MEDIATION

Steve Dalesio has served as a mediator in more than 5,000 cases — and that number continues to grow. Steve takes pride in his extensive knowledge of dispute issues and expert ability to guide the parties involved through the mediation process. As a former trial attorney and litigator, Steve understands the intense pressure placed on counsel during the litigation process. The experience Steve brings to the mediation process sets him apart from other mediators. [read more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”] Mediation can be voluntary or court-ordered. Mediation in West Virginia is defined as an informal, non-adversarial process whereby a neutral third person, the mediator, assists disputing parties to resolve by agreement or examine some or all of the differences between them. A judge or hearing officer who renders a decision or who makes a recommendation to the decision-maker in the mediated case is not a neutral third person. In mediation, decision-making discretion remains with the parties; the mediator has no authority to render a judgment on any issue of the dispute.

The role of the mediator is to encourage and assist the parties to reach their own mutually acceptable resolution by facilitating communication. This helps clarify issues and interests, identifying what additional information should be collected or exchanged. It also fosters joint problem-solving, exploring resolution alternatives and other similar means. The procedures for mediation are extremely flexible, and may be tailored to fit the needs of the parties to a particular dispute. [/read]