Mediation Services

What is Mediation

In mediation, the participants—together—seek to resolve their differences using the services of a trained and neutral mediator..  

In mediation, the participants mutually seek to resolve their differences using the services of a trained, neutral, third-party mediator. 

Download the Intake Form to Begin the Mediation Process

Why Use the Service?

Participants resolve their dispute when they reach agreement—together—and do not waive any rights by participating in mediation.

1. Resolutions created voluntarily through mediation are historically more lasting and durable than those imposed by a court.
   
   
2. Mediation can be scheduled and completed more quickly and efficiently than litigation or arbitration. 
   
   
3. Facilitative mediation is far more affordable than litigation or arbitration.
   
   
4. Facilitated mediation builds voluntary agreement among the parties; formal litigation can harden adversarial positions.
   
   
5. Mediation can help restore a good working relationship among neighbors.
   
   
6. Potentially, mediation can improve the parties’ understanding of and mutual respect for each other, even if no agreement is reached.

Persons and Communities Served

For all 39 counties in Washington state, WSCAI Mediation Services are available to:

• All common interest communities, their associations, board members, residents, owners, managers and vendors, including HOAs, COAs, Co-ops, master and sub-associations.
• WSCAI members and non-members. 

Our HOA board was invited by a homeowner to participate in a mediation offered through WSCAI. The mutual goal was to bring about understanding and improve communication between the Board and homeowner. Our amazing mediator was professional, tactful, caring, and genuinely interested in our outcome. I cannot say enough about the process and the talent required to facilitate a positive result. Bravo to our mediator and to WSCAI; thank you for providing an alternative to litigation.

~ Mediation Client

How Does It Work? Six Simple Steps

1. One party applies, completes an application form, and pays their fee to WSCAI.
2. A liaison contacts the other party and requests their application and fee.
3. Once both parties are agreed, a mediator is assigned and a mutually convenient time is established, ideally within 30 days of the parties’ mutual agreement.
4. Mediation in person is preferred and may be conducted virtually if dictated by travel distance.
5. The mediator uses the application form information supplied by the parties to facilitate dialog. This helps the mediator guide the parties to a mutually agreeable resolution.
6. Finally, the mediator writes the agreement that both parties sign.
   
   

Who Attends the Mediation?

The individuals directly involved in the dispute and the neutral mediator are the only participants. There are no attorneys involved in WSCAI mediations.

About Our Mediators

The WSCAI mediators are all qualified, trained and vetted by WSCAI. Some include:

• Attorneys with years of common interest community legal experience
• Managers holding advanced accreditation from Community Associations Institute
• Industry professionals who have been vetted by the WSCAI Board of Directors

Resolution Is Possible—Here’s How to Start

Download the Intake Form to Begin the Mediation Process

1. Download the application.
2. Rename it with your name
3. Complete the form and save your changes.
   e-mail your completed application to in-fo@WSCAI.org

Call our office 425-778-6378 to arrange fee payment.

Thank you.

You will hear from a liaison within a few days, and you’ll be on your way.