What is Mediation?

Mediation is a style of dispute resolution that helps parties avoid the costs and inefficiencies of the traditional court system. In mediation, a mediator helps the parties communicate and negotiate, potentially to an amicable resolution. Mediation is a voluntary process. Even if the parties are required to show up to a mediation session, they are generally then free to leave.

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Typically, there are at least three parties to a mediation: the mediator, and the two opposing parties. The opposing parties may be represented by attorneys, or in some instances, have other supporting individuals present. 

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Four Core Principles of Mediation:

     1. Rely on the power of understanding rather than coercion or

         persuasion 

     2. Responsibility lies primarily with the parties 

     3. Parties are best served by working together 

     4. Conflicts are best served by uncovering what lies under the

         level at which the parties experience the problem 

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      See: Friedman and Himmerlstein's "Challenging Conflict: Mediation through Understanding"