Mediation is a private process where a neutral third person (mediator) helps the parties discuss and try to resolve a dispute. The parties have the opportunity to describe the issues, discuss their interests, understandings, and feelings, provide each other with information, and explore ideas and proposals for the resolution of the dispute.   The mediator can be any qualified professional and mediation can take place with or without attorneys.

Typically, early stage mediation is a completely voluntary process.  In some cases mediation is ordered by a Court.  In either case, the final decisions rest in the parties' hands.  The mediator does not have the power to make  decisions for the parties, but can help the parties find a resolution that is mutually acceptable. 

Mediation is a confidential process where settlement options can be explored in privacy and usually at a significant costs savings when compared to the Court process.