What is Mediation?
History
- Mediation can be traced back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire.
Types
- Mediation is used to settle a variety of different disputes including family matters, employment issues and business and commerce disputes.
Significance
- Choosing mediation to settle a dispute does not result in a loss of any legal rights. If a dispute may not be settled through mediation, each party may continue to seek relief through proper court procedures.
Benefits
- Mediation allows parties to reach their own solutions to disputes. The mediator acts more as a referee, and is not allowed to take sides or impose decisions. Mediation can be less expensive than disputes that are settled by the court system.
Time Frame
- In most cases the disputing parties may determine the time frame. The parties and the mediator agree on when to schedule appointments and when a decision is reached.