Overview

Mediation is a confidential dispute resolution process in which a neutral third party - a mediator - facilitates the resolution of a dispute between parties with the goal of settling the dispute without going to court. The confidential nature of the mediation process is conducive to settlement. The terms of settlement reached during mediation usually remain confidential, whereas a trial decision is public and exposes the parties. The mediator is impartial and not there to give legal advice, make decisions or take sides. Mediation is an ideal way to resolve disputes. The mediation process saves costs and time, and provides the parties in conflict with a degree of control over the process, which allows for creative resolutions to disputes that would otherwise be unavailable in traditional courtroom settings.