Amicable Mediations in RI

Not every conflict has to end in a courtroom battle. When both parties are willing to work together, amicable mediations in Rhode Island are faster, more affordable, and far less stressful than litigation. This is your collaborative path to resolution for disputes of all kinds, from business disagreements and landlord-tenant issues to family conflicts and estate matters.

With over 20 years of experience helping Rhode Islanders navigate legal challenges, attorney and licensed mediator Susan T. Perkins understands that the best solutions can be the ones you create together—not the ones imposed by a judge.

What is Amicable Mediation?

Amicable mediation is a voluntary process where both parties work cooperatively with a neutral third party—a trained mediator—to resolve their dispute. The keyword here is “cooperative.”

In amicable mediation, both sides come to the table willing to communicate openly, listen to each other’s concerns, and compromise to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

This doesn’t mean there’s no disagreement or tension. Conflict is natural, and emotions can run high even when both parties want to resolve things peacefully. What sets amicable mediation apart is the shared commitment to finding a solution rather than fighting to “win” at all costs.

During amicable mediations in Rhode Island, both parties attend willingly, communication remains respectful (or can be guided back to respectful), and the goal is a win-win outcome that works for everyone involved.

Unlike litigation, where a judge makes the final decision, mediation puts the power in your hands. You control the outcome, the timeline, and the process.

Types of Disputes Resolved Through Amicable Mediations in Rhode Island

One of the most powerful aspects of mediation is its versatility. Amicable mediation isn’t limited to one type of conflict—it can help resolve nearly any dispute where both parties are willing to cooperate.

Here are just some of the situations where amicable mediation in Rhode Island can make a real difference.

Family Disputes Beyond Divorce

While many people associate mediation with divorce, it’s equally effective for other family conflicts. Parent-child disagreements, sibling disputes over elder care or inheritance, extended family estate matters, and grandparent visitation arrangements can all be resolved through mediation without the adversarial nature of court.

Business and Workplace Conflicts

Business partnerships don’t always work out, and when they don’t, mediation offers a way to dissolve the relationship without destroying everything you’ve built. Contract disagreements, employer disputes, and ownership conflicts can all benefit from mediation that focuses on practical solutions rather than assigning blame.

Property and Real Estate Matters

Landlord-tenant disputes, neighbor conflicts over boundaries or noise, co-ownership disagreements, and homeowners association (HOA) conflicts can escalate quickly—but they don’t have to. Mediation provides a forum where both parties can address concerns, clarify expectations, and reach agreements that allow everyone to move forward.

Civil Disagreements

Small claims matters, consumer disputes, and conflicts with service providers are often more about miscommunication than malice. Mediation cuts through the noise and helps both sides find common ground, often resulting in faster, more satisfying outcomes than small claims court.

Estate and Elder Care Issues

Dividing assets among heirs, determining caregiver responsibilities, and resolving disagreements about end-of-life planning are emotionally charged topics. Mediation allows families to have difficult conversations in a safe, structured environment where everyone’s voice is heard.

No matter what kind of conflict you’re facing, if both parties are open to compromise, amicable mediation in Rhode Island can help you find a path forward that protects relationships and prioritizes practical solutions.

How Amicable Mediations in Rhode Island Work

Understanding the mediation process can ease concerns and help you feel prepared. Here’s what you can expect when you choose amicable mediation with attorney Susan T. Perkins:

1. Initial Consultation

Every case begins with a free 60-minute consultation. During this meeting, Susan will listen to your situation, assess whether amicable mediation is the right fit, and discuss your goals, concerns, and timeline. This is your opportunity to ask questions and get a clear sense of what the process will look like.

2. Preparation Phase

Once both parties agree to mediate, the preparation phase begins. Each party gathers relevant documents—contracts, financial records, correspondence, or any other materials that will inform the discussion. Susan reviews these materials and identifies the key issues that need to be addressed.

3. Mediation Sessions

The mediation itself takes place in a structured, neutral environment. Susan’s focus here is on interests rather than positions—in other words, understanding what each party truly needs, not just what they’re demanding. This problem-solving approach often uncovers creative solutions that neither party would have considered in an adversarial setting.

4. Agreement Documentation

Once you’ve reached an agreement, the terms are documented in what’s called a Memorandum of Understanding. Both parties review the document carefully to ensure it reflects what was agreed upon. This written agreement can be submitted to the Rhode Island courts if necessary, and becomes legally binding once both parties sign.

5. Follow-Up (If Needed)

In some cases, a follow-up session may be helpful to ensure the agreement is working as intended or to make modifications if circumstances change. Mediation is flexible, and agreements can be adjusted if both parties agree.

Benefits of Choosing Amicable Mediation Over Litigation

When both parties are willing to cooperate, mediation offers significant advantages over traditional court proceedings. Here’s why so many Rhode Islanders choose amicable mediation:

Cost savings – Mediation costs a fraction of litigation expenses, with fewer legal fees, no court costs, and faster resolution, which means less time away from work and your daily life.
Speed – Most amicable mediations resolve in weeks rather than the months or years court cases can take, which allows you to move forward with your life.
Privacy – Mediation is entirely confidential under Rhode Island law, and protects your personal, financial, and business details from becoming part of the public court record.
Control – You decide the outcome rather than leaving your fate in a judge’s hands, which leaves room for creative, customized solutions that work for your unique situation.
Less stress – The collaborative nature of mediation reduces emotional exhaustion and preserves important relationships instead of creating the adversarial battle that litigation demands.
Better long-term outcomes – Agreements reached through mediation have higher compliance rates because both parties helped create the solution and are invested in making it work.

What Makes Amicable Mediation Successful?

Not every dispute is a good fit for amicable mediation, but when the conditions are right, the results can be truly transformative. Here’s what contributes to successful amicable mediation:

Willingness to compromise – Both parties must come to the table in good faith, ready to listen and truly meet somewhere in the middle.
Open communication – Respectful dialogue is essential, and Susan facilitates this communication to ensure both sides are heard, even when emotions run high.
Experienced mediator – Susan brings over 20 years of legal experience in Rhode Island and specialized training in conflict de-escalation to guide even difficult conversations toward productive resolution.
Clear goals – Successful mediation requires both parties to distinguish needs from wants and focus on the future rather than rehashing past grievances.
Realistic expectations – Compromise means no one gets 100% of what they want, and recognizing that a mediated agreement is far better than prolonged conflict helps both parties stay focused on moving forward.

Deciding if Amicable Mediation is Right for Your Rhode Island Dispute

You’re a good candidate for amicable mediation if:

Both parties are willing to participate voluntarily
You want to avoid the time, cost, and stress of court
Communication is possible, even if it’s currently strained
Preserving the relationship matters (family ties, business partnerships, etc.)
Both parties want input in the outcome rather than having a judge decide
Power dynamics between the parties are relatively balanced
There’s no history of violence, coercion, or intimidation
Privacy is important to you

You might need a different approach if:

One party refuses to engage or participate
There’s a history of domestic violence or intimidation
A severe power imbalance exists that can’t be managed in mediation
One party is being coerced or manipulated

It’s worth noting that even if your situation doesn’t fit the “amicable” category, mediation may still be an option. Susan also handles high-conflict and uncooperative Rhode Island mediations using specialized approaches designed to protect vulnerable parties and manage difficult dynamics.

If you’re unsure whether mediation is right for you, the best first step is to call us at (401) 324-2990 to schedule a consultation and discuss your specific circumstances.

Take the First Step Toward Resolution

You don’t have to stay stuck in conflict. When both parties are ready to find common ground, amicable mediations in Rhode Island offer a path forward that’s faster, more affordable, and more dignified than court.

Whether you’re navigating a business dispute, family matter, property disagreement, estate issue, or any other conflict, Susan T. Perkins brings over 20 years of Rhode Island legal experience to the table—along with the compassion, patience, and skill needed to facilitate meaningful resolution.

As a licensed mediator with deep roots in Rhode Island’s legal community, Susan understands how to guide difficult conversations toward real, lasting solutions.

She knows that behind every dispute are real people with real concerns, and her approach reflects that understanding. The focus of mediation isn’t who wins or loses— it’s finding a solution that works for everyone involved and allows you to move forward with your life.

Call 401-PERKINS (401-324-2990) today to schedule your free 60-minute consultation. Let’s find a solution that honors your needs and gives you the resolution you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amicable Mediations in Rhode Island

Is mediation legally binding in Rhode Island?

Yes, mediation is legally binding in Rhode Island once both parties sign the mediation agreement. Under Rhode Island law, at that point, it becomes a legally enforceable contract.

This means that if one party fails to uphold their end of the agreement, the other party can take legal action to enforce it.

In many cases, the signed mediation agreement can also be submitted to Rhode Island courts for additional enforceability, particularly if it relates to an ongoing legal matter.

How much does mediation cost in Rhode Island?

The cost of private mediation varies depending on the complexity of your dispute and the number of sessions required. Mediators typically charge either an hourly rate or a per-session fee, and while costs vary, mediation is almost always a fraction of what you’d spend on litigation.

In addition to lower mediator fees, you avoid court costs, reduce attorney fees, and spend far less time away from work.

During your free 60-minute consultation with Susan T. Perkins, she’ll discuss transparent pricing and help you understand what to expect financially. For most people, the investment in mediation saves thousands of dollars compared to going to court—and the emotional savings are even greater.

What happens if mediation fails?

If mediation doesn’t result in a complete agreement, it doesn’t mean the process was a failure. In many cases, even partial agreements reached during mediation can simplify future proceedings and narrow the issues that need to be resolved in court or through other means.

If you’re unable to reach an agreement through amicable mediation, you have several options: you may choose to pursue litigation, try arbitration, or revisit mediation at a later time when circumstances have changed.

Susan will help you understand your next best steps and what options make the most sense for your situation.