What is Mediation?
Mediation is a process in which a trained neutral person, a “mediator,” helps people in a dispute to communicate with one another, to understand each other, and if possible, to reach agreements that satisfy everyone’s needs. Mediation is voluntary. All parties involved in the dispute must agree to mediation. However, using mediation, parties do not give up their legal rights. If an agreement is not reached, parties can still go to court. For more information, see Mediation and Other Forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Maryland Courts or call MACRO, the Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office at 410-841-2260 or visit its website, www.marylandmacro.org. The Maryland Association for Community Mediation Centers can assist you in obtaining mediation services through your local community mediation center. For more information contact MACMC at 410-349-0080 or see visits its web site at http://www.marylandmediation.org.
Mediation is a non-adversarial process for resolving disputes. A professionally-trained mediator, working as a third party neutral, assists disputing parties resolve a conflict by generating options for mutually agreeable settlement. The mediator facilitates communication; the parties choose the resolution. Lawyers may or may not be present.
Mediation is a private, confidential, cooperative dispute resolution process in which an impartial 3rd person facilitates communication between the parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable resolution that is better than their alternatives. At the Northern California Mediation Center, we emphasize open communication, an honest exchange of information, respect and reciprocity.
