Civil Mediation · Novi, Michigan
Mediation Services in Novi, Michigan
Create space for a productive conversation. Explore mediation with Corene C. Ford to discuss disputed issues and possible paths toward agreement.
About Mediation
A Structured Conversation About Possible Solutions
Mediation is a process in which a neutral person helps participants communicate, identify the issues, and explore possible agreements. The mediator guides the conversation; the participants decide whether to settle and on what terms.
A mediator does not impose a ruling or decide who is right. Instead, the process creates space for the parties to consider their circumstances, weigh options, and decide whether terms they can accept are within reach.
Mediation is different from legal representation. Serving as a neutral mediator is a separate role from representing a party as their attorney. In mediation, the mediator does not advocate for either side. If you are looking for an attorney to represent you, the firm offers that as a separate service.
Legal explanations on this page are general and educational. Please confirm how mediation may apply to your specific circumstances with the firm before making decisions.
Meet the Mediator
Meet Your Mediator: Corene C. Ford
Corene C. Ford serves as a neutral mediator for civil matters, helping participants explore disputed issues and consider possible agreements. She has practiced law in Michigan since 2003 and brings documented experience with real estate and commercial disputes to the mediation process.
The firm describes Corene as a certified court-appointed mediator. Please confirm the current credential wording with the office before relying on a specific designation.
- Practiced law in Michigan since 2003
- Certified court-appointed mediator
- Experience with real estate and commercial disputes
- Active in relevant professional activities
Based in Novi, the firm serves the Ann Arbor area and clients throughout Michigan. Call 248-349-6203 to inquire.
Dispute Areas
Civil Matters to Discuss for Mediation
The subjects below are supported by the firm's mediation offering and Corene's documented experience. Descriptions explain the matters we can discuss without predicting outcomes.
Real Estate & Property Disputes
Disagreements involving property-related issues, including boundary, title, easement, and use concerns.
- Boundary and use disputes
- Title and easement concerns
- Access and encroachment issues
- Shared property questions
Neighbor & Community Disputes
Conflicts affecting people who may continue living or working alongside one another, where an ongoing relationship matters.
- Neighbor concerns
- Community association issues
- Shared-space disagreements
- Continuing-relationship conflicts
Business & Commercial Disputes
Disagreements involving commercial relationships or transactions that the parties may wish to resolve without litigation.
- Contract and transaction disputes
- Commercial relationship conflicts
- Business disagreements
- Vendor and owner concerns
Not sure whether your matter fits? Ask whether another civil dispute falls within the mediation offering. We can discuss suitability when you reach out.
Possible Benefits
Why Parties May Consider Mediation
These describe possibilities, not guarantees. Outcomes, timing, and savings depend on the matter and the participants.
Focused Discussion
A structured setting for identifying concerns and exploring options in a guided conversation.
Participation in the Outcome
An opportunity for parties to consider terms they may find acceptable, rather than having a decision imposed.
Practical Options
Space to discuss arrangements relevant to the circumstances, which may not be available through a court process.
Attention to Continuing Relationships
A process that may be useful where the parties expect ongoing interaction after the matter is resolved.
Mediation may include expectations of confidentiality, but protections and exceptions depend on the applicable rules and any agreement the parties sign. We can explain how confidentiality may apply to your matter rather than making an absolute promise here.
The Process
What to Expect When You Inquire
An introductory overview. Please confirm the firm's actual intake and scheduling procedures before relying on these steps.
Make an Initial Inquiry
Share the general nature of the matter and your contact information with our office.
Discuss Suitability & Arrangements
Ask about the matter, availability, fees, participants, and the next steps that may apply.
Prepare for the Session
Follow the mediator's confirmed instructions about relevant information and arrangements.
Participate in the Discussion
Explore the issues and possible agreements through the mediation process.
Session formats, remote options, cancellation policies, or fixed fees are confirmed only when verified. Please ask the office about the arrangements that apply to your matter.
Before You Inquire
Preparing for a Mediation Discussion
A little preparation helps us understand your situation more quickly. You do not need everything organized before reaching out—the list below is a starting point.
After learning about your circumstances, the mediator will provide appropriate preparation instructions. Please keep substantive dispute details and confidential documents within the firm's approved intake process rather than attaching them to an initial message.
Information that often helps
- A brief description of the disputed issues.
- Your priorities and questions.
- Relevant agreements or correspondence.
- Important dates or existing court arrangements.
- Whether attorneys are involved.
- Questions about participants, fees, and scheduling.
Have scheduling questions? Call the office at 248-349-6203 and mention them when you inquire.
FAQs
Mediation Questions
Answers to common questions about the firm's mediation offering. For your specific circumstances, please contact our office.
No. A mediator serves as a neutral facilitator who helps the participants communicate, identify issues, and explore possible agreements. The participants—not the mediator—decide whether to settle and on what terms. The mediator does not impose a ruling or decide the outcome.
No. In mediation, the mediator is a neutral who does not represent either party. Hiring an attorney for representation is a separate relationship in which the attorney advocates for your interests. The firm offers mediation as a neutral service and separate legal representation as a distinct service; we can explain how each may apply to your situation.
Yes. Mediation may be available before a case is filed. Whether it fits your matter depends on the circumstances, the parties, and whether everyone is willing to participate. You can ask about suitability when you inquire.
Sometimes. Arrangements may depend on the case, any applicable court requirements, and the willingness of the parties to participate. We can discuss what may apply to your situation when you reach out.
Participation in mediation does not require reaching a settlement. Any agreement is voluntary, and each participant decides whether to accept terms. The mediator helps explore options but does not compel anyone to settle.
Mediation generally includes expectations of confidentiality, but protections and exceptions depend on the applicable rules, any agreement the parties sign, and the circumstances. We can explain how confidentiality may apply to your matter rather than making an absolute promise here.
If a matter does not settle in mediation, the next steps depend on the circumstances and any existing proceedings. Parties may pursue other options, including litigation. Mediation does not prevent you from considering other paths if an agreement is not reached.
Fees depend on the matter, the time involved, and the arrangements made. Please contact our office to ask about fees, how they may be allocated between participants, scheduling, and cancellation arrangements.
Please ask about current availability when you inquire. We can confirm whether remote or in-person formats are offered for your matter at the time of your inquiry.
Call our Novi office at 248-349-6203 or use the inquiry form on this page. Share the general nature of the matter, your contact information, and any scheduling questions, and we will follow up with you.
Related Services
Looking for Legal Representation?
The links below lead to the firm's representation services. They are separate from the neutral mediation offering on this page.
Civil Litigation
Representation in civil disputes when a court process is needed.
ExploreReal Estate Law
Guidance for residential and commercial property matters.
ExploreCondominium & HOA Legal Services
Counsel for association governance, documents, and disputes.
ExploreCorporate Law
Guidance on corporate documents, governance, and business matters.
ExploreOur Novi Office
Ask About Mediation with Corene C. Ford
Contact our Novi office to discuss the general nature of your matter, availability, and possible next steps.
Tilchin & Hall, P.C.
39500 High Pointe Blvd
Ste 470
Novi, MI 48375
Based in Novi, the firm serves the Ann Arbor area and clients throughout Michigan. Visit the Novi office page.
Send a Mediation Inquiry
Tell us the general nature of your matter and how to reach you. We will follow up to discuss availability and possible next steps.