Mediation resolves disputes and results in a win-win outcome — an outcome that satisfies everyone involved, rather than producing one “winner” who takes all.
The parties in the dispute sit down with a mediator to discuss their differences in a comfortable, non-threatening setting. A mediator can propose ground rules governing the conversation. Ground rules keep the discussion focused, respectful and constructive.
Mediation results in solutions, not fighting.
Court cases are long, expensive and stressful — and force at least one party to lose. In mediation, there is no judge or jury. The mediator does not make decisions for the parties. They themselves decide on an agreement each can live with, while the mediator simply helps them communicate. They can then write, sign and date an agreement, which is admissible in a court of law.
Mediation lets people resolve their own disputes. It allows participants to discuss what they think is important, and to ask questions as they arise. (Court procedures are much more restrictive.)
The more that people can talk about what really matters, the less likely disagreements are to turn ugly and spread to other parties. That is why mediation is useful in all kinds of populations — even among family members.
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