Common
Ground Mediation Services was founded in 1999 to assist
individuals and groups in resolving conflicts, improving
communications and achieving self-determined goals. This
work is accomplished through face-to-face mediations,
"shuttle" mediations (back and forth between conflicting
parties), individual coaching sessions, and
workshops/seminars. Common Ground utilizes a male/female
mediation team. Mediation participants tend to feel a
greater level of emotional safety with two mediators
present, which often leads to greater understanding.
Common
Ground's name reflects the non-adversarial approach and
values of the firm's founder, Stephen Reynolds. CGMS
endeavors to assist clients in creating solutions, goals,
and plans
that best serve the
interests of all parties, by focusing on what works best for
everyone involved,
not on who is "right" or "wrong". This approach enables
each individual to see their position as purely one point of
view, and helps them accept the legitimacy of (without
necessarily agreeing with) other points of view. The
approach allows participants to develop creative strategies,
proposals, and solutions not previously considered.
Common
Ground Mediation Services does not employ attorneys,
accountant, or therapists, and does not provide legal or
financial advice, nor any psychotherapy services. When a
formal written agreement is desired, CGMS provides clients
with a Memorandum of Understanding summarizing agreed upon
points, which can be used by an attorney or Legal Document
Assistant to create a legally binding document. All
conversations with Common Ground are held confidential as
covered by
California Evidence Code 1119.