What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process. It can take place in one or several sessions. The key to successful mediation is the willingness of the parties involved to work in good faith to achieve the goal of sustainable agreements. The Mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates a conversation, helping the parties to work out solutions to their conflicts.

Reasons to Choose Mediation

• Mediation is designed to bring about solutions which will be agreeable to all the parties involved. It is a method of resolving disagreements that can be more inclusive of the range of relationships involved and more respectful of those relationships.
• Mediation can also lead to long term agreements that are more satisfying to the parties than solutions imposed by judges or negotiated by attorneys.
• Mediation is a place where everyone affected by the situation has an opportunity to be heard. The mediator is a neutral and confidential presence who facilitates real conversation.
• Mediation is also more accommodating to the way life changes: it’s a place where temporary, try-it-out, solutions can be made, where parties can agree to come back and revisit what may not be working. Mediation is a process where going back to the drawing board doesn’t feel like defeat.
• The costs of the mediation, which may involve multiple sessions depending on the number of issues to be discussed, are usually shared by the parties.
• Mediation is voluntary. When some parties decline the invitation to participate in mediation other parties may find Conflict Coaching a useful alternative.