WHAT IS MEDIATION

Mediation, as used in law, is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR); a way of resolving disputes between two or more parties. A neutral third party, the mediator, assists the parties to negotiate their own settlement (facilitative mediation). In some cases, mediators may express a view on what might be a fair or reasonable settlement, generally where all the parties agree that the mediator may do so (evaluative mediation).Mediation has a structure, timetable and dynamics that ordinary negotiation lacks. The process is private and confidential.Mediators use various techniques to open, or improve, dialogue between disputants, aiming to help the parties reach an agreement (with concrete effects) on the disputed matter. Disputants may use mediation in a variety of disputes, such as commercial, legal, diplomatic, workplace, community, elder care and family matters, including divorce.