Why is mediation usually more cost-effective than a trial?
There is no reason to reinvent the wheel in every case. Mediation allows the parties to control the process of resolving their dispute. It is remarkable that cases that have languished in the court system for years can be settled in a day when the parties sit down at the mediation table and talk. Early (pre-suit) mediation often leads to an out-of-court settlement of the dispute, resulting in a substantial savings to both parties. Even if the parties fail to reach a settlement at the mediation, the process itself is always helpful. The mediation can often provide answers to critical questions. A clearer understanding of the problem frequently leads to further negotiations and a settlement.
