How mediation can help

Mediation is a means of “alternative dispute resolution” that puts the decision-making power where it truly belongs: with the parties, those who understand the dispute best and have the greatest stake in its resolution. When you compare the options, it is clear that mediation gives the parties the most power.

The other important consideration is cost. Mediation has become increasingly popular as people understand that difficult matters (such as parenting and workplace disputes) can be resolved more cheaply and more quickly in this manner.

Mediation can also be more satisfying because the emotional nature of the dispute is recognized as a components that is necessary to the discussion, even though the emotional components are not the focus of the mediation—mediation is not counseling.

So how does mediation work?