Minnesota Mediation Services

Navigating Life’s Toughest Conversations

 

Welcome to Still Waters Mediation

At Still Waters, we believe that amidst life’s rough waves, calmer waters are always within reach. Our mission is to support you in navigating your way there.

We specialize in civil mediation, with a particular focus on disputes between adult family members that may arise when caring for aging parents, the appointment of guardians and conservators, planning estates, and during the probate process, including disagreements over the distribution of assets. We understand that navigating the aging process, supporting a loved one through end-of-life decisions, and dealing with loss can be incredibly emotional and challenging. Our professional and empathic mediators are here to provide compassionate support during these difficult times.

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Get Started

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our services and find resources that can support your journey toward resolution. When you’re ready, reach out to us to schedule an initial phone call. Together, we’ll work toward a solution that meets your needs and goals.

Why Choose Mediation?

Mediation focuses on facilitating dialogue to allow for personal empowerment and mutual recognition.

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Empowerment

Each party is encouraged to express their needs and concerns openly, gaining a clearer understanding of their own perspectives and those of others. This self-awareness helps individuals make informed decisions and fosters a sense of personal agency in the resolution process.

Two women sitting in an office with a laptop, engaging in a friendly discussion and smiling.

Recognition

The mediator facilitates a dialogue that encourages clarity of the needs of both parties. This mutual recognition promotes empathy and understanding, which can lead to more meaningful and sustainable resolutions.

Mediation is:

Cost-Effective

Mediation often costs significantly less than going to court, saving you money on legal fees and court expenses.

Confidential

Mediation sessions are private and confidential, providing a safe space to discuss sensitive issues without public exposure.

Control and Flexibility

Mediation gives you and the other party control over the outcome, allowing for more flexible and creative solutions tailored to your needs.

Less Adversarial

Mediation promotes a collaborative approach rather than an adversarial one experienced in a traditional courtroom.

Empowerment

You have the opportunity to actively participate in crafting the solution.

The Process

Your path to still waters begins with a simple phone conversation that will provide you with the opportunity to share information about your conflict situation. Our mediator will set expectations for the next steps to ensure you feel comfortable moving forward to the mediation meeting.

The next step is to schedule the mediation meeting. Mediations are typically scheduled for 4 hours, but length is dependent on the needs of the individuals involved in the conflict. The mediation meeting is professional and confidential while also less formal and more adaptable to ensure parties are comfortable to express their needs.

Parties are encouraged to meet together with the mediator in the same room, however, we understand there are situations in which parties would like to meet with separately with the mediator. Parties may request individual meetings with the mediator at any time throughout the process.

Portrait of Molly Darsow, a Minnesota mediator with a background in counseling and group facilitation, smiling outdoors in professional attire.

Owner, Molly Darsow

Molly Darsow has a strong background in counseling and group facilitation, providing a compassionate, professional, and insightful approach to mediation. She has extensive experience helping individuals and groups navigate dynamics, manage complex emotions, clarify their values, and achieve their goals.

Molly is a qualified neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. She is an active volunteer mediator with the Dispute Resolution Center and a member of the ADR section of the MN State Bar Association, as well as a member of the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation.

Molly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamline University, with a focus on Conflict Studies, as well as a Master of Science in Human Services. Additionally, she has a Master’s certificate in Addiction Counseling from Winona State University. Molly is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Education and is a voluntarily retired licensee from the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health.