Mediation is a confidential and voluntary process in which a neutral third party, called a mediator, helps two or more parties reach a mutually agreeable resolution to their dispute. The mediator does not take sides or make decisions for the parties, but rather facilitates communication and helps the parties explore options and reach a mutually satisfying agreement.
Here are some of the key qualities of the mediation process:
- Voluntary: Both parties must agree to participate in mediation, and either party can leave the process at any time
- Confidential: All discussions and materials developed during mediation are confidential, with some limited exceptions
- Impartial: The mediator is impartial and neutral, and does not take sides in the dispute
- Self-determined: The parties are in charge of the mediation process and have complete decision-making power over the outcome
Mediation can be used to resolve a wide range of disputes, including divorce, child custody, child support, business disputes, and neighborhood disputes. It is often a more efficient and cost-effective way to resolve disputes than litigation and can help the parties preserve their relationships.
There are many benefits to mediation, including:
- Faster and less expensive: Mediation is often faster and less expensive than litigation
- More control: The parties have more control over the mediation process and the outcome of their dispute
- Preserves relationships: Mediation can help the parties preserve their relationships, which is especially important in family disputes
- Higher compliance rates: People who reach agreements through mediation are more likely to comply with those agreements than people who have agreements imposed on them by a court