Summary
The Uniform Mediation Act is an important improvement for a number of reasons, [Emily Gould] explains. First, Vermont had few statutes and minimal case law dealing with mediation. Moreover, she says, "There's now a whole universe of mediation that's happening outside the courts - in the workplace, in communities, in families," where no clear-cut rules or legal framework exist. The "uniform" nature of the law also means that other states will generally recognize Vermont's confidentiality protections, an important consideration in cases such as child-custody disputes.
"To be honest, it's scary sometimes," [Neal Rodar] says. "I'm not somebody who enjoys going to court and speaking in front of people . . . This is going to be a big help in legitimizing the process with the public as well."Both Gould and Rodar credit Seven Days for an August 2005 story on mediation, which helped bring this issue to the attention of Rep. Bill Lippert (D-Hinesburg), chair of the House Judiciary Committee. "The fact that Bill Lippert could read your article and call up Neal [Rodar] and say, 'How can I help?' and nine months later we have our bill, that kind of thing can happen in Vermont," says Gould.See the full content of this document
Extract
Mediators Granted Confidentiality Rights
MONTPELIER - There was a time when most lawsuits, child-custody battles and property disputes between neighbors were resolved through the court system - usually a costly, time-consuming and painful process that, by its ...
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