Mediation helps individuals or groups resolve their disputes. A neutral third party (the mediator or the neutral) helps the various parties in a dispute reach a settlement or agreement. Mediation is helpful in a wide variety of conflicts, both simple and complex. Participants in mediation are given a chance to air their grievances, deal with their issues, and move on with their lives.
When problems or disagreements can be worked through, the relief it brings can be significant, and broken relationships can be mended. Mediators cannot and will not give legal advice. When discussions and negotiations are completed, a written agreement is provided to all parties to insure that the final agreement (contract) is fully understood. All mediation discussions are confidential.
Advantages of Mediation
There are several advantages to using mediation:
- Informal, Non-Adversarial Process
- Mutually Acceptable and Voluntary Agreement
- The Parties Control the Outcome
- Avoid Excessive Expense, Time and Stress
- Can Be Handled Quickly
- Confidential
Anyone with a problem which needs to be resolved in a less costly, less stressful and less confrontational manner can use mediation.
Mediation costs significantly less than attorney’s fees and court costs (if you mediate before a lawsuit). Most of the time, parties split the costs of mediation, which can be as little as $60 per party. Charges are based on the type of mediation and the time required to mediate.
It is important to understand that Mediation Solutions does not offer legal advice. Read our disclaimer to understand more about your legal rights in mediation and the mediation process.
To learn more about mediation, be sure to visit our Resources page.