Any type of dispute is stressful, and it’s even more so when you don’t have the time, money, or emotional bandwidth to try and resolve it in court. Whether it’s a small claims case, divorce, or a workplace issue, you do have an alternative—mediation.

Here’s why mediation provides an alternative resolution solution, why the mediation process works, and the types of issues that can be mediated.

Why Mediation Works

When taking a dispute to court, the decision is up to the judge and one person walks out with a win, while the other party walks out with a loss. That’s not the case in mediation. It’s proactive, not reactive, and everyone involved works together to find a solution instead of working against each other in court.

Mediation is much more flexible both in terms of the process and the final agreement. It can be done at a time that best fits your schedule, it’s completely confidential, and both sides have the opportunity to explain their own point of view and the other side’s perspective. The mediator doesn’t decide who is right or wrong, but rather works with both sides to collaborate and arrive at a mutually-agreed-upon resolution so both sides can walk out with a win.

What Types of Issues Can Be Mediated?

Conflict Resolution Service (CRS) has mediators extensively trained to handle the resolution of a variety of disputes. With very few exceptions, any conflict where the parties are willing to negotiate and seek a mutually acceptable solution can be mediated.

Below are some of the most common types of issues that can be mediated.

Family and Relationship Disputes

Whether it’s a divorce or a dispute involving children, family conflicts are among the most sensitive and emotionally charged issues people face. Mediation is especially valuable in these situations because it focuses on communication, preserving relationships, and reducing emotional harm—especially when children are involved.

Examples include:

Divorce or separation agreements
Child custody and visitation arrangements
Parenting plans and co-parenting communication
Division of property or financial assets
Conflicts between parents and teens
Disputes involving extended family or blended families
Elder care and decisions about aging parents

We also work with families through MI-Resolve Family, a free online service specifically designed to help families. Whether you need to create new agreements regarding parenting time or have to revise current court-ordered plans, this can all be done with no charge through the help of a mediator.

Workplace and Employment Conflicts

Anyone who has been employed knows that any conflict at work can stifle productivity, reduce morale, and disrupt the whole team dynamic. And the way you had that conflict can have a direct impact on your employment. Workplace mediation allows employers and employees to address problems before they escalate, lead to formal complaints, or even result in legal action.

Common workplace issues that can be mediated:

Conflicts between coworkers or teams
Employee-supervisor disputes
Discrimination, harassment, or bullying complaints
Disciplinary actions or termination disputes
Contract disagreements or misunderstandings
A difference in work styles

By using mediation in the workplace, organizations don’t only resolve that specific issue, but they also have the chance to create a more respectful and communicative company culture.

Behavioral Health Issues

One in five adults experiences a mental health illness every year, and you deserve to get the help that you need. If you’re facing a dispute regarding a behavioral health issue, CRS offers a free and impartial alternative for Michigan residents who receive services from Community Mental Health or a Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan.

Some behavior health issues that can be mediated include:

A dispute with Community Mental Health or a Community Mental Health-contracted provider
Treatment plans
Planning or providing of Community Mental Health services
Living and working arrangements

This program ensures you have access to a neutral, independent mediation professional to resolve matters related to your experience with Community Mental Health or Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan services.

Business and Commercial Disputes

The key to a successful business is the relationships, and mediation is a way to resolve a variety of commercial disputes without harming those professional relationships—or taking away from profits through litigation.

Examples include:

Contract disputes
Delinquent payments or delivery disputes
Conflicts between suppliers and vendors
Partnership or shareholder disagreements
Intellectual property or licensing issues
Lease disagreements

Business mediation focuses on practical solutions that not only preserve your business interests, but also those professional relationships.

Community and Neighborhood Disputes

We all have “that” neighbor, but when it escalates to the point that respect has been thrown out the window, mediation can provide an environment for constructive dialogue and cooperation.

Types of community issues to be mediated may include:

Noise complaints or pet-related disputes
Property boundaries or shared space disagreements
Conflicts within homeowners’ associations or tenant boards
Disputes between landlords and tenants
Vandalism or minor criminal offenses in restorative justice programs

Community mediation encourages civil conversations so everyone can feel safe and respected in their own neighborhoods.

School and Educational Conflicts

Mediation is also used in educational settings to improve communication and resolve disputes between students, parents, teachers, and administrators.

Common school-related mediation issues include:

Student-peer conflicts (e.g., bullying, exclusion)
Disagreements between teachers and students
Special education or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) disputes
Parent-school communication breakdowns—and truancy issues

Mediation can play a crucial role in schools by both supporting conflict resolution and helping foster a better learning, growth, and positive school climate.

Legal Disputes and Civil Matters

Just because it’s a legal dispute doesn’t mean it has to be taken to the courts. Many civil legal issues can be mediated either before going to court or during ongoing legal proceedings as a first step in resolving disputes.

Examples include:

Personal injury claims
Small claims cases
Probate and inheritance issues
Property or boundary disputes
Breach of contract claims

In legal contexts, mediation saves time, reduces court costs, and provides more control over the final outcome compared to the judge making the one and only decision.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Mediation is an effective alternative to resolving a wide range of disputes. While conflict is a part of life, it doesn’t have to end in confrontation or court. Reach out to CRS to get started on the mediation process today.