What Is Mediation Anyway?       
by Jennifer Artim

 

What is mediation? Well, here are the top six benefits of mediation.

What is Mediation Anyway?

Mediation is a voluntary process facilitated by a neutral third-party who guides disputing parties to help them come to a fair and workable agreement that both sides can live with. Although that description may be straight forward, it doesn’t really explain the real benefits of mediation. Here are what I consider the top six benefits of mediation:

1. It’s voluntary. That means that you can walk away anytime if you can’t resolve things. Nothing is binding until you sign it!

2. The mediator is neutral. Although mediators can’t deny that they have biases just like any other human on the face of the earth, mediators are trained to level the playing field for the parties in order to balance power struggles between them.

3. It’s your agreement. Since the agreement that is developed in mediation is not imposed on the parties by the courts, parties can be as creative as they wish in their agreements (within the law, of course).

4. It’s cheaper than court! Consider attorney fees and court costs. Now multiply that times two – since both parties usually pay for representation! Mediation usually costs less than half the expenses of litigation.

5. It takes less time. A litigated case may take years! Mediation can give you flexibility and be completed on your terms…not at the court’s whim!

6. You may be able to save your relationship! Since mediation gives people a way to resolve their disputes together, opposing parties often start to envision themselves on the same side of the table, while the problem to resolve is on the other side of the table. They begin to attack the problem and not each other!

As you can see, mediation is a wonderful alternative to a court imposed decision. It can be used for any kind of dispute, from divorce to small claims to neighborhood dog barking.

Biography     

Jennifer Artim is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding. She is a case coordinator for Community Service Programs, Inc. in their Dispute Resolution Services community mediation program. Jennifer also maintains a private mediation practice, Mediate Your Matter.

Author's Website: www.MediateYourMatter.com