Mediation is a process in which two or more sides of a dispute come together with a trained, impartial third party who will help them to work together in an effort to attain a resolution. Choosing mediation allows the parties to resolve their dispute in an informal environment without costly, binding court intervention.

Mediators are trained in a variety of negotiation skills such as clear communication, patience, and empathy. The mediator is not a Judge, does not provide any legal advice, and has no power to force the parties to do anything with regard to their cases. Instead, the mediator helps to guide the parties toward mutually agreeable outcome.

How it Works

Typically, the parties will agree to the selection of a mediator. The mediation is generally held at a law office. The participants, generally the parties and their attorneys, will be guided through four basic stages:

• Introduction: During the opening session, the mediator will introduce everyone in the room, discuss the process and rules of conduct.
• Determine the issues: Each party will present the issues that brought them to mediation, without interruption by the other side. The mediator will listen, take notes and ask questions.
• Discuss options: After the opening session, the parties move to separate rooms to continue discussing the case and begin negotiations. The mediator will ask questions about the strengths and weaknesses of each parties’ case.
• Agreement: If all parties agree upon settlement terms then a written agreement will be drafted for signature by the parties.