What Is Mediation?

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution proceeding that can be undertaken by parties either voluntarily or compelled by a court as part of a lawsuit. In a mediation, the parties will attempt to reach a settlement of their case by using a mediator or facilitator to help them.

The mediator will typically be a former judge or an attorney with specialized knowledge to help in the case, and that mediator will often go between the parties with offers and proposals for settlement in the hope that he can facilitate and eventually reach an agreement by the parties to resolve their case.