The Court has referred your case to mediation under Rule160. Here is what you can expect and your next steps:

An Official Court-Sponsored Mediation Program

Empowered Pathways is the designated Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC) serving Oneida, Herkimer, and Madison Counties for the New York State Unified Court System.

If you were directed to this page by a judge, court staff or a Court Notice or Referral with a QR code, then you have been referred to an official court-sponsored mediation.

We provide mediation services for:

  • Oneida County Family Court;
  • Herkimer County Family Court;
  • Little Falls City Court;
  • Madison Family Court;
  • Additional participating local courts and referring agencies

If you have questions about your referral, please contact us at 315 724-1718 or email: info@empcny.org.

You Have Been Referred to Mediation

We’re glad you’re here.

Mediation is a conversation—not a trial. A trained, neutral mediator will help everyone talk through the issues and explore possible solutions together.

Our goal is to create a safe, respectful space where you remain in control of any decisions that are made.

Family counseling session

What’s Next?

If a Court referred you to Empowered Pathways, your next step is to contact us. We will explain the mediation process, answer your questions and discuss next steps.

Our team members will speak with you privately to learn about your situation, the case and answer your questions. We will also discuss whether the other person(s) involved may be interested in mediation.

We try to speak with each person separately before scheduling mediation.

Mediation is voluntary, meaning, you can choose if you want to participate.

Before mediation begins anyone participating will review and sign a consent to mediate form. This form explains confidentiality, the voluntary nature of mediation and the mediator’s role.

If everyone agrees to participate in mediation, we will schedule a date that works best for all.

A meeting with a trained, neutral mediator who will foster a respectful conversation and help you explore solutions together.

If an agreement is reached, the mediator will prepare a written agreement. That agreement may be submitted to the Court. If no agreement is reached, Empowered Pathways simply informs the referring Court or agency that mediation ended without an agreement.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary conversation guided by a neutral third person called a mediator.

Unlike a judge, a mediator does not decide who is right or wrong, give legal advice, or make decisions for you.

Instead, the mediator helps everyone:

  • understand one another’s concerns
  • communicate respectfully
  • explore possible solutions
  • decide whether an agreement is possible

What Happens During Mediation?

You’ll meet your mediator, who will explain the process, answer questions, and review confidentiality.

Each person will have a chance to explain what brought them to mediation without interruption.

The mediator encourages discussion, asks questions, clarifies misunderstandings, and keeps the conversation respectful and productive.

Together, you will discuss possible solutions that work for everyone.

If everyone agrees on a solution, the mediator will help write it down.

If you don’t reach an agreement, that’s okay too. Mediation simply ends, and the court process may continue.

The goal is to promote understanding, reduce conflict, and help people move forward constructively.

What Should I bring?

  • Court paperwork or referral paperwork
  • Any current court orders related to your case.
    • If you reach an agreement in mediation and it is approved by the court, it will become your new court order. Bringing your current order helps everyone understand what is already in place so you can keep the parts that are working and discuss any changes you’d like to make.
  • Any documents you think may be helpful
  • Glasses, medications, or anything you need to be comfortable
  • An open mind and willingness to listen

*Please Note: Children are not permitted to attend mediation sessions. To allow everyone to participate fully and maintain a confidential, productive environment, please arrange for appropriate childcare before your scheduled appointment.*

Common Questions

No.

Only you and the other participants make decisions.

Mediation is voluntary, meaning you choose if you want to participate. The mediator will explain what to expect at the beginning of the session. After listening to the mediator’s explanation, each person decides whether they wish to continue. If mediation does not continue (or at end of mediation no agreement is reached) Empowered Pathways simply informs the referring Court or agency that mediation ended without an agreement.

Generally, no.

Mediation discussions are confidential, subject to certain legal exceptions that your mediator will explain before mediation begins. Typically, the only thing shared with a judge is the signed agreement you create.

Depending on the type of case, attorneys, interpreters, support persons, or other participants may be able to attend. If you would like someone to attend with you, please let us know before your appointment so we can discuss it.

That’s okay.

Many people leave mediation with a full agreement.

Others resolve only part of the issues.

Some don’t reach an agreement at all.

The goal is to have a productive conversation—not to force a settlement.

No. Mediation is not therapy or counseling.

A mediator is a neutral facilitator—not a therapist or counselor. The mediator’s role is to encourage conversation, help participants communicate effectively, and support them in exploring possible solutions. Any decisions about the outcome remain with the participants.

Mediators do not provide counseling, diagnose problems, or tell participants what they should do. Instead, they help create a respectful environment where everyone has the opportunity to be heard and work together toward solutions.

Court Mediation
Judge makes decisions You make decisions
Focus on legal issues Focus on practical solutions
Formal process Informal conversation
One side wins, one loses Everyone works toward a solution
Public courtroom Private, confidential meeting

✓ Arrive a few minutes early.

✓ Silence your phone.

✓ Bring requested paperwork.

✓ Be prepared to listen as well as speak.

✓ Remember that participation is voluntary.

✓ Come ready to explore possible solutions.

A Note From Our Mediators

Many people come to mediation feeling nervous, frustrated, or unsure of what to expect. That’s completely normal.

You are not expected to know how mediation works or to have all the answers. Our role is simply to encourage a conversation and to create an environment where everyone is heard and, when possible, to work toward a solution together.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact Our Mediation Team Today

Call: 315-724-1718

Email: info@empcny.org

Please be prepared with your court referral letter so we can better identify your case!

We look forward to hearing from you!