Practice Area
Mediation & Arbitration
Certified alternative dispute resolution services for families, businesses, and individuals who want resolution — without the cost and uncertainty of a trial.
Overview
Most Disputes Are Better Resolved Without a Trial
Margaret L. Harmon obtained her mediation certification and has since served as a neutral mediator and arbitrator in disputes spanning family law, employment, business contracts, and real estate. Her belief is straightforward: the vast majority of legal disputes can and should be resolved without going to trial.
Litigation is expensive, unpredictable, and damaging to relationships that may need to continue — especially in co-parenting and employment contexts. Alternative dispute resolution offers a path to binding resolution that is faster, more private, and far less costly. Margaret is available as a neutral mediator or arbitrator, and also advises her own clients on how to use ADR strategically to reach the best possible outcome.
All ADR sessions are scheduled by appointment. Contact the office to discuss your matter and determine whether mediation or arbitration is the right path forward.
ADR Services Available
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Available as a neutral mediator or arbitrator across all practice areas. Contact the office to schedule a session.
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ADR Services
Family Law Mediation
Divorce, custody, parenting plans, and support disputes are among the most emotionally charged cases Margaret mediates. She guides parties toward durable agreements that protect children, preserve co-parenting relationships, and avoid the cost and trauma of a contested hearing.
Employment Mediation
Workplace disputes — wrongful termination claims, harassment complaints, and non-compete disagreements — are well suited to mediation. Margaret's background representing both employers and employees gives her a uniquely balanced perspective as a neutral in these matters.
Business & Contract Mediation
Breach of contract claims, business partnership disputes, and commercial disagreements can drain resources and damage relationships that matter. Mediation offers a structured, private path to resolution that preserves the business relationship where possible.
Real Estate & Neighbor Disputes
Property boundary disputes, landlord-tenant disagreements, and neighbor conflicts are frequently resolved faster and more economically through mediation than litigation. Margaret brings deep real estate knowledge to these sessions as a neutral.
Binding Arbitration
When parties want a definitive, enforceable decision without a full court trial, binding arbitration is the answer. Margaret reviews evidence and legal arguments, then renders a written decision that is final and enforceable in Oregon courts — faster and cheaper than litigation.
Pre-Litigation ADR Consulting
Before filing a lawsuit, it is worth asking whether ADR could resolve the matter faster and at a fraction of the cost. Margaret advises clients on whether mediation or arbitration is appropriate for their dispute, and helps them prepare to use the process strategically.
What to Expect
How a Mediation Session Works
Pre-Session Preparation
Each party submits a brief written summary of the dispute and their goals. Margaret reviews all materials in advance so sessions begin focused, informed, and productive from the first hour.
Joint Opening
The session begins with each party presenting their perspective. Ground rules are established, and Margaret sets a tone of mutual respect — creating the conditions for honest, productive dialogue.
Private Caucuses
Margaret meets privately with each party to explore underlying interests, discuss realistic outcomes, and develop options — without the pressure or posturing that comes when the other party is in the room.
Agreement & Documentation
When agreement is reached, Margaret documents the terms in a written settlement agreement. Each party should have their own attorney review the document before signing for it to be properly enforceable.
Common Questions
Mediation & Arbitration FAQ
What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?
In mediation, Margaret acts as a neutral facilitator — she helps the parties reach their own agreement but does not decide the outcome. In arbitration, she acts as a private decision-maker, reviewing evidence and arguments and rendering a binding or advisory ruling. Mediation preserves party control; arbitration provides a definitive resolution.
Is a mediated settlement agreement legally binding?
A mediated agreement becomes binding when it is reduced to a signed written contract. In family law matters, the agreement must be reviewed and signed by each party's attorney before being submitted to the court for approval. Margaret documents all agreements carefully to ensure they are enforceable.
What types of disputes are suited to ADR?
Most civil disputes are candidates for ADR, including family law matters, employment disagreements, business and contract disputes, real estate issues, and neighbor conflicts. Disputes involving ongoing relationships — where the parties will need to interact after resolution — are especially well suited to mediation over litigation.
How long does a mediation session take?
Most single-issue disputes can be resolved in a half-day or full-day session. More complex matters — such as contested divorces with significant assets or multi-party business disputes — may require multiple sessions. Margaret will give you a realistic estimate after reviewing a brief summary of your matter.
Get In Touch
Ready to Explore a Better
Path to Resolution?
Whether you need a neutral mediator for an ongoing dispute or want to understand how ADR could resolve your matter faster and cheaper than litigation, contact Margaret L. Harmon to discuss your options.
ADR
Certified Mediator
32+
Years Experience
All
Practice Areas
Private
Confidential Process