Reliable Mediation And Neutral Services
Last updated on February 19, 2024
In a dispute, the people who are involved are in the best position to develop resolutions that are workable and mutually beneficial for themselves. However, when parties are at odds, it usually takes a third person to work with the parties and their attorneys to reach a mutual solution. Our founding attorney, Steven Messick, is a skilled mediator and has experience assisting parties to resolve their disputes without the need for further litigation.
Steven earned a certificate in dispute resolution from the Hamline Dispute Resolution Institute (now the Mitchell Hamline Dispute Resolution Institute).
Steven provides mediation and neutral services in Minnesota. His experience is especially useful in family, general civil, probate, and trust and estate matters.
Empowering Parties To Reach Reasonable And Lasting Solutions
In addition to mediation, Steven also serves as an adjudicator of civil disputes. This includes arbitration, neutral fact-finding, and early neutral evaluation of civil matters. Most recently, Steven was appointed by the Rice County District Court to serve as a neutral factfinder in a highly contested estate dispute. Steven has also been appointed by the Chief Judge of the Third Judicial District as a referee to hear and decide conciliation (small claims court) cases.
Mediation For Civil Cases
Aside from our attorneys’ wealth of experience working with both plaintiffs and defendants, we have also worked on civil cases where members of our team served as mediators. Along with our extensive knowledge about claims arising under federal and state statutes and claims arising under common law, we are in a unique position to mediate a variety of civil cases.
Mediation For Family Law Cases
Our years working with family law cases also grant us unique insights as mediators for these cases. We also understand the sensitive nature of many of these cases and we always adjust our approach accordingly without compromising our duty to keep the proceedings orderly and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediation
What does mediation mean?
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution where participants problem-solve with the help of a third party. This person, known as a mediator, approaches the issue at hand from an objective, neutral perspective, helps participants consider possible solutions and leads them toward a mutually acceptable consensus. The mediation process is confidential, cost-effective and efficient.
Mediation is an appropriate way to resolve a variety of legal challenges, including:
- Business disputes
- Civil cases
- Divorce and family law matters
- Interpersonal disputes
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Minor criminal cases
Who attends mediation?
Mediation sessions are attended by the participants and the mediator. In some instances, participants may hire attorneys who can attend these sessions as well.
Who pays for mediation?
Generally, mediation is paid for by the participants, who will split the fees (often equally). The exception to this rule is business disputes involving employees. Often, the employer will cover the cost of mediation.
About Messick Law, PLLC
Messick Law, PLLC, was founded by Steven Messick, a highly respected lawyer in the state of Minnesota. Steven currently serves as a council member of the Minnesota State Bar Association. He is AV Preeminent peer-review rated* through Martindale-Hubbell for strong legal ability and high ethical standards. Super Lawyers has further recognized Steven as a Rising Star since 2019. As an experienced litigator, he is also a counselor and mediator who provides practical solutions to complex legal problems.