What is Mediation?

Mediation is an alternative to resolving a dispute in court. It is an opportunity for each party to have their full say, to be heard, and to have an active role in negotiating an agreement to resolve the dispute at issue.

Mediators, also called Neutrals, are impartial. They do not favor one side or the other. They do not provide financial or legal advice or rule on matters at law. Instead, mediators guide parties through a process of exchanging information and sharing points of view in an effort to find common ground and a resolution that is acceptable to all parties involved.

Successful mediation relies on the good faith participation of all parties. It is important to understand that everything said during the course of a mediation is confidential. Information shared during mediation cannot be shared in court.

Mediation is a low-cost alternative to court proceedings. However, not all mediation sessions end in resolution of the dispute at issue. When this happens, court is usually the next step.