Dispute Resolution Center of Tri Cities

08/31/2023

WHAT IS MEDIATION?

Mediation is a step-by-step process that helps people have a conversation about issues that they do not agree on. It involves a neutral third party (a mediator) who assists with the conversation, helping people clarify the issues and communicate more effectively. The goal of the conversation is to help people reach agreements that can resolve the conflict they are having.



WHO IS MEDIATION FOR?

Anybody. Everybody. Including you. Mediation is a very effective way of resolving conflict and reducing stress for anybody who finds themselves in conflict with another person or persons. Civil courts sometimes refer people to mediation in order to give them an opportunity to settle disputes outside of court, but you do not have to have a legal issue or be involved with the courts in any way to benefit from mediation.



DOES MEDIATION WORK?

In a word, yes. 66% to 75% of the time people leave a mediation with an agreement that helps end their conflict. Throughout history, and in many different areas of life and society, a neutral third party has been the key to resolving ongoing conflict. From Peace Keeping forces, to judges, arbitrators, counselors, and mediators a neutral third party helps resolve conflict. The difference is in mediation you decide how the conflict will be resolved, not the third party.



IS IT EXPENSIVE?

No. Mediation is generally cheaper than litigation no matter where you mediate. But, a Dispute Resolution Center is mandated by law to provide affordable mediation, so what you pay is determined by your income. Everyone can afford mediation at a DRC.



IS IT LEGAL?

Yes. The Uniform Mediation Act stipulates that any signed agreements reached in mediation are legal and binding. All parties must abide by the agreements they’ve made unless and until the agreement expires or is replaced.



ARE MEDIATED AGREEMENTS ADMISSABLE IN COURT?

Yes. What is agreed on in mediation is accepted by the courts, and in general will not be over ridden. If a mediated agreement is broken, then the court can order compliance, levy sanctions, refer for further mediation, or schedule a trial.



WHAT KINDS OF THINGS CAN BE RESOLVED IN MEDIATION?

Any kind of a conflict or disagreement between to or more parties can potentially be mediated. Divorce settlements, parenting plans, neighbors in conflict, property disputes, landlord/tenant disputes, personal and extended family disputes, work place conflict, conflict within a group. Almost anything that is not of a criminal nature but is causing disruption and stress between people can be mediated.



The key to resolving disputes is effective communication. Let us help you have that conversation.

01/11/2022

Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP) Guide For Benton & Franklin Counties

Get more info on this on our website!

| The Dispute Resolution Center of Tri-Cities offers professional mediation services to Benton and Franklin Counties, assisting those in conflict to reach mutually acceptable agreements. The DRC of Tri-Cities also provides facilitation, education and training to individuals, businesses and organizat...

08/18/2021

Here’s the deal, folks. Whether you agree with the imposition of a moratorium on rent or not, it happened, there’s consequences, and there is a solution. First of all, know this: if someone has not paid their rent for any other reason than COVID related hardship, they will not be eligible for the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP) benefits. And, know this: the ERPP is designed to keep tenants in their homes, make landlords whole financially, AND avoid a flood of eviction cases at court, and homeless people on the streets. Finally, know this: there are millions of dollars of rental assistance available for eligible tenants and landlords. You may feel that the situation as it is isn’t fair. We are not here to debate that with you. We are here, and are authorized by statute to help as many people on both sides of this issue as possible, as quickly as possible. The local ERPP in Benton and Franklin counties will be fully operational on September 1. During the month of September, (the “bridge period” according to the Governor’s proclamation), the procedure to follow is on our home page at drctc.org. We will respond as quickly and efficiently as humanly possible to connect people with financial assistance and legal advice, and to help landlords and tenants reach agreement on repayment plans. If these efforts ultimately fail, you will be given a certificate that enables you to file an Unlawful Detainer case in court. Please bear in mind that we have limited but dedicated staff, and that many of the people from the DRC who will be assisting you are volunteers. They are trying to help you. We want to get millions of dollars into the hands of housing providers, and keep thousands of people in their dwellings. Follow the procedure, try to be patient, and help us help you! The best resources we know for info about the law and about the program are www.washingtonlawhelp.org, and www.atg.wa.gov, as well as our own web site at www.drctc.org. We will not be able to process actual cases until September 1, but are glad to answer any questions if you call us at 509-783-1043.

The DRC of Tri-Cities is a non-profit, court-approved dispute resolution center offering mediation, facilitation, training and education to individuals and organizations within Benton and Franklin counties.

03/17/2021

Not only is there nothing wrong with you if you seek counseling, there is nothing wrong with seeking help from a neutral third party to resolve conflicts. Most people are not skilled at resolving conflicts, especially the ones in which they personally are involved. That’s where the trained mediators of the Dispute Resolution Center can help. It doesn’t matter what the nature of the conflict is, we can help you resolve it and reduce the stress in your life.

Mental Health Tip Tuesday
We all need support from time to time and it's important to know its okay to reach out. Seeking therapy does not mean there's "something wrong with you". Image provided by The Depression Project.

02/19/2021

40 Hour Fundamentals of Mediation Training
March 5,6,7, 20&21 (2 weekends)
April 20,21,22,28,&29(Weekdays)
Call 509-783-3325 to register.
Go to DRCTC.ORG for info.

The DRC of Tri-Cities is a non-profit, court-approved dispute resolution center offering mediation, facilitation, training and education to individuals and organizations within Benton and Franklin counties.

09/14/2020

It's been an interesting 6 months to say the least! We are still able to assist with our services through zoom and are involved with the court hearings. Stay healthy, stay safe and we hope to see you in person very soon!!

The DRC of Tri-Cities is a non-profit, court-approved dispute resolution center offering mediation, facilitation, training and education to individuals and organizations within Benton and Franklin counties.

07/12/2020

We've been able to maintain training for mediators via Zoom! If you've thought about volunteering as a mediator, contact us and we can assist you on registration for the next class!
www.drctc.org

The DRC of Tri-Cities is a non-profit, court-approved dispute resolution center offering mediation, facilitation, training and education to individuals and organizations within Benton and Franklin counties.