About Us
Our History
The Greater Richmond Community mediation Center was founded in the Fall of 2023 by Pamela Struss, PhD (Past President of the Virginia Mediation network Inc), with the support of a Collaborative team of alternative dispute resolution professionals, and the Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter School for peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University.
Our Team
Our ADR professional are made up of people with PhD’s in conflict/ dispute resolution, attorneys, human resource professionals, teachers, business professionals, therapists and counselors. They are formally educated, well trained, certified by the VA Supreme Court and committed to continuing to increase their knowledge.
Services Offered
Negotiation Assistance
Need help navigating a negotiation? We’re here to support you in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
Facilitation Services
We offer facilitation for groups, organizations, government bodies, and non-profits to encourage productive discussions and decision-making.
Arbitration Services
For those seeking a binding resolution, we provide arbitration to help settle disputes effectively.
Conflict Coaching
Whether you’re a leader or an individual, our conflict coaching services are designed to help you manage and resolve conflicts with confidence.
Training & Education
Interested in learning more about conflict resolution? We offer Court Mediator Certification Courses, Awareness, Advanced ADR Topics and Custom Courses
Engaging Presentations
We are happy to discuss all topics related to alternative dispute resolution to groups, organizations, churches, non-profits, businesses, government: local and state
Additional Types of Mediation & Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) includes different ways to settle disputes without going to court. A neutral third party helps resolve conflicts through methods like mediation, facilitation, negotiation, arbitration, and conflict coaching.
A mediator helps parties communicate and find a solution without deciding who’s right or wrong. Mediation is voluntary, confidential, and can be virtual or in person.
Types of Mediation Referrals:
- Court-Ordered: Free of charge, and agreements can become legally binding. If no agreement is reached, the case goes to trial.
- Self/Private: Anyone can request mediation, but there may be a fee. A court case is needed to enforce agreements.
Preparation for Mediation:
- Parties receive a worksheet to prepare.
- Documents like receipts, contracts, and photos may be helpful.
- Witnesses are typically not needed.
Benefits of Mediation:
- Faster, cheaper, and less stressful than court.
- Helps avoid negative credit impacts from judgments.
- Encourages cooperative solutions.
- Facilitation: A neutral person helps groups or organizations resolve issues and improve communication.
- Negotiation: A discussion where parties compromise to reach a mutual agreement.
- Arbitration: A third party listens to both sides and makes a binding decision.
- Conflict Coaching: A one-on-one process where a coach helps a client understand conflict-related topics. The client learns strategies for communication, interaction, and managing disputes effectively.
Other Key Points:
- Most disputes can be resolved through ADR, except those involving criminal activity or abuse.
- Mediation is not therapy—mediators do not give advice.
- ADR practitioners are trained professionals, and court mediators must be certified by the VA Supreme Court.
For legal assistance, contact:
- Central VA Legal Aid Society – (804) 648-1012
- Legal Aid Justice Center – (804) 643-1086
- Harry L. Carrico Center (Pro Bono Services) – (804) 287-1207
- Henrico County Bar Association – admin@henricobar.org
- Virginia Poverty Law Center – (804) 782-9430