Mediation is the service provided most frequently. Mediation has a number of desirable features for someone looking to resolve a dispute. Mediation is concerned with preserving the relationship between the disputing parties and therefore it is not adversarial. In addition it is cost effective, timely and confidential. If the parties do not reach a resolution the mediation is without prejudice to the parties' rights to proceed to litigation.
In mediation a trained professional assists the parties in communicating their needs and concerns and in finding a mutually acceptable resolution. The mediation session is a private, safe environment in which the disputing parties can explore ways to settle their differences without prejudice to their rights in litigation.The mediator does not make a decision about the dispute.
The parties themselves determine the manner in which the dispute is resolved. In this way mediation eliminates the risk of proceeding to litigation. Parties in mediation find the process less stressful than formal litigation.