Mediation:

Mediation is a structured, interactive process using an impartial third party to help parties to resolve conflict and solve problems. Trained mediators use specialized communication and negotiation techniques, and they encourage all of the parties and their attorneys (if the parties have attorneys) to participate fully, honestly and actively.  Mediation focuses primarily upon the needs, rights, goals and  interests of the parties. Mediators don’t determine outcomes, but they work to guide the process in a way that helps the parties conclude their own agreement, based on what is best for them.  A mediator can be” facilitative,” directing the parties’ communication with each other so that dialogue is open and constructive. At the same time, a mediator can be “evaluative,” weighing in on specific issues and offering reality checks regarding likely outcomes of proposed solutions, without telling the parties what they should do.

Mediation is only one of many types of alternative dispute resolution.  It can be helpful in a variety of conflicts, including community, workplace, family, commercial and probate settings.  As opposed to informal negotiation, mediation provides to the parties a framework, deadlines and a formal—but not restrictive—way to approach person-centered problem solving.  Mediation often results in solutions that provide its participants with skills to avoid or resolve problems in the future.