MEDIATION

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a confidential, non-adversarial and voluntary process through which a mediator hears a dispute between two or more individuals and facilitates the discussions and decisions that may lead to an agreement.  The mediator remains neutral and does not decide who is right or wrong; rather, the mediator helps foster a discussion about issues that are important to both parties. The actual decisions reached are up to the parties in dispute.

Mediation is a means by which people involved in dispute are helped to respectfully and peacefully resolve their differences. Through mediation, the parties retain control of the decision-making process.  Going to court, on the other hand, is often lengthy and unnecessarily expensive.  Once the dispute reaches the courts, parties often lose control of the decision-making process.

In some cases, participation in mediation may be ordered by the court. For mediation to be most successful, the parties should be willing to participate in good faith to reach a settlement. This does not mean a positive outcome will be achieved in every situation. MMC mediators work with all parties until an agreement is reached or until it becomes apparent that an agreement will not be reached.  Often, parties in a mediation experience improved relationships, even if an agreement is not reached.

Attempting mediation does not block access to the court system.

Benefits of Mediation