How Is mediation different from legal litigation?
In legal litigation, the parties retain attorneys whose focusis to prepare a case which will result in the best decision for their client by a judge. Often, litigation includes an adversarial approach demeaning the other party. In litigation you never know what the outcome will be until the case is ruled upon. There are no guarantees that anyone will come out as the ‘victorious party’. In the long run, everyone pays a price in litigation. Mediation is based on the principle that people are capable to resolve their own disagreements if given the right support. Generally, it is non-adversarial and the parties agree that all information will be openly shared in a safe, neutral environment. It is a voluntary and confidential process. Either party can withdraw or choose not to participate at any time. The mediator does not judge who is right or who is wrong, but works with parties to help them arrive at a solution to satisfy their interests. No tape recordings are made and no court reporter
