Mediation provides parties with the chance to settle their dispute outside the strictures of litigation. Mediation provides the opportunity to reach a flexible, and broad-ranging settlement that addresses issues that may not otherwise have been dealt with at trial. Mediation is not intended to decide which party is right or wrong. Rather, it is intended for the parties to reach a private settlement that gives each side what they need, as opposed to what they want.
Reaching a settlement at mediation requires an open mind and a willingness to compromise. However, the best success is reached at mediation when the parties have a clear understanding of the facts of the case, the risks of litigation, and what they need to achieve in order to put the matter behind them.
For a step-by-step guide to preparing for mediation, click here.