Mediation

EPPES & PLUMBLEE, P.A.
1225 S. CHURCH STREET
GREENVILLE, SC 29605
PHONE: (864) 235-2600
FAX: (864) 235-4600
EMAIL: eppesplumblee@mindspring.com

1. What is mediation?
   
   Mediation is a process in which parties to a lawsuit, along with their attorneys, meet with a neutral third person (mediator) who is hired to help to settle the case.
   
   
2. Who decides the outcome of a mediation?
   
   The parties to the dispute, usually with the advice of their attorneys, decide whether to settle their case. If the parties are not able to settle their case in mediation, no binding decision is reached, and the parties still have all of their rights to trial by jury.
   
   
3. What is the role of the mediator?
   
   The mediator's role is to help the parties to assess the risks, costs, and potential outcomes of the lawsuit and to facilitate the parties' settlement discussions.
   
   
4. How does the mediator facilitate discussion between the parties?
   
   The mediator facilitates discussion primarily by questioning each party regarding the relative strengths and weaknesses of their case, and by meeting privately with the parties and relaying their communications.
   
   
5. Who pays the mediator?
   
   The mediator's fees typically are shared equally between the parties involved in the dispute.
   
   
6. What are the mediator's qualifications?
   
   Most mediators are attorneys or former judges. Not all mediators have received formal training; however, the South Carolina Supreme Court grants certification to mediators who have received special training.
   
   
7. What are Mr. Plumblee's qualifications as a mediator?
   
   Mr. Plumblee has completed forty (40) hours of mediation training and is certified by the South Carolina Supreme Court as a mediator. Additionally, he has conducted more than ___ mediations in the state and federal courts in South Carolina.