what is mediation

Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party, called a mediator, assists disputing parties in resolving their differences and reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. The mediator facilitates communication and negotiation between the parties, but does not make decisions or impose solutions. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process that is often used as an alternative to litigation. It is a flexible process that can be used to resolve disputes in a variety of domains, such as commercial, legal, diplomatic, workplace, community, and family matters. Mediation is focused primarily on the needs, rights, and interests of the parties involved. The mediator helps the parties to define the issues, eliminate obstacles to communication, and seek concessions from each side during the mediation process. Mediation is generally more prompt, inexpensive, and procedurally simple than formal litigation.