Private mediation
Your decisions.
A structured conversation.
An impartial process for exploring possible resolution, with room to ask questions and seek independent advice.
What the mediator does
John J. Merchlinsky III helps participants organize topics, communicate concerns and explore options. He does not decide who is legally right, impose a settlement or represent either participant. Participation does not guarantee agreement.
Matters that may fit
- Neighbor and community disagreements
- Consumer, service and payment disputes
- Small-business disagreements
- Workplace and organizational communication issues
Acceptance depends on competence, conflicts, safety and the circumstances. Court custody, divorce, criminal and other specialized matters are outside this general offering.
How the process works
- Initial inquiry: names, general topic and a safe contact method.
- Separate screening: suitability, authority, safety and access needs.
- Written terms: role, scope, fees, confidentiality and cancellation.
- Discussion: joint sessions and, where agreed, private caucuses.
- Conclusion: possible next steps or a clearly nonbinding summary.
Questions before mediation
Is everything confidential?
No absolute secrecy is promised. Pennsylvania’s 42 Pa.C.S. § 5949 protects qualifying communications and documents, subject to definitions and exceptions. These include certain settlement-enforcement uses, specified threats or injury relevant in a criminal matter, certain fraudulent communications, and independently existing documents. Read the written confidentiality agreement.
Can the mediator give me legal advice?
No. John J. Merchlinsky III is not an attorney. Consult an independent lawyer about legal rights, strategy, deadlines and any intended binding agreement.
What happens in a private caucus?
Under the proposed agreement, information stays with the mediator unless the speaker authorizes sharing, subject to applicable law and agreed confidentiality limits. The rule is explained before caucusing.
What does mediation cost?
Fees, preparation time, expenses, allocation and any advance are quoted in writing before acceptance. Fees never depend on settlement or its amount. Fees are as agreed upon and depend on project complexity.
Can a session be recorded?
The proposed process prohibits recordings, screenshots, transcription bots and AI meeting assistants. Every attendee must be identified.
Does a summary become a settlement?
The practice’s discussion-summary form is expressly nonbinding and unenforceable. Independent counsel should prepare or review any intended legal settlement.