human experience can instill the confidence that even the worst situations can be faced, dealt with systematically, and changed for the better. To deal with conflict effectively and consistently, people need a set of tools upon which they can rely in any situation, and especially in the heat of the moment when sudden incidents can escalate if not approached methodically. Our services can provide you with the tools you need for a lifetime of effective conflict management.

 [READ FULL ARTICLE]

What is mediation and how can it help me resolve a conflict?

Mediation is the key that can open the door to boundless possibilities for finding solutions to troubling, and often seemingly hopeless, situations. It is a carefully constructed and executed process that requires the involved parties to abide by a set of ground rules while their dialogue and interactions are professionally monitored and facilitated by a neutral mediator. The proceedings are confidential. Each party’s initial concerns are dealt with in a manner that allows deeper, often hidden, concerns to surface, be acknowledged, and dealt with in a safe, calm environment.

The result of one session, or sometimes several sessions, is a signed, written Agreement of mutually acceptable terms that has been developed by the parties themselves. Because the people who are having the dispute are the ones who create the solutions, the probability that the mediated Agreement will be honored is significantly increased as compared with a court-imposed judgment in which the parties have no personal say or control. Mediation should always be the first resort in any conflict.

 [READ FULL ARTICLE]

State and Local Consumer Agencies in California

As a supplement to private mediation services, this extensive list of self-help resources can be useful in registering consumer complaints if you’ve reached a dead end in trying to deal with a business that you feel is responsible for defective products or sub-standard services. The listings cover city, county, and state Consumer Protection Offices, including the Departments of Consumer Affairs for various District Attorney Offices. Specific contacts are given for resolving problems in the banking, insurance, and securities industries, as well as with the Public Utilities Commission.

[READ FULL ARTICLE]

Do you fear conflict and avoid confrontation?

Disagreements, disputes, and differences of opinions with others are all part of a normal life. How you view and deal with conflict determines whether these challenges become crippling stumbling blocks that can hold you back by creating unmanageable stress, or whether they are the catalysts for personal growth and positive change in your world. Fear and avoidance can result in increased vulnerability to being manipulated, dominated, or even bullied.

Embracing conflict as a beneficial part of the human experience can instill the confidence that even the worst situations can be faced, dealt with systematically, and changed for the better. To deal with conflict effectively and consistently, people need a set of tools upon which they can rely in any situation, and especially in the heat of the moment when sudden incidents can escalate if not approached methodically. Our services can provide you with the tools you need for a lifetime of effective conflict management.

 [READ FULL ARTICLE]

What is mediation and how can it help me resolve a conflict?

Mediation is the key that can open the door to boundless possibilities for finding solutions to troubling, and often seemingly hopeless, situations. It is a carefully constructed and executed process that requires the involved parties to abide by a set of ground rules while their dialogue and interactions are professionally monitored and facilitated by a neutral mediator. The proceedings are confidential. Each party’s initial concerns are dealt with in a manner that allows deeper, often hidden, concerns to surface, be acknowledged, and dealt with in a safe, calm environment.

The result of one session, or sometimes several sessions, is a signed, written Agreement of mutually acceptable terms that has been developed by the parties themselves. Because the people who are having the dispute are the ones who create the solutions, the probability that the mediated Agreement will be honored is significantly increased as compared with a court-imposed judgment in which the parties have no personal say or control. Mediation should always be the first resort in any conflict.

 [READ FULL ARTICLE]

Do you fear conflict and avoid confrontation?

Disagreements, disputes, and differences of opinions with others are all part of a normal life. How you view and deal with conflict determines whether these challenges become crippling stumbling blocks that can hold you back by creating unmanageable stress, or whether they are the catalysts for personal growth and positive change in your world. Fear and avoidance can result in increased vulnerability to being manipulated, dominated, or even bullied.

Embracing conflict as a beneficial part of the human experience can instill the confidence that even the worst situations can be faced, dealt with systematically, and changed for the better. To deal with conflict effectively and consistently, people need a set of tools upon which they can rely in any situation, and especially in the heat of the moment when sudden incidents can escalate if not approached methodically. Our services can provide you with the tools you need for a lifetime of effective conflict management.

 [READ FULL ARTICLE]

What is mediation and how can it help me resolve a conflict?

Mediation is the key that can open the door to boundless possibilities for finding solutions to troubling, and often seemingly hopeless, situations. It is a carefully constructed and executed process that requires the involved parties to abide by a set of ground rules while their dialogue and interactions are professionally monitored and facilitated by a neutral mediator. The proceedings are confidential. Each party’s initial concerns are dealt with in a manner that allows deeper, often hidden, concerns to surface, be acknowledged, and dealt with in a safe, calm environment.

The result of one session, or sometimes several sessions, is a signed, written Agreement of mutually acceptable terms that has been developed by the parties themselves. Because the people who are having the dispute are the ones who create the solutions, the probability that the mediated Agreement will be honored is significantly increased as compared with a court-imposed judgment in which the parties have no personal say or control. Mediation should always be the first resort in any conflict.

 [READ FULL ARTICLE]

Do you fear conflict and avoid confrontation?

Disagreements, disputes, and differences of opinions with others are all part of a normal life. How you view and deal with conflict determines whether these challenges become crippling stumbling blocks that can hold you back by creating unmanageable stress, or whether they are the catalysts for personal growth and positive change in your world. Fear and avoidance can result in increased vulnerability to being manipulated, dominated, or even bullied.

Embracing conflict as a beneficial part of the human experience can instill the confidence that even the worst situations can be faced, dealt with systematically, and changed for the better. To deal with conflict effectively and consistently, people need a set of tools upon which they can rely in any situation, and especially in the heat of the moment when sudden incidents can escalate if not approached methodically. Our services can provide you with the tools you need for a lifetime of effective conflict management.

 [READ FULL ARTICLE]

What is mediation and how can it help me resolve a conflict?

Mediation is the key that can open the door to boundless possibilities for finding solutions to troubling, and often seemingly hopeless, situations. It is a carefully constructed and executed process that requires the involved parties to abide by a set of ground rules while their dialogue and interactions are professionally monitored and facilitated by a neutral mediator. The proceedings are confidential. Each party’s initial concerns are dealt with in a manner that allows deeper, often hidden, concerns to surface, be acknowledged, and dealt with in a safe, calm environment.

The result of one session, or sometimes several sessions, is a signed, written Agreement of mutually acceptable terms that has been developed by the parties themselves. Because the people who are having the dispute are the ones who create the solutions, the probability that the mediated Agreement will be honored is significantly increased as compared with a court-imposed judgment in which the parties have no personal say or control. Mediation should always be the first resort in any conflict.

 [READ FULL ARTICLE]