One of the more common mediation mistakes is to set the mediation for one-half day.   Often, parties will schedule the mediation for only a half day based upon the belief that either (a) the case has no chance of settling; or (b) if it is going to settle, it should settle in a few hours.

In some cases this holds true (for example, Condominium and Homeowner Association mediations typically last around 2 to 4 hours). In many other situations, however, more time may be needed.

I have had “quickie” mediations scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. which ran well into the night. If you think your case may settle, even if you initially believe the mediation should last no more than 2 to 4 hours, schedule it in the morning and alert your mediator to the possibility that more time may be needed. In that manner, if more time is needed, the case can be settled within working hours rather than closer to midnight.

Rod B. Neuman Esq. is a Certified Circuit Court Mediator and is available to mediate your case.