24/7/365 MEDIATION

Have a dispute on a Sunday afternoon and could use a mediator to resolve it that same day?

Michigan residents now have MI-Resolve, an online dispute resolution service accessible using a smartphone or computer.

MI-Resolve provides text-based mediation with professionals trained through programs approved by the Michigan Supreme Court’s State Court Administrator. The sessions are free and can be accessed 24/7/365.

The mediation is confidential, as long as it doesn’t include threats of harm and similar communications in the system that cannot be used in court. If an agreement is reached, the system then produces a form that is signed by the parties, which produces a binding contract.

MI-Resolve can be used for a variety of disputes without having to go to court. If a case has already been filed, the program can be used before the trial date. If a consensus is reached, any necessary forms for filing in court are generated in advance.

The program has been particularly useful for parents dealing with custody and visitation issues, such as when conflicting views arise over holidays and school schedules.

The process of mediation is robust and adaptable, so it’s no surprise that more and more are being successfully conducted online.