People and groups sometimes find
themselves in conflicts that they
cannot resolve on their own. Mediation is an
alternative to litigation that allows parties to
control the process of resolving their dispute
in a neutral, confidential, and orderly setting.
The role of the mediator is to facilitate
discussion of the parties’ interests, promote
understanding of each others’ positions, and
ultimately help the parties create a solution
that satisfies both.
Mediation has become one of
the most widely accepted methods of
alternative dispute resolution. Although
mediators have no authoritative decisionmaking
power, as neutral third parties they
can facilitate communications between the
parties, assist in identifying issues, and help
the parties explore a mutually acceptable
settlement. All mediation proceedings are
conducted in complete confidence in
accordance with state law. Mediation can
result in a written, binding agreement, or a
less formal outcome.
