What roles do the participants have in a mediation session?
The mediator is responsible for creating the atmosphere for productive discussion, conducting the process in such a way that the participants are able to communicate effectively with one another concerning the issues to be resolved and possible options to that resolution. The parties to the dispute as well as those assisting them such as attorneys are active participants throughout the mediation and assume the task of developing an outcome that is agreeable to all. Unlike going to court, where a judge or magistrate makes the final decision, the parties have control over the outcome and decide how to settle their dispute.
