Flaws in the "Free First Hour" Mediation Consultation and How to Do it Right
There are a few mediators in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area who offer a "free consultation." Matthew House is one of them. Free services can be very useful, but only if both sides -- the provider and the recipient -- have reasonable expectations. Too often, supposedly "free" services turn out to be of little value and result in wasted time and, ultimately, wasted money. Here is what Matthew believes:
When you entrust your mediation matter to Matthew, you get his comprehensive five-tool skill set.
- You deserve to get to know your mediator, and you shouldn't have to pay to figure out if someone is a good fit for you personally and in terms of communication. That's why Matthew offers a free 30-minute meet-and-greet call via Zoom. It is likely that you'll find Matthew to be personable, competent, and focused on your needs, as clients have found throughout his 20 years of practice in suburban Portland.
- Matthew does not need to take up much, if any, of your time at your consultation explaining how mediation works, what his process consists of, what a mediation session is like, or how he can help your teen and preteen children. He posts all of that for you to review in advance. That way, the face-to-face time can be spent on clarifications and follow-up questions, not building from the ground floor.
When you entrust your mediation matter to Matthew, you get his comprehensive five-tool skill set.