Mediation is a voluntary process. The mediator facilitates a conversation between the parties helping them clarifying their interests and options. As agreements are reached, they are recorded. Mediators work directly with parties or in concert with other professionals. Mediators work in collaborative law settings as neutral third-party facilitators. Collaborative attorneys sometimes enter the mediation process to provide legal information for their clients in a neutral setting. In addition, collaborative attorneys and their clients may choose to review their agreements within the mediation process. Doing so provides a transparent process whereby all parties hear the same information at the same time and can work together to arrive at agreements which serve the whole family.

Bobbie L. Dillon is the President of The Mediation Center, Inc., offering conflict resolution services and training to individuals, families, and organizations throughout the Greater Rochester Area and Finger Lakes Region. In addition to her training in the Collaborative Law process, Bobbie is an Advanced Practitioner Member of the Association for Conflict Resolution, an Accredited Member and Vice President of the Board of Directors of the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation, and Past President of the Rochester Association of Family Mediators. Bobbie is also Certified by the Unified Court System of the State of New York and the Center for Dispute Settlement to conduct court-referred mediations.