What is mediation and what are some of the benefits of mediation?
Mediation is an informal process in which parties work with a neutral individual to explore options for resolving their problem. Although parties are frequently ordered to mediation after a lawsuit has been filed, mediation can also be used to help resolve any dispute, regardless of whether or not the matter is involved in litigation. The mediator is not a judge, and plays no role in deciding the outcome of the case. Mediation is a process for the parties to work out their own dispute. There are many benefits of mediation. The process is informal and private. Any resolution of the problem is voluntary and the parties, not the court, control their outcomes. No witnesses are involved and the parties work towards their own solution to the problem. Parties are not limited to outcomes that the court system provides and instead may be creative towards meeting their own interests and needs. Mediation offers a substantially less expensive and faster means to accomplishing resolution than alter
