Legal Notices

Legal Disclaimers:

 

The information contained in this Website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. No recipients of content from this site, clients or otherwise, should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in the site without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from an attorney licensed in the recipient's state. The content of this Website contains general information and may not reflect current legal developments, verdicts or settlements in the jurisdiction relevant to your matter. Compass Mediation Group expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this Website.

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Further, services provided by Compass Mediation Group are not to be considered as, or a substitute for professional advice, including legal, financial, actuarial, valuation, or other expertise.  Agreements, decisions, or resolutions reached with the benefit of services provided by Compass Mediation Group, are subject to the jurisdiction of the parties or their prior understandings or agreements.  Courts in said jurisdictions retain the last word on compliance with the rules and laws of that state.

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Any information sent to Compass Mediation Group by Internet e-mail or through the Website is only as secure as internet traffic and should not be construed to be given on a confidential basis.  To discuss matters which should remain confidential, you should contact Compass Mediation Group directly.  Transmission of information from this Website does not create a contractual obligation or an attorney-client relationship between you and Compass Mediation Group, nor is it intended to do so. The transmission of the Website, in part or in whole, and/or any communication with us via Internet e-mail through this site does not constitute or create an attorney-client relationship between us and any recipients.

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Privacy Policy:

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Overview

Compass Mediation Group is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all parties involved in our mediation services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and handle your personal information in accordance with applicable privacy laws and professional mediation standards.

 

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Names and contact information (address, phone number, email)

• Employment and professional information

• Financial information relevant to the dispute

• Background information necessary for the mediation process

• Communications and documentation related to your case

 

How We Collect Information

Information is collected through:

• Initial intake forms and consultations

• Direct communication with parties and their representatives

• Documents provided by parties or their counsel

• Court referrals or case management systems

• Pre-mediation questionnaires

 

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information solely for:

• Conducting mediation sessions and related services

• Communicating with all parties about scheduling and process matters

• Preparing mediation summaries (when requested and authorized)

• Complying with legal and professional obligations

• Billing and payment processing

• Quality assurance and service improvement

 

Confidentiality and Mediation Privilege

Core Confidentiality Commitment

All information shared during mediation is treated as strictly confidential under:

• State mediation confidentiality statutes

• Professional mediation ethics rules

• Our contractual confidentiality agreements

What This Means

• Information disclosed during mediation cannot be used in subsequent legal proceedings

• We do not disclose mediation communications to outside parties without explicit consent

• Mediators cannot be compelled to testify about mediation content in most circumstances

 

Limited Exceptions

Confidentiality may be limited only when:

• Required by law (such as mandatory reporting of child abuse)

• All parties provide written consent to disclosure

• Information relates to threats of violence or criminal activity

• Court orders disclosure (subject to applicable privilege protections)

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Information Sharing and Disclosure

Within the Mediation Process

We may share information:

• Between parties during joint sessions (with consent)

• With authorized representatives or attorneys

• With interpreters or other necessary service providers (under confidentiality agreements)

 

External Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information. Limited disclosure may occur:

• To comply with legal obligations

• To protect the safety of individuals

• With your explicit written consent

• To our professional insurance carriers (under confidentiality protections)

 

Data Security and Protection

Security Measures

We implement appropriate safeguards including:

• Secure file storage and document handling procedures

• Encrypted digital communications when possible

• Access controls and staff training on confidentiality

• Secure disposal of documents when retention period expires

 

Data Retention

• Active case files are maintained during the mediation process

• Closed case materials are retained for 2 years, or as required by professional standards

• Financial records are kept according to applicable accounting requirements

• Documents are securely destroyed after retention periods expire

 

Your Rights and Choices

Access and Correction

You may:

• Request access to your personal information in our files

• Request correction of inaccurate information

• Ask questions about our privacy practices

 

Limitations

Some information may not be accessible if:

• It contains confidential communications from other parties

• Disclosure would violate mediation confidentiality rules

• It consists of mediator work product or case notes

 

Third-Party Services

Service Providers

We may work with third-party providers for:

• Video conferencing platforms

• Document sharing services

• Payment processing

• Administrative support

All third-party providers are required to maintain confidentiality and handle information according to our privacy standards.

 

Communications

Electronic Communications

• Email communications may not be fully secure

• We use reasonable security measures for digital platforms

• Parties are informed of any security limitations

 

Marketing Communications

We do not use mediation case information for marketing purposes without explicit consent.

Minors' Information

Special protections apply to information about minors:

• Additional consent requirements may apply

• Enhanced confidentiality protections

• Compliance with child protection reporting requirements

 

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect:

• Changes in applicable laws

• Updates to our practices

• Improvements in security measures

Parties will be notified of material changes through email.

 

International Considerations

If mediation involves parties in different jurisdictions:

• We comply with applicable cross-border privacy requirements

• Additional consent may be required for international information transfers

• Parties are informed of any jurisdictional implications

 

Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices:

Compass Mediation Group
Phone: 206 800-8825
Email: info@compassmediationgroup.com

Privacy Officer: Alisa Kharis

 

Complaints and Concerns

If you have concerns about our handling of your personal information:

• Contact us directly using the information above

• Contact our professional mediation organization: [Synergy Relations]

 

Agreement and Acknowledgment

By participating in our mediation services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to the collection, use, and handling of your information as described herein.

Important Note: This Privacy Policy works in conjunction with our mediation agreement and any specific confidentiality agreements signed at the beginning of the mediation process. In case of any conflicts, the most protective confidentiality provisions will apply.

 

This Privacy Policy complies with applicable federal and state privacy laws, including but not limited to relevant provisions of state mediation acts, professional conduct rules, and general privacy legislation. Parties are encouraged to ask questions about any aspect of our privacy practices.

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