Mediation

Definition:

Mediation is a confidential process in which a neutral third party facilitates communication between the parties to promote settlement. A mediator may not impose his or her own judgment on the issues for that of the parties in the form of a binding decision, but may give private evaluations of each party’s position to help them reach resolution. With mediation, the parties are in control with full ability to accept or reject offers made vs. giving the fate of the dispute to a judge or jury. It is an empowering process in which the parties get to negotiate a resolution, with the aid of the mediator. A settlement reached in mediation is committed to writing and becomes a binding settlement agreement which can be enforced by either party.