The Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) located in Ann Arbor, Michigan provides confidential and affordable
conflict resolution services through mediation and training to individuals and organizations.

(Please add our new URL to your bookmarks or favorites.)

Community Mediator Training

40 HOUR VOLUNTEER MEDIATOR TRAINING Approved by the Michigan State Court Administrative Office   WHAT IS A MEDIATOR: A mediator is a third party neutral who can help people in conflict find solutions and come to agreement. Mediators learn skills which can be used in personal relationships and professional Read more

Special Education Mediation

  Issues which arise between parents of students with disabilities and school personnel are often challenging and emotional. Although everyone wants the best educational program for each student, not everyone always agrees on what is best.  The Dispute Resolution Center offers the following services to parents and schools, free of charge:   Mediation The Michigan Special Education Mediation Program (MSEMP) provides Read more

Landlord-Tenant Mediation

Frequently, issues such as the return of security deposits, payment of outstanding rent, repairs, and property clean-up are a part of landlord-tenant disputes.If you are either a landlord or a tenant involved in a dispute, please contact The Dispute Resolution Center.  Read more

General Civil Mediator Training

40 Hour General Civil Mediator Training approved by The Michigan State Court Administrative Office, designed for attorneys, professional mediators and those applying for The Civil Court Roster. Nationally acclaimed trainers teach conflict theory, stage Read more

Divorce Mediation

Mediation is less combative than litigation and helps to preserve the part of the relationship necessary to co-parent or re-address issues afterwards.  Domestic relations mediation can be used to address: custody and visitation, support, Read more

http://www.thedisputeresolutioncenter.org/components/com_gk2_photoslide/images/thumbm/559568Vinu___Warren.jpg http://www.thedisputeresolutioncenter.org/components/com_gk2_photoslide/images/thumbm/313358j0396176.jpg http://www.thedisputeresolutioncenter.org/components/com_gk2_photoslide/images/thumbm/590242j0178029.jpg http://www.thedisputeresolutioncenter.org/components/com_gk2_photoslide/images/thumbm/625311wcc.jpg http://www.thedisputeresolutioncenter.org/components/com_gk2_photoslide/images/thumbm/406185argument.jpg
What is Mediation? PDF Print E-mail
Dim lights

Over the course of a typical 2 hour mediation, mediators lead disputing parties through a discussion and help them develop their own agreement. Everyone gets heard without interruptions, in a safe comfortable setting. Although most mediations end in agreement, the option of litigation is still open to disputing parties if they are not satisfied with the results.

The Dispute Resolution Center of Washtenaw County has helped thousands of people achieve satisfactory results and avoid costly litigation through mediation.

Read more...
 
Volunteer Mediator Handbook PDF Print E-mail

The staff members of The DRC are proud to introduce our Mediator Handbook.  One of our volunteers, Anne Seaman, offered to write it with our help.  We asked her to write it in a way that was succinct, thorough, readable and short.  We hope you agree that she accomplished our suggestions.    Of course, we take full responsibility for the policies and procedures stated in the Handbook.

 Please download it into your computer for future use.  

Read more...
 
The DRC eNews of Note PDF Print E-mail

Busy, Busy, Busy!
Director’s Note

 

As many of you know, the DRC is a non-profit organization with 501 (c)(3) IRS status.  In Washtenaw County alone there are hundred of non-profits providing much needed services to their communities.  We are proud to be one of them.  This year we have seen a vast increase in requests for service.  Each month, more and more cases are mediated.  As the residents of the community become more stressed, the need for effective decision making and creative solutions are paramount. 

Read more...
 
Mediator Appreciation Reception 2009 PDF Print E-mail

WOW what an amazing year. Five hundred and six cases were mediated. We can't do it without our Volunteer Mediators.  Enjoy pictures from the reception taken by Mike Fried and Crystal Collin.

 -Belinda

Click here to view pics from the Mediator Reception!