Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Flannel People Mediation website (the "Site") or engaging our mediation services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use this Site or our services.

2. Nature of Services

2.1 Mediation Services Only

Flannel People Mediation provides facilitative mediation services only. Ryan McLaughlin is a trained mediator who is NOT acting as an attorney, does not practice law, and does not provide:

• Legal advice
• Legal opinions
• Legal representation
• Evaluation of legal claims or defenses
• Assessment of the legal merits of any position
• Predictions about court outcomes

2.2 No Attorney-Client Relationship

Use of this Site or engagement of our mediation services does NOT create an attorney-client relationship. Ryan McLaughlin functions solely as a neutral mediator in all client interactions.

2.3 Not Legal Services

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process where a neutral third party facilitates communication and negotiation between parties. This is not the practice of law. Participants are strongly encouraged to:

• Consult with independent legal counsel before, during, and after mediation
• Have any agreements reviewed by their own attorney
• Seek legal advice regarding their rights, obligations, and the legal implications of any settlement

2.4 Document Preparation Limitations

Flannel People Mediation does NOT:

• Draft legal documents on behalf of any party
• Prepare documents for court filing
• Create documents with the intent of submission to any court or legal proceeding

Any written materials, summaries, or memoranda of understanding created during mediation are:

• For discussion purposes only
• Not intended as legally binding documents
• Not prepared as court submissions
• Should be reviewed and formalized by each party's independent attorney

3. Not Mental Health Services

3.1 Not Therapy or Counseling

Mediation services provided by Flannel People Mediation are NOT therapy, mental health counseling, or psychological services. While mediation may address emotional aspects of conflict, it is not a substitute for:

• Individual therapy
• Couples counseling
• Family therapy
• Mental health treatment
• Psychological evaluation or treatment

3.2 Mental Health Recommendations

Participants experiencing mental health concerns, trauma, or psychological distress should seek appropriate professional mental health services from licensed therapists or counselors.

4. Informational Content Only

4.1 Website Content

All information provided on this Site, including but not limited to blog posts, articles, videos, social media content, email communications, and downloadable resources is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, mental health advice, professional consultation, or creation of a mediator-client relationship.

4.2 No Reliance

You should not rely on any information on this Site as a substitute for professional legal or mental health advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific situation.

5. Mediator-Client Relationship

5.1 Formation

A mediator-client relationship is established only when:

• You have scheduled and paid for mediation services
• You have signed a formal mediation agreement
• Ryan McLaughlin has confirmed acceptance of your case

5.2 Scope of Relationship

The mediator-client relationship is limited to the facilitation of communication and negotiation between parties. It does not include legal representation, advocacy, or advice.

6. Confidentiality and Neutrality

6.1 Mediation Confidentiality

Mediation communications are generally confidential as provided by applicable state law. However, confidentiality has limitations and exceptions, which will be explained in your formal mediation agreement.

6.2 Neutrality

As a neutral mediator, Ryan McLaughlin does not:

• Represent either party
• Advocate for any party's position
• Make decisions for the parties
• Impose settlements
• Provide individual advice to either party

7. Virtual Services Nationwide

Flannel People Mediation offers virtual mediation services nationwide. Parties in all jurisdictions should verify that mediation agreements comply with their local laws and may need court approval or additional legal formalization.

8. Fees and Payment

8.1 Pricing

Current pricing for mediation services is displayed on the Site and is subject to change. The advertised flat fee structure applies to standard mediation sessions as described on the Site.

8.2 Payment Terms

• Payment is required at the time of scheduling
• Fees are per person as indicated
• Refund policies are provided in your scheduling confirmation

8.3 No Guarantee of Results

Payment for mediation services does not guarantee successful resolution of disputes, agreement between parties, single-session completion, or any particular outcome.

9. Scheduling and Cancellations

Scheduling is conducted through our third-party platform (Calendly). Cancellation and rescheduling policies will be provided at the time of booking and are incorporated into these Terms by reference.

10. Limitations of Liability

10.1 No Warranties

Mediation services are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including warranties of successful outcomes, legal sufficiency of any agreements, or enforceability.

10.2 Limitation of Damages

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Flannel People Mediation and Ryan McLaughlin shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, loss of profits or opportunities, emotional distress claims, or damages exceeding the fees paid for services.

10.3 Participant Responsibility

Each participant is responsible for obtaining independent legal advice, understanding their legal rights and obligations, ensuring any agreement complies with applicable law, and filing or recording any necessary legal documents.

11. Intellectual Property

11.1 Site Content

All content on this Site, including text, graphics, logos, images, videos, and software, is the property of Flannel People Mediation or its content suppliers and is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws.

11.2 Limited License

You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the Site for personal, non-commercial purposes only.

11.3 Restrictions

You may not reproduce, distribute, or display Site content without permission, use content for commercial purposes, modify or create derivative works, or remove copyright or proprietary notices.

12. User Conduct

You agree not to use the Site to violate any applicable laws or regulations, transmit harmful, threatening, or harassing content, impersonate any person or entity, interfere with Site security or functionality, or collect user information without consent.

13. Third-Party Links and Services

The Site may contain links to third-party websites or integrate third-party services (such as Calendly, payment processors). Flannel People Mediation is not responsible for the content or practices of third-party sites, the privacy policies of third parties, or services provided by third parties. Your use of third-party services is subject to their own terms and conditions.

14. Privacy and Data Collection

Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy for information about what information we collect, how we use your information, how we protect your data, and your privacy rights.

15. Dispute Resolution

15.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to conflict of law principles.

15.2 Arbitration

Any disputes arising from these Terms or use of our services shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, except where prohibited by law.

15.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes on an individual basis only and waive any right to participate in class actions or class-wide arbitration.

16. Modifications

Flannel People Mediation reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the Site. Your continued use of the Site or services constitutes acceptance of modified Terms.

17. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

18. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any formal mediation agreement you sign, constitute the entire agreement between you and Flannel People Mediation regarding use of the Site and services.

19. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact: