Better Mediation - Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

1. Introduction

BetterLevel Inc, hereafter referred to as Better Mediation ("we," "our," or "us"), is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mediation services.

Better Mediation is a community initiative sponsored by BetterLevel, a dispute resolution technology company. We collect and anonymize data to improve dispute resolution methods while protecting your personal privacy.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Name, email address, phone number
• Mailing address
• Date of birth
• Relationship to the dispute
• Contact preferences

2.2 Dispute Information

To provide mediation services, we collect:

• Description of the dispute
• Parties involved
• Background information relevant to the conflict
• Communications between parties (if provided)
• Documents related to the dispute
• Desired outcomes and concerns
• Information shared during mediation sessions

2.3 Technical Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Pages visited and time spent
• Referring website
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.4 Communication Records

We maintain records of:

• Emails and messages exchanged with us
• Phone call records (date, time, duration)
• Scheduling information
• Case notes and mediator observations

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 To Provide Services

• Facilitate mediation sessions
• Match you with appropriate mediators
• Prepare mediators for your case
• Schedule and coordinate meetings
• Create mediation agreements
• Communicate about your case
• Provide follow-up support

3.2 To Improve Our Services

• Analyze dispute patterns and resolution strategies
• Develop better mediation techniques
• Train mediators
• Identify successful approaches
• Improve case preparation methods
• Enhance user experience

3.3 For Research and Development

• Support BetterLevel's development of dispute resolution technology
• Contribute to the advancement of mediation practices
• Generate insights about conflict resolution
• Develop predictive models for dispute outcomes

3.4 Administrative Purposes

• Respond to inquiries and support requests
• Send service-related notifications
• Maintain records and documentation
• Ensure quality control
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Data Anonymization

This is a critical aspect of our service.

4.1 What We Anonymize

Before using any data for research, improvement, or sharing with BetterLevel, we remove all personally identifiable information, including:

• Names of all parties
• Email addresses and phone numbers
• Street addresses and specific locations (we may retain general geographic region)
• Specific dates and times (we may retain relative timeframes)
• Photos, videos, or documents containing metadata
• Social media handles or usernames
• Employer names or specific business identifiers
• Any unique identifiers that could reveal identity

4.2 What We Retain (Anonymized)

After anonymization, we retain:

• Type of dispute (e.g., "neighbor boundary dispute")
• General issues at stake (e.g., "property line disagreement")
• Communication patterns (e.g., "party A responded defensively to offers")
• Resolution strategies attempted
• Mediation techniques used
• Outcomes and success factors
• General demographic categories (e.g., "residential dispute" not "123 Main Street")

4.3 Process

Our anonymization process:

• Is performed before data leaves our secure case management system
• Uses automated tools to strip identifying information
• Includes manual review to ensure completeness
• Converts specific details to general categories
• Replaces names with generic labels (e.g., "Party A" and "Party B")

4.4 Example

Original: "John Smith and Jane Doe, neighbors at 123 Main Street and 125 Main Street in Springfield, IL, disagreed about a fence installed on June 15, 2024."

Anonymized: "Two neighbors in a Midwestern suburb disagreed about a fence installation on the property boundary."

5. How We Share Information

5.1 With BetterLevel

We share anonymized data with BetterLevel to:

• Support development of dispute resolution technology
• Improve AI-assisted mediation tools
• Advance the field of conflict resolution
• Fund the continuation of affordable mediation services

We never share personally identifiable information with BetterLevel.

5.2 With Service Providers

We may share personal information with trusted third-party service providers who:

• Host our website and data
• Provide video conferencing platforms
• Process communications (email service providers)
• Assist with scheduling and case management

All service providers are contractually bound to protect your information and may only use it for the specific purposes we authorize.

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required to:

• Comply with legal process (subpoena, court order)
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Respond to claims of rights violations
• Protect the safety of any person
• Report child abuse or neglect as mandated by law
• Prevent imminent harm

5.4 Business Transfers

If Better Mediation or BetterLevel undergoes a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. We will notify you before your personal information is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

5.5 With Your Consent

We may share information with third parties when you explicitly consent to such sharing.

6. Data Security

6.1 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• Encryption of data in transit (TLS/SSL)
• Encryption of data at rest
• Secure authentication and access controls
• Regular security assessments
• Employee training on data protection
• Secure backup systems
• Limited access to personal information (need-to-know basis)

6.2 Limitations

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but commit to notifying you promptly if a data breach affects your information.

7. Data Retention

7.1 Personal Information

We retain your personal information:

• For the duration of your active case
• For 7 years after case closure (to comply with record-keeping requirements)
• Until you request deletion (subject to legal obligations)

7.2 Anonymized Data

Anonymized data is retained indefinitely because it cannot be traced back to you and serves our research and improvement missions.

7.3 Communication Records

Email and communication records are retained for 7 years or as required by law.

8. Your Rights and Choices

8.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Request corrections to inaccurate information
• Receive a copy of your data in a portable format

To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@bettermediation.org.

8.2 Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal information. We will comply unless:

• We have a legal obligation to retain the information
• The information is needed to complete a transaction you requested
• The case involves ongoing legal matters

Note: Deletion requests do not apply to anonymized data, which cannot be traced back to you.

8.3 Opt-Out Options

You may opt out of:

• Marketing communications (we send very few)
• Non-essential communications
• Cookies and tracking (via browser settings)

You cannot opt out of service-related communications necessary to provide mediation services.

8.4 Do Not Track

Our website does not respond to "Do Not Track" signals, but we do not use tracking for advertising purposes.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

9.1 Cookies We Use

• Essential cookies: Required for website functionality
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how people use our site
• Preference cookies: Remember your settings

9.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may limit website functionality.

9.3 Third-Party Tracking

We use Google Analytics to understand website usage. Google Analytics uses cookies and is subject to Google's privacy policy.

10. Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we learn we have collected information from a minor, we will delete it promptly.

12. California Residents (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Right to know what personal information we collect and how it's used
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt out of "sale" of personal information (note: we do not sell personal information)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@bettermediation.org.

13. European Residents (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation:

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent

Our legal basis for processing your data is:

• Consent (you agree to use our services)
• Contractual necessity (to provide mediation services)
• Legitimate interests (to improve our services)

To exercise your rights, contact us at hello@bettermediation.org.

14. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and stored on servers located outside your country of residence. By using our services, you consent to such transfers. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers.

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with a new effective date. Material changes will be communicated via email to active users. Your continued use after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

16. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices:

Better Mediation
Email: hello@bettermediation.org

For privacy-specific inquiries, please include "Privacy" in your subject line.

17. Data Protection Officer

For significant privacy concerns or to exercise your rights under GDPR or CCPA:

Privacy Contact
Email: privacy@bettermediation.org

We will respond to all requests within 30 days.

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

Better Mediation - Terms of Service

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Better Mediation's services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use our services. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and BetterLevel Inc, hereafter referred to as Better Mediation.

2. Service Description

Better Mediation provides affordable, professional mediation services to individuals and entities seeking voluntary dispute resolution. Our services include:

• Initial consultation and case assessment
• Professional mediation facilitation via phone or video conference
• Preparation and analysis of dispute information
• Post-mediation support and documentation

This is a community service made possible through sponsorship by BetterLevel, a dispute resolution technology company.

3. Eligibility

To use our services, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have legal capacity to enter into binding agreements
• Be participating voluntarily (we do not accept court-ordered cases)
• Reside in or have a dispute occurring within the United States

4. No Legal Advice

IMPORTANT: Better Mediation, BetterLevel, our affiliates, and our mediators are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution and is not a substitute for legal counsel. We strongly recommend that all parties:

• Consult with their own independent attorneys regarding their legal rights, obligations, and the implications of any agreement
• Have any mediation agreement reviewed by legal counsel before execution
• Understand that mediators facilitate discussions but do not advocate for either party

5. Voluntary Participation

All mediation through Better Mediation is voluntary. Key points:

• Participation in mediation does not waive any legal rights
• We do not handle court-ordered or mandated mediation cases
• No party is obligated to reach an agreement
• Continuation of mediation requires ongoing consent from all parties

6. Scope of Cases

We handle most common dispute types, including but not limited to:

• Neighbor disputes
• Small business conflicts
• Family matters (non-custody)
• Workplace issues
• Landlord-tenant disagreements
• Contract disputes
• Property boundary issues

We reserve the right to decline cases that:

• Are court-ordered or require jurisdictional compliance
• Involve criminal matters
• Are outside our mediators' expertise
• Present conflicts of interest
• Involve parties who are not participating voluntarily

7. Confidentiality

Mediation communications are confidential, subject to applicable law. Our mediators will not:

• Disclose information shared during mediation without consent
• Testify in court proceedings about mediation communications
• Share specific case details with third parties

Exceptions to confidentiality:

• Information indicating imminent harm to self or others
• Disclosure of child abuse or neglect as required by law
• Information that parties agree in writing may be disclosed
• As required by court order or applicable law

See our Privacy Policy for information about how we handle your personal data.

8. Data Collection and Use

By using our services, you acknowledge and agree that:

• We collect information about your dispute for the purpose of providing mediation services
• We anonymize all case data and use it to improve dispute resolution methods and technology
• Anonymized data may be used by BetterLevel to develop better mediation tools and approaches
• All personal identifying information is removed before any data is used for research or improvement purposes
• You retain ownership of your personal information, subject to our anonymization practices

For complete details, see our Privacy Policy.

9. Mediation Agreements

If parties reach an agreement through mediation:

• Better Mediation will provide a standardized mediation agreement template
• The template will be pre-filled with the agreed-upon terms
• Parties are responsible for reviewing the agreement carefully
• Parties should have agreements reviewed by independent legal counsel before signing
• Execution of the agreement is entirely voluntary
• Better Mediation makes no representations about the legal enforceability of agreements
• Parties are responsible for ensuring compliance with any executed agreement

10. No Guarantee of Resolution

While we maintain a high success rate, we cannot and do not guarantee that:

• Every dispute will be resolved through mediation
• Parties will reach a mutually acceptable agreement
• Any agreement will be legally enforceable
• Mediation will prevent future disputes
• The outcome will satisfy all parties

Some disputes may require alternative resolution methods, legal intervention, or remain unresolved.

11. Fees and Payment

Better Mediation services are provided on a flat fee basis of $275 per party. There are:

• No fees for consultation
• No hourly fees for mediation sessions
• No hidden costs or charges
• No upsells or paid upgrades
• No obligation to purchase anything

This service is made possible by BetterLevel's sponsorship as a community initiative.

12. Mediator Qualifications and Assignment

Our mediators are:

• Certified and trained professionals
• Experienced in dispute resolution
• Selected based on their expertise in your type of dispute
• Assigned at our discretion based on availability and case requirements

We reserve the right to:

• Assign or reassign mediators as needed
• Decline to provide services if no appropriate mediator is available
• Substitute mediators if circumstances require

13. Scheduling and Cancellation

Parties are responsible for:

• Scheduling mediation sessions in good faith
• Providing reasonable notice of any need to reschedule
• Participating as scheduled or giving advance notice of inability to participate

We reserve the right to:

• Close cases where parties repeatedly fail to participate
• Decline to reschedule if cancellations appear to be in bad faith
• Set reasonable deadlines for scheduling

14. Conduct Expectations

All parties agree to:

• Treat mediators and other parties with respect
• Participate in good faith
• Provide truthful information
• Refrain from threats, harassment, or intimidation
• Follow the mediator's process guidelines

We reserve the right to terminate mediation if:

• Any party engages in abusive, threatening, or harassing behavior
• Any party appears to be participating in bad faith
• Safety concerns arise
• The process becomes counterproductive

15. Intellectual Property

All materials provided by Better Mediation, including:

• Mediation frameworks and processes
• Documentation templates
• Educational materials
• Website content

Are the property of Better Mediation and/or BetterLevel and are protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without written permission.

16. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

Better Mediation, BetterLevel, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, mediators, and affiliates SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

• Any outcomes resulting from mediation services
• Any agreements reached or not reached between parties
• Any actions taken by parties based on mediation
• Any consequential, incidental, indirect, special, or punitive damages
• Any damages arising from disputes not being resolved
• Any losses resulting from agreements that are not honored by parties

YOU AGREE TO PARTICIPATE IN MEDIATION AT YOUR OWN RISK.

The aggregate liability of Better Mediation and BetterLevel for any claims arising from our services shall not exceed $100.

17. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Better Mediation, BetterLevel, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, and mediators from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your use of our services
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another party
• Any agreements you enter into as a result of mediation
• Any misrepresentation of facts during mediation

18. Dispute Resolution for Claims Against Better Mediation

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of our services shall be:

• First attempted to be resolved through good faith negotiation
• If negotiation fails, submitted to binding arbitration in accordance with the Claimtel (https://claimtel.com) rules
• Arbitrated on an individual basis (no class actions)
• Governed by the laws of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles

19. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective when posted to our website with a new effective date. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. Material changes will be communicated via email to active users.

20. Termination

We reserve the right to:

• Terminate or suspend services to any party at any time
• Close cases that become inactive
• Refuse service for any reason not prohibited by law

You may terminate your use of our services at any time by notifying us.

Upon termination:

• You remain bound by confidentiality obligations
• We retain the right to use anonymized data as described in our Privacy Policy
• Any executed agreements remain in effect between the parties

21. 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.

22. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Better Mediation regarding our services and supersede any prior agreements.

23. No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

24. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact:

Better Mediation
Email: hello@bettermediation.org