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  • Mediation

    • Control: Parties retain the most control. They choose to participate, select the mediator, shape the process and procedures, and must mutually agree to any settlement. Mediator facilitates discussion but does not impose a decision.

    • Cost: Typically the least costly option. Fees include mediator hourly/daily rates and venue costs; attorneys’ involvement can raise costs but usually less than arbitration or litigation due to shorter timelines and informal procedures.

    Arbitration

    • Control: Moderate control. Parties can agree on arbitrator selection, rules (to an extent), and scope of issues, but the arbitrator controls hearing procedures and issues a binding decision (unless arbitration is nonbinding). Less party control than mediation, more than litigation on some procedural choices.

    • Cost: Generally more expensive than mediation but often cheaper than litigation. Costs include arbitrator fees (often significant), administrative fees (if institutional arbitration), hearing expenses, and legal fees. Cost depends on complexity and number of hearing days.

    Litigation

    • Control: Parties have the least control over outcome. Court procedures, scheduling, and evidentiary rules are governed by statute and judge; the judge or jury issues the final decision. Parties control litigation strategy and settlement choices but not the formal process or final ruling unless they settle.

    • Cost: Usually the most expensive option. Costs include extensive attorney fees, court filing fees, discovery expenses, expert witnesses, and potentially longer timelines that increase total expense. Appeals add further cost and delay.

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

  • Balance Point Mediation provides professional conflict resolution for families, couples, businesses, and community organizations, offering facilitated mediation sessions, collaborative negotiation, parent coordination, and workplace dispute resolution.

  • Scott is Harvard-trained and brings a thoughtful, human-centered approach to every matter. As a Commissioner Pro Tem for Chelan County and a practicing attorney for 34 years, he pairs clear communication with creative, reliable solutions and often finds pathways others miss. He is a licensed attorney, a distinction not all dispute resolution centers can offer. He brings legal expertise and courtroom experience to mediation while maintaining a neutral, facilitative role. This combination ensures parties receive skilled guidance grounded in law, practical insight, and compassionate problem-solving.

  • We offer family law services at $400/hour with no hourly minimum, and for other matters we provide options billed by half-day or full-day.

  • Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.

  • If parties do not reach an agreement, they return to their default positions and may pursue alternative processes to resolve the dispute, such as litigation, arbitration, or continued negotiation with new proposals. Each option has different costs, timelines, and levels of control.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page, email melissa@balancepointmediation.com, or call us at 509-888-3992.