What is the difference between resolution facilitation, mediation, med/arb and arbitration and how do I choose between them?
Resolution Facilitation is the less formal process and is intended to help parties communicate more effectively, better understand their options, and agree on the real issues at stake. In some case, the resolution facilitation will lead to a settlement, but it is not the primary goal. Mediation is where a professional and neutral third party helps the parties find a solution together. The mediator does not render a decision. If parties cannot agree, mediation may be abandoned without a resolution. Med/Arb is a dispute resolution process that combines mediation and arbitration. Initially, the parties try to reach a settlement through mediation. If there are issues that are not resolved through mediation, an arbitrator (the same person who acted as mediator) makes a decision for the parties. Arbitration uses a neutral third party who hears evidence and decides how the conflict should be resolved. Unlike mediation, this approach will bring closure to the dispute, whether the two sides agr
