What is mediation?

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party (the mediator) helps conflicting parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, the mediator doesn't make decisions but rather facilitates discussion and negotiation between the parties.

The key advantages of choosing mediation include:

Cost-effectiveness: Mediation typically costs much less than litigation, avoiding expensive court fees and lengthy legal proceedings.

Time efficiency: Most mediations can be completed in days or weeks, while court cases often take months or years to resolve.

Confidentiality: Unlike court proceedings, which are public records, mediation sessions are private and confidential. This can be particularly valuable for sensitive business or personal matters.

Control over outcomes: Parties maintain control over the final decision rather than having a judge impose a solution. This allows for creative problem-solving and customized agreements that address everyone's interests.

Relationship preservation: Mediation's collaborative nature helps maintain relationships between parties, which is especially important in family, business, or community disputes where ongoing interaction is necessary.

Flexibility: Mediation allows for more flexible solutions than court-imposed judgments. Parties can explore various options and find solutions for their specific situation.

Less adversarial: The process encourages cooperation rather than competition, reducing stress and emotional trauma compared to litigation.

Higher compliance: Because both parties actively participate in creating the agreement, they're typically more likely to follow through with the terms compared to court-ordered solutions.